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New models - Lexus - NXLexus puts NX under microscopeMicro management: The first Lexus compact SUV, the NX, has been engineered to micro levels to minimise the many forces that can impact a car’s ride and handling. Tiny troubles ironed out by Lexus engineers to turn NX into a smooth operatorGallery Click to see larger images 31 Oct 2014 THE devil was in the detail for Lexus engineers when they set about smoothing out the wrinkles of the company’s first compact SUV, the NX, in the development phase. Items such as body shake induced by windscreen wiper movement and changes in vehicle geometry due to differences in tyre tread were studied and addressed for the utmost refinement under a system dubbed microscopic force control. The goal was to ensure the NX – launched in Australia this week in its hybrid 300h form – is not only silky smooth in the Lexus tradition but also rides and handles with minimal fuss. The engineers said almost imperceptible forces could impact on vehicle stability and composure, with each needing to be addressed under Lexus’ own high standards. They re-engineered, stiffened, insulated or dampened components to ensure the smallest force was reduced or eliminated. They spent six months painstakingly adjusting the engine mounts to suppress engine start up vibration, reducing the shaking to just one-tenth of what its parent company Toyota will accept on its cars. Interestingly, the engineers say this smoothing of engine vibration does not just induce a more pleasant driving experience but also improves handling stability. They say vibration from the spinning crankshaft in a transverse-mounted petrol engine can cause flex down the roll centre axis of the car, thus upsetting the road holding. By addressing the vibration, this can be minimised. This micro work extended to vehicle rocking caused by the blast of a passing car’s “wake”, and suspension mount movement caused by poor tolerances and materials. Engineers and designers working on the NX’s features also got into the act, coming up with items such as touch-sensitive interior cabin lights – thus removing the need for fiddly switches – and exterior door handles without visible key holes. The latter – which are rarely used in this age of keyless entry – are hidden under the lift-up handles, providing a smoother appearance in what Lexus says is a patented world first.  Read more1st of September 2014  Lexus NX range priced from $55,000First Lexus-badged entry into compact SUV range here in OctoberAll new models Alfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hyundai HSV Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Pagani Opel Porsche Peugeot Ram Proton Rolls-Royce Renault Saab Rover Smart Skoda Subaru SsangYong Tesla Suzuki Volkswagen Toyota VolvoNX pricing
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