IF you thought the Lexus stood for restrained luxury motoring – Mercedes without the bling – then just re-adjust your brain cells.
This, ahem, is the Lexus LF-NX crossover.
It’s a concept, stoked up on steroids by the look of it, and due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (10 September).
But shy and retiring it is not.
From the open-mouthed gaping grille to the razor sharp crease lines, this is full-on full-frontal Lexus like you’ve not seen before.
Lexus says the Lexus LF-NX, a five-door SUV, will be unveiled at Frankfurt in new Brushed Metal Silver paint finish “that creates a striking impression of the car having been carved from a single piece of solid metal”.
That bit Lexus certainly has got right.
If there is anything familiar about this Lexus, then it’s the powertrain, which is hybrid drive, like the company’s current RX model.
Which should ensure that, despite the muscular go-get-em appearance, the LF-NX will be a pussycat on company car tax: the RX is rated in company car tax band 21%.
The current Lexus RX was updated in 2012. Can we expect a replacement in about 2014 looking something more aggressive – like the LF-NX?