Lexus has teased a new concept car due to premiere at next month’s Frankfurt motor show, with expectation leaning towards it being the forthcoming NX compact SUV.
Attached to a brief release, the single teaser image shows very little other than a three-segment LED headlight, a spindle grille and angular daytime running lights – the latter two in keeping with Lexus‘ current design language seen on the new IS.
Spied testing earlier this year wearing a CT200h body shell, the baby SUV designed to sit below the existing Lexus RX and full-size LX, will be the Japanese manufacturer’s challenger for the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and recently revealed Mercedes-Benz GLA.
If the concept does evolve into the all-new model, thought to be eyeing a 2014 release, the NX moniker seems a likely badge given the brand trademarked the NX200t and NX300h names back in 2012.
This would also suggest two powertrains – a new turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and a Lexus ES-based 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid unit – to motivate the small SUV likely to share its basic platform with the new Toyota RAV4.
Lexus has also said the new GS 300h, powered by a 164kW 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid will join the as-yet-unnamed concept in Frankfurt on September 10.
The GS 300h is due to launch locally in late 2013.
The 2013 Frankfurt motor show kicks off on September 10.
