Launch: Lexus Unveils Long-Awaited NX, Other 2022 Rides, At Their Texas Headquarters

Launch: Lexus Unveils Long-Awaited NX, Other 2022 Rides, At Their Texas Headquarters

Lexus/Toyota threw a kit-and-kaboodle press party in Plano, Texas last week, unveiling everything they’ve got coming up for 2022. Yours truly was on the scene at HQ Confidential (their headquarters), as we were led from sedan to truck to crossover to convertible and beyond. Here are some highlights.

2022 Lexus NX Debut

The big event was the appearance of the long-anticipated 2022 Lexus NX, a luxury crossover promising a long list of of state-of-the-art tech and safety equipment in addition to the swank Lexus has long been known for, plus the jettisoning of their old touch mouse pad, thank God. The NX arrives in NX250, NX350, and NX350h trims. A plug-in-hybrid NX450h’s on deck, too. The vehicle’s expected to go on sale this fall at prices in the $40,000+ range.

The turbo gas-powered engine in the base model provides an estimated 275 horsepower and 317 lb. ft. of torque resulting in a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds, a half-second quicker than the previous model. While those numbers don’t add up to a rocket, they’re still healthy and desirable in vehicles of this type.

Its kid brother the NX 250 provides a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with start/stop functionality. That model is available in both FWD and AWD options with an eight-speed transmission. Delivering an estimated 203 horsepower and 184 lb. ft. of torque., combined results in 0-60 times of 8.2 seconds (FWD) and 8.6 seconds (AWD) respectively.

But the biggest buzz comes from the promised PHEV NX450h+. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine assisted by an electric motor, plus a starter/generator, to move the front wheels, with another motor for the rear. The NX450h+ is estimated to travel up to 36 miles on electricity alone – and that’s good news. I look forward to seat time in order to bring you more up-close details/the good/the bad.

My personal biggest thrill at this event, though, was –

2022 Toyota GR Supra-A91 CF Edition

Limited to just 600 vehicles, this 2022 special edition is the most exclusive Mark V Supra to date. In this case, that means 382 horsepower from a turbocharged three-liter inline-six, delivering a zero-to-60 time of just 3.9 seconds. This special edition takes the performance formula even further with an array of carbon-fiber elements – hence the “CF” in its name.

You’ve got an angry eight-speed Z-F8 transmission with paddle shifters, Adaptive Variable Sport suspension and active rear sport differential, and front Brembo brakes with red calipers and emblazoned silver Toyota Supra logo come standard.

What impressed me most about this short drive was not having to slow down around the curves once I’d gotten used to the track – the car held those corners like glue, and the blort of the engine was music to the ears. I would to have this car for a week to push it, pet it, wash it and make friends with it.

Regardless of which 2022 Supra model you buy, buyers get a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, which includes its high-performance driving school, and discounted admission to sanctioned events.

Honorable Mentions:

2022 Toyota Highlander Bronze Edition

Available in colors “Wind Chill Pearl” as well as “Cement,” the Bronze edition’s comes with all-wheel or front-wheel drive and smart bronze accents on door sills and wheels, with pleather-trimmed seats and floor mats. Going to the mall or a soccer game has never seemed so swank. Toyota also throws in a hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, a digital rearview mirror, 1,500-watt power outlet, puddle lamps with Highlander logo, ambient lighting, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, and LED-strip daytime running lights.

2022 Toyota Prius Nightshade

I’m for anything that’ll make the Prius at least a little more stylish, and the Nightshade fits that bill with blacked-out mirror caps, door handles, rear deck spoiler, shark fin antenna and five-spoke alloy wheels (17 inches with all-wheel drive, 15 inches with front-wheel drive). Pleather-trimmed heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and semi-gloss black center console are included in the package.

2022 Toyota Sienna Woodland Special Edition

This all-wheel drive hybrid gets a helping of swank, with upgrades including a tow hitch with 3,500-pound towing capability, roof rails, 18-inch wheels, and black badging. Inside, you’ll get a handy 1,500-watt power outlet, dark chrome accents, unique black seat trim, a navigation system with a 1,200-watt JBL audio system, sliding second-row captain’s chairs, kick-activated sliding doors, heated front seats, second-row sunshades and seven USB ports.

We’ll bring you as many of these as possible over this year. Drive safe! JM

Published at Sat, 12 Jun 2021 14:46:08 +0000