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Since the US version Lexus NX got specced recently, you might have noticed it comes with a more pointy nose, which makes it look kinda dumb from certain angles. Why does it look like that? Because of the government...
There’s a clear difference between the US NX’s lower bumper and its EU counterpart. If you haven’t noticed so far, it can’t be unseen now. In America, the nose of the car is more slanted, like a huge blade just shaved it off, while on the other markets the spindle grille remained almost like on the concept car.
Fortunately, Top Gear Philippines had the chance to speak with Lexus global manager of technical education and training Paul Williamsen, who cleared out the mystery. It’s because of CAFE rules.
The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations in the US basically represent the average fuel economy of a carmaker’s fleet and if it falls below a certain number, the respective automaker gets penalized.
This means Lexus will sell the NX as a light truck in the US of A, simply because this category has a lower fuel economy standard than the car segment.
How do you market a car that’s considered a crossover in the rest of the world as as light truck in America? Improvise! Every car class comes with certain rules that define it. And to be a light truck, a vehicle must have a certain approach angle at the front, along with other dimensions and weights.
So Lexus drew a straight line over the overhang’s excess, said “this thing must go” and Boom!.... they made the NX a light truck. At least the F Sport version remained the same.
INTERESTING... AND LAME. I want F-sport front without F-sport tiny bolstered seats! (like 90% of everyone else)
Thought this post was worth a bump for new NX owners like myself. I always wondered why the front of my 18’ 300H looked different from all the YouTube videos and pics of NXs, primarily from Europe. The North American model looks pointy, I prefer the look of rest of world.