Lexus has introduced the High Performance Crossover concept vehicle, which it believes is the next step for the SUV. It features a dashboard display that can be repositioned or colour-adjusted to suit the driver.
Lexus has introduced the High Performance Crossover concept vehicle, known as the HPX at the New York International Show, which it believes is the next step for the SUV. It’s all about individual preferences with a dashboard display that can be repositioned or colour-adjusted.
According to the manufacturer, the vehicle combines the versatility of a luxury utility vehicle and the performance of a sports saloon. “We wanted to develop a next-generation SUV concept that would help lead us into the future of luxury sport utility vehicles,” said Calty Design research company vice president Kevin Hunter.
“Our objective was to look beyond the current SUV formulas and define a vehicle that expresses strong emotional styling with high levels of performance, utility, comfort and luxury. We see the HPX as an intelligent evolution of the SUV.” Calty Design Research is Toyota’s California-based design centre in Newport Beach.
According to , the designers based the concept vehicle on the Lexus GS 430 luxury sport sedan platform. The HPX is powered by a 4,3-litre 223 kW V8 engine mated with a five-speed automatic transmission and a height-adjustable suspension.
It has a distinctive shoulder form and low-set grille as well as LED light modules in the head- and rearlights. “We strived to convey a dynamic profile that expresses speed and agility,” said Hunter. “At the same time, we also wanted the HPX to give clues to its technical sophistication.”
The interior is uncluttered with the instrument panel that can be scaled, repositioned, and colour-adjusted for individual preference. Small cameras situated on the side and rear of the vehicle feed their images to the front display. It also has a drive-by-wire steering system.
There are bucket seats for the front and middle rows, while a third row seat folds into the rear floor. Second and third row passengers can watch dvds on a centre console screen.
“The luxury sport utility market is growing and changing rapidly,” said Lexus group vice-president and general manager Denny Clements. “The HPX concept is something we think would appeal to forward-thinking, affluent buyers with active lifestyles.”
The manufacturer said that some of the ideas of the HPX will be adapted for models in the Lexus line-up.