There's no doubt, the end of the fuel powered combustion engine is numbered, with a number of brands already announcing their switch to electric, with some even putting down markers on when their entire line-up will be completely electric. Bold? Yes but not surprising, we've always been dabbling with the technology and in all honestly its been too long to adapt to it. When new comers like Tesla can come in and blow the industry doors wide open with affordable, long lasting EV's, what was stopping other major manufacturers? Problem is, they were too fixated with the process they were in that not much was poured into alternative energy vehicles.
While we got hybrids and other forms of cars from various brands, there wasn't much on offer in terms of giving the end user a variety of pure EV cars to drive. At one stage a certain manufacturer was engrossed in hydrogen fuel cell cars as they were convinced it was the future, that didn't end very well for them as we now know but one brand that took a long time to come to the party was Lexus, with them announcing the LF-Z Electrified concept yesterday, I was rather disappointed with them for taking so long but then I remembered, with Lexus, nothing is ever a rushed job. They pour in man hours perfecting products before they show the world. Case-in-point the LFA, which took over 10 years to make but my God, they've left us with a car that will be remembered for decades to come, so it could be the same with their swap over to Electric.
While we all know the efficiency of batteries is a major talking point with only a few brands getting it right so far, Tesla being up there and with many other manufacturers borrowing their footprint can achieve the same sort of range for their vehicles from it. Lexus however have made their own battery for the LF-Z which uses a dedicated BEV platform that has an advanced lithium-ion battery which has a maximum cruise range of 600km on a single charge. Power output from the electric motor equates to 400kW and 700Nm of torque with a 0-100km/h time of just 3.0 seconds. Mighty impressive but then again we all know how quick pure electric cars are. The impressive state for me is the range on single charge and with Lexus having able to achieve this now, it can only spell good things from future BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) from them. The LF-Z has a new four-wheel drive control technology known as DIRECT4, it uses instant responsiveness of the motors driving force to individually control each wheel for superior and highly flexible driving performance.
The LF-Z looks stunning, while only a concept, the study model suggests the evolutionary direction of the Lexus styling, which aims for a simple and captivating shape. With sharp lines and acute angles, not to mention all the familiar creases and folds we've come to expect from Lexus design, the car certainly looks the part. Also with Lexus, we've come to expect what we've seen in concept to be very close to the production model, which I am hoping for this as well. The interior is nothing less that what we expected from Lexus, it is equipped with a Tazuna cockpit and features an open minimalist design. It embodies an elevated level of the human-centered Lexus approach, an ethos that has been a foundation of the Lexus brand since 1989.
The car is obviously in concept form and no word on when we can see a production ready model but hopefully it won't take another 10 years.
The Lexus NX was the Japanese luxury car manufacturers answer to the much popular compact SUV market. With the market already being dominated by the luxury German brands, Lexus knew that it wont be an easy feat for them but credit to them, they took on the challenge and while it might not be the most popular SUV on the road, they do sell their fair share of them. With the Toyota heritage, you know you're not just getting a raised car but a proper SUV, and while it might not have full off-roading capabilities, it will do more than just hop a curb. I got given the updated NX300 F-Sport to drive around with for a week, having seen it often on the road I was quite excited to see what it had to offer. While certain elements did surprise me about the car, it still stays true to form as every Lexus does.
DESIGN
In 2009 Lexus changed it's design language and introduced the world to "L-Finesse Design". it is compromised by two ideas; leading-edge and finesse and was showcased in the LF-Ch concept. It was uncharacteristic from the company, as they always played the safe, conservative card when it came to their designs, in fact many labelled them as "boring" but these was anything but boring! The lines, the edges, the sleekness of the overall package just left people astounded but it was a concept so how much of this would translate into the production models? Well a lot if it! From the IS, RC, LX, RX and the recently launched LC, Lexus has changed the way people see their brand, its exciting, cutting edge and futuristic. Much is the same with the NX, the lines on this car sometimes seem impossible but some how they've done, and done it with style. When I got the NX, I tweeted some pictures and said, "I'm driving the best looking compact SUV on the road at the moment" and no one disagreed.
No matter what angle you look at the NX, it is perfection, the F-Sport guise which I had, gives the model more character with the large spindle grille and the brushed aluminium front sill which ties along the front. The split head lamps with LED day time running lights below just add to the flamboyance of the design. Another great thing about Lexus is the paint offerings, with a car like this, no ordinary paint will make it stand out, so the range they have available really elevated the design in every possible way. I was driving a White Quartz which is almost like a pearl white but with more sheen. It's sparkles in minimal light and you can watch it for hours catching the suns rays which it transform colour throughout the day. The large 18" alloy wheels were finished in a dark metal, which accentuates the car and adds to the aggressive look. While being modern and futuristic the entire package works well and ties up quite nicely in the rear with a clean but edgy look. The Side profile is rather attractive too, with big wheel arches showing off that raised suspension.
PERFORMANCE
When the NX was first introduced, it came in the NX300 which was naturally aspirated, later on, the NX200t was introduced, sporting a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine, in the latest upgrade the NX300 badge is re-introduced but with the turbo engine, which in my opinion is the right way to go. While the purist might appreciate naturally aspirated engines, in the type of driving people do on the regular, turbos make a whole lot more sense and also brings down that fuel economy figure. The NX is a big car, so don't be mistaken by the the "compact", part of its description, it competes with the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, if you comparing it to its sister company, you could probably say this is a more luxurious version of the Rav-4. The engine is a breakthrough for Lexus as they say it is their first Eco Turbo engine, where by the cylinder head is integrated with the exhaust manifold along with the twin scroll turbocharger which is a worlds first in this combination. This achieves 235 bhp, 175kW and 350Nm of torque. The turbo lag is almost non existent, so much so you might think there isn't a turbo in there. The torque does help a lot in this aspect of the car, it is also a well balanced vehicle, so around bends or in a straight line, it gives the driver confidence in what they're doing.
COMFORT
Moving onto the inside of the car, the design follows the same lines as the outside with more quirky styling and a protruding but sculpted center console, which for some might not be their cup of tea but it works. There's a nice mixture of textures and fabrics on the interior that makes it inviting and comfortable to be in. The brushed aluminium and chrome aspects shout out the sportiness of the F-Sport but the elements of class are brought in with the analogue clock placed high up just below the aircon vents. Ride quality on the NX is quite soft, not as smooth as the bigger Lexus SUV offerings but that could also be down to the large rims on the car but for everyday driving it could rival any German competitor. The car comes with dual climate control air-conditioning as well as seat warmers and coolers for the front occupants. In the rear, there is ample space for the passengers with good height room, given the shape of the car I thought it would be a bit tight but it was more than adequate. The boot space is quite generous as well and the automatic tailgate means there's no stretching to close the lid when you're done.
TECHNOLOY
The NX might not be packed with tech options like some other brands but what it does offer is a lot of the compulsory stuff as standard and not something you need to tick off on a sheet. That was always the difference with Lexus, while their prices might seem a bit steep when comparing to other vehicles in its class, a big mistake people would do is compare the Lexus which is fully stocked to a base model of another brand. Some of the standard tech for me is the LED lights which in this day and age is a must, the smart entry system works really well with it doubling as a proximity sensor so the car when locked recognizes when you're near it and unlocks for you, don't worry if you're nearby and someone else tries to open the door, it won't open. The large 10.3" multimedia display is quite easy on the eye but the touch pad might take a while to get used to. I watched a review on the LS500 where they said, the only reason we find it tricky to use is because we're not used to it, and they were 100% correct. After 4 days or so, you kind get to know what you're doing with it. Some of the driver support systems like Hill assist control kicks in automatically, so when taking off from a stand still on a hill, the electronic brake holds the car in place until there is enough momentum to move forward. AI shift control technology works well when in Sports mode which enables sporty shifting in accordance with the driving conditions which provides excellent acceleration.
VERDICT
Apart from its great looks the NX300 F-Sport is really a good package, it delivers what it promises and you won't be disappointed. While the alternative options in the market might have some differences that make you want to change your mind, all you have to do is put them side by side, and you can see why you'll stand out more in this car. The great thing about compact SUV's is that it can be used for so much more than just road trips and light off-roading, with many choosing this segment of cars, it pushes brands to make their vehicles appealing, so like the NX you're going to get more luxury, more sportiness, more technology in them and for me the NX already ticks all those boxes and is a perfect all-rounder. While the acclaimed fuel consumption is 7.1, you will average around 9 in city driving which again is not that bad when comparing to other cars in the segment, its a pity Lexus doesn't offer a diesel variant but there is a Hybrid model available and it isn't that much more expensive.
This past week saw BMW showcase the next step in their electric future, with the BMW iX3 featuring at Auto China 2018 in Beijing. The iX3 is an important model for the company where it see's BMW implement it's emission free technology into it's core line up as supposed to unique models that we saw in the like of the i3 and i8. The model is based a lot on the X3 with majority of the shape being the same and just minor design changes and accents, making it differ to the combustion models. The expansion of the company's range of vehicles offering locally emission-free mobility is one of the central spheres of activity defined by the Automated, Connected, Electrified and Services (ACES) technological fields, on which the company is driving forward the transformation of the mobility sector as part of its Number One > Next strategy.
The Concept iX3 showcases the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. The main benefit of this electric drive technology of the is the grouping together of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics within a new, separate electric drive component. While it may be a concept, this is a giant leap for the company when it goes into production, with their carbon core design, making their standard cars more light weight, not much would have to be done to the fully electric line up lose weight to enable better range and power output. Still no word on possible battery power, range and so on but one would expect it to be much greater than the i3 which is the only sole fully electric powered vehicle from the company. BMW will also see this technology being used into other developing electric models like the MINI S E Countryman ALL4 which like the Concept iX3 is also a fully electric SAV.
Mondial De L'Automobile, better known as the Paris Motorshow opened it's doors yesterday with exibhitors all ready to showcase their latest models and wow the crowds of journalists present to make their vehicles the star attraction of the show. Like many other major autoshows, there were a host of new arrivals at Paris yesterday, can't say there were any that blew the crowds away and the ones that did were already seen before but none the less there were some awesome cars on show and below are some of my favourites from what I have seen.
Starting today we're launching a new feature on the blog, under the label "STYLE", this will focus on some of the latest men casual fashion garments and footwear to hit the stores and what a great product we have for you today! Today we feature a new shoe from Puma, the company has been changing the game since 1948 and continues to do so with their great product range.
I'm a MASSIVE fan of the German clothing and footwear brand with all of my sneakers in my ever growing collection being Puma's. Not only are they're comfortable but for me I think they're leading the pack in terms of style, range and affordability. It's a big bonus that Puma's Motorsport range includes some of my favourite motoring brands, that is, BMW Motorsport, AMG Petronas and Ferrari.
Today Puma launches their new ultra modern BMW X-CAT DISC inspired by the BMW Gina Light visionary concept. The shoe forms part of the DISC footwear franchise which is a futuristic looking but instead of laces or straps, the shoe has a disc system which when rotated, it pulls internal wires that tighten to adjust the fit. Puma says the reinvented DISC Technology provides ultimate comfort and a snug fit. It was originally launched in 1991 and since then has had vasts improvements which has made it lighter and smaller with only five parts. It is quicker to turn and the smoother internal wire system that wraps and secures the upper is faster to tighten.
The shoe itself looks great, it's striking design and colour with a futuristic metallic silver which was designed in conjunction with Designworks, a BMW Group subsidiary. Puma developed special fabric which they applied over the metal chassis of the BMW Concept car Gina which main talking point was it's visionary light fabric skin. Through this collaboration, Designworks led the design process for ultramodern Puma X-CAR concept show inspired from the revolutionary concept car with seamless material outer shell.
The outer of the shoe features a silver stretch fabric, resembling the metallic material used on the car and modified for footwear use. Finishing touches to the show include a laser cut upper across the front of the shoe, inspired by the gill like texture that appears on the car when its doors open. Puma's iconic formstripe runs on the outer of each shoe in reflactive print and BMW's logo features on the DISC.
You can find the BMW X-CAT DISC at Cross Trainer stores and selected retailers around the country with the recommenced retail price of R 2 699.
