#93 Lexus LX 570 – Bold, Luxurious and Versatile

In 1996, the original Lexus LX came to light. The original Lexus LX raised the luxury bar for SUVs by decorating a Toyota Land Cruiser with added standard equipment like leather, wood trim, an upgraded stereo and a third-row seat. Although the automotive marketplace has changed considerably since then, today's Lexus LX 570 still follows the same philosophy of impressive luxury paired with dependable reliability. The current Lexus LX 570 is one of the most powerful, spacious and well equipped SUVs in its segment.

Lexus LX 570 

Design

At its menacing front is a large Lexus Spindle grille. The grille is offset by two square bi-xenon headlights incorporating daytime running lights (DRLs) and a new bumper design. Both the headlights, with auto function, and the LED tail lights are strikingly styled. Pronounced wheel arches add an element of ruggedness to the elegant profile. Inside the wheel arches are split 5-twin spoke, 20-inch wheels with liquid graphite finish and 285/50 tyres.

Large spindle grille dominates the front 

Standard running boards fit closely to the body for an integrated appearance. Wide rear combination lights emphasize the large size of the sculpted rear door. The lights employ high-intensity LEDs and a specially designed pattern, which project "radiance" giving drivers following behind ample visibility of the Lexus LX 570. Tasteful chrome accents are visible on the lights and the license plate surround.

Original Lexus LX

Performance

The Lexus LX 570 features a powerful, 32-valve 5.7-litre V8 petrol engine with an output of 270 kW (362 hp) and 530 Nm of torque. Top speed for the Lexus LX 570 is electronically limited to 210km/h. Fuel consumption is pegged at 14.8-litres per 100km. Power is transferred to all four wheels by a 6-speed, sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic gearbox (ECT) with paddle shift.

Large and striking rims 

The Lexus LX 570 rides on a coil spring-type, double wishbone independent suspension in front, while the rear axle links to a four-link, coil-spring system lateral rod-type suspension. The Lexus LX 570 has a full-time four wheel drive (4WD) system. Power transfer between high and low range is facilitated by merely pushing a console-mounted button. The electronic Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system is designed to give the Lexus LX 570 superior performance across different driving conditions. The driver can choose between five road condition modes – Rock, Dirt, Loose Rock plus Mud and Sand.

Cockpit 

Safety

The Lexus LX 570 is equipped with 10 airbags as standard, including driver- and front-passenger knee airbags, front and second-row seat-mounted side airbags in the outboard seating positions, and roll-sensing side curtain airbags, which cover all three rows. All eight seats feature three-point seatbelts.

Front seats 

Interior

Keyless entry provides access to the spacious, luxuriously appointed cabin of the Lexus LX 570, boasting three rows of seats with capacity for eight passengers. The centre console houses a full-colour multi-information touch sensitive TFT display screen. The display screen also functions as the visual display of the Back Guide Monitor, which incorporates a rear camera system with guidelines to assist in safe reversing, as well as three additional cameras for safely negotiating parking in tight urban spots or to check obstacles when driving in the bush.

Rear seats

Both driver and front passenger are comforted by electrically adjusted seats with built-in heating. The second rows of seats have reclining functionality with power slide. A 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with 15 speakers and a single-feed, in-dash DVD/CD, keeps occupants entertained. The rear entertainment system, yet another standard feature on the LX 570, features a DVD player, dual 7-inch LCD screens mounted behind the front-seat headrests, and a wireless remote control.

Striking rear 

Verdict

Customers today are just as unlikely to venture onto muddy and rough roads, but that hasn't stopped Lexus from stuffing a full range of sophisticated off-road-enabling technologies into its latest LX. At the same time, this is the most luxurious SUV Lexus makes.

#92 Acura NSX – Rebirth of an icon

The original NSX was the first production car in the world to feature aluminum construction for its body structure, body panels, suspension and engine. The sports car’s engine also pioneered the use of variable valve timing (VVT). Despite being a car of innovative firsts, the Acura NSX never saw big sales numbers after its initial debut.

Acura NSX

However, its great driving and handling characteristics made it a darling of race car drivers and super car enthusiast. An all-new model is set to take its place 25 years after the maiden debut of the first generation NSX. The new NSX is a mid-engine sports hybrid supercar designed to match other competitors in the supercar segment.

Original Acura NSX

Design

The Acura NSX’s body features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and tail lights that pays homage to the original NSX. The signature side intakes and floating C-pillar channel air to feed the mid-mounted engine. The intakes also direct airflow over the rear deck to increase downforce.

Sporty proportions 

Every element of the exterior body design has been carefully fashioned for total airflow management in order to improve stability and engine cooling. The production version of the NSX features a number of significant changes from concept to final body design, including modified bonnet vents, new front fender vents, modified side air intakes, and an optimized deck spoiler compared to the concept car showcased in 2012.

View from the top

Performance

At the heart of the Acura NSX’s performance capabilities is an all-new mid-mounted V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a 9-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). Engine performance figures have not been released at the moment. Three electric motors are fitted in the Acura NSX. The rear electric motor, housed between the engine and transmission, supports acceleration, braking and transmission shifting performance.

2012 Acura NSX concept 

The two extra motors are used to drive the front wheels. The Acura NSX utilizes a fully independent, all-aluminum front and rear suspension, just like the first generation model. The Acura NSX rides on light alloy 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Stopping power is provided by the large carbon ceramic discs concealed behind the light allow rims. 

Engine layout

Handling is greatly enhanced by the Acura NSX’s Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD). The system allows for quick response to all driver inputs and also ensures the supercar remains stable during driving.  The NSX’s dial-operated Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) features Quiet, Sport, Sport+ and Track modes.

Driver focused interior 

The system adjusts engine, motor, transmission and chassis response, as well as the engine sound level, based on the needs of the driver and driving environment. Quiet mode enables electric-only driving at lower speeds for short durations. Dynamic vehicle responses become increasingly sharp as the driver moves from Sport to Sport+ mode and, finally, to Track mode, where the NSX delivers its full performance credentials.

Sports seats 

Interior

The Acura NSX Interior is designed from the inside out with an uncompromising focus on the driver. The interior also boasts exceptional forward visibility, simple and intuitive controls, and great comfort. The Acura NSX’s instrument cluster features a dynamic TFT display that responds to changes in the driver-selectable Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) with pertinent graphics and information. The center console holds the Power button that readies the sport hybrid powertrain, nested in the center of the IDS dial control. An ultra-thin, yet super strong A-pillar design and low-mounted dashboard minimize obstructions to the driver’s view of the road.

Rear LED lights pay homage to the original NSX

Verdict

The return of the legendary Acura NSX will is certainly a welcomed gift for super car enthusiast. The Acura NSX on of the most advanced hybrid technologies guaranteed to offer a thrilling ride. The Acura NSX is certainly going to be a better performer compared to the first generation model. The Acura NSX will be badged as Honda in other international markets in Europe, Africa and Asia. 

#91 All-New Toyota Harrier – Advanced, luxurious and beautifully crafted

Since its debut in 1997, the Harrier has built a strong brand image while pioneering the high-end crossover SUV genre. Known for its advanced technologies and features, the first generation Harrier was the first vehicle to use Toyota's proprietary Pre-collision System. In keeping with this legacy, Toyota has made some of its most advanced proprietary safety technologies available on the new Harrier. The all-new Harrier, with its distinctive design and innovative new features, aims to exceed even the high expectations built up by previous models.

All-New Toyota Harrier 

Design

The designers of the all-new Toyota Harrier were tasked with creating an elegantly looking machine. Their great work is exhibited by all-new Toyota Harrier's exterior design, which consists of long front and short rear overhangs.  The new dynamic and streamlined profile is inquisitively blended with the forward-leaning rear pillars giving the all-new Toyota Harrier a sleek, speedy look that is instantly recognizable.

Sporty and striking design

The dramatic curve of the front bumpers toward the rear creates a powerful, compact front end, while the deeply chiseled front face makes the all-new Toyota Harrier to stand out from the competition. Contoured wheel flares give it a wide look, while a low-profile rear bumper emphasizes the short overhang and lends a sporty touch to the rear of the crossover. The all-new Toyota Harrier makes innovative use of LED lamps, which have been made standard in models.

First generation Toyota Harrier

Performance

The all-new Toyota Harrier is available as either a petrol powered model or a hybrid. The petrol powered model features a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine with an output of 105 kW (140 hp) and 194 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for the petrol powered Harrier is recorded at 6.3 litres per 100km. The hybrid version is powered by a 2.5-litre engine and hybrid system. The engine and electric motor have a combined output of 145 kW (195 hp) and 206 Nm of torque. The hybrid system allows for better fuel consumption logged at 4.5 litres per 100km. Both engines are combined with a seven speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), which delivers power to either the front or all wheels in the all-wheel drive models.

The Harrier's suspension is enhanced through the use of Frequency Adaptive Damping (FAD) shock absorbers which control the degree of vehicle roll and pitch by automatically adjusting the shock absorber characteristics to compensate for vehicle posture changes. In addition to the use of latest control technologies for electric power steering, handling stability and riding comfort are improved through the new Harrier's more compact body. The crossover’s great aerodynamic capabilities also helps it to offer high maneuverability, stability and comfort.

Athletic profile

Interior

The all-new Toyota Harrier’s interior features padded surfaces with accented stitching and wood grain adornments. A technically advanced, ergonomic center cluster with touch-sensitive electrostatic switches demonstrates modern refinement. The center cluster combines with an arch-roofed instrument panel to create a spacious and sporty interior while ensuring that all controls are within easy reach.

Driver oriented cockpit

The curving door handle curves blends with the design of the dashboard. The cabin offers a level of quietness befitting a premium crossover SUV, with special attention paid to optimizing the placement of sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials. The center console includes a wireless charger for charging smartphones and other mobile devices. Behind the steering wheel is a multi-information screen that key vehicle information.

Seats layout

Driving posture has been optimized by changing the shape of the driver's seat and the steering wheel attachment angle. The thin front pillars and large side mirrors offer better all-round visibility for easier driving. A tilt and slide power glass moonroof, with a motorized roller shade, is available as an option on all grades. The rear boot door can be opened and closed automatically at the touch of a button. The repositioning of the rear shock absorbers has resulted to more rear storage space. 

Striking rear design

Verdict
Classy design, uncompromised comfort and top not luxury are key qualities that make the all-new Toyota Harrier a must have crossover. The crossover is much improved and promises to be a hot gem even when it starts to be available in the second hand market. The Toyota Harrier’s sibling, the Lexus RX, is set to be refreshed very soon. Seeing what is now available on the all-new Harrier, the 2016 Lexus RX will be a genuine head turner. Expect to pay about Kshs 5 million for a used version with low millage.