Good news, Predator! Lexus sending production-ready LF-NX to Beijing Auto Show

By Joe Mahan March 7, 2014

lexus lf nx concept comes life 970x0 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Toyota now confirms that Lexus will indeed be making a production version of the LF-NX Concept.

This crossover model has enjoyed a slew of debuts, starting with the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. Then it was brought back with a new turbocharged engine and paintjob at the Tokyo Motor Show. Now it will be making a third appearance, this time in production-ready form at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.

Discreetly releasing a statement during the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Lexus aims to do battle with other crossovers such as the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Audi Q3.

This extreme-looking baby SUV, by my approximation, is sure to be a best-seller, as Lexus has worked its usual magic in the styling department. Will Lexus really be able to compete with BMW, Audi, and Mercedes? By the way things are looking, it seems so.

With the production model set to go on sale for the fall of 2015, Lexus has already finalized what the NX will offer. It will will come in two models, a hybrid version named the NX 300h and the NX 200t Turbo model.

If its looks didn’t differentiate it enough, Lexus will use it as a platform for its first-ever production turbocharged engine. To be specific, it’ll be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder featuring Toyota’s D-4S direct injection technology. Unsurprisingly, the NX will be based off of Toyota’s RAV4 platform and come in front-wheel drive or with an optional all-wheel drive system.

If I can jump off track for a moment, I think the NX’s engine should find its way under the hood of the Scion FR-S. Maybe a turbo will energize sales.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Joe Mahan is an intern at Digital Trends working in the Cars section. He is currently a Junior at the University of Portland…

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