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clutches. The system uses input from wheel-speed sensors, G sensors (front/ rear, left/right) and the steering angle sensor, such that torque, depending on driving conditions (e.g., when starting of, when wheel slip is detected, during hard cornering), can be modulated from 100:0 to 50:50. But all of this powertrain and chassis discussion to this point is about the NX 200t. There is another NX variant, the NX 300h. It is a hybrid. Consequently, the engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system are diferent than that of the 200t. So, for example, its all-wheel-drive system is called "E-Four," as it uses, as needed, predicated on the sensor input, an electric motor to drive the rear axle and electric or gasoline power to drive the front, and or both. More to the point of the hybrid system itself: it is based on an all-aluminum 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle. The engine produces 154 hp @ 5,700 rpm and 152 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 to 4,900 rpm. Then there is the hybrid transaxle that consists of a power split planetary gear, MG [motor generator] 1 and 2, a multifunction gear, and reduction gear, as well as a rear transaxle for vehicles with the E-Four system (this transaxle combines a 50-kW electric motor and a reduction drive mechanism). MG1, which is connected to the engine, mainly works as a generator, though it comes into play as a motor during starts, for example. MG2, which is connected directly to the fnal drive line, acts primarily as a motor. There is a 204- cell nickel-metal hydride battery pack (yes, nickel). The total system output is 194 hp (142 kW). As for the fuel-efciency of the respec- tive vehicles, the NX 200h with all- wheel-drive returns an estimated 33/30/32 mpg (city, highway, combined); the front-drive version is 35.31/33 mpg. The non-hybrid comes in at 21/28/24 mpg for the all-wheel drive; 22/28/24 mpg for the front drive. "We all pushed ourselves," says Kato of the development of the NX. And whether it is from the exterior appearance or the technology under the hood (e.g., developing a turbo is not a trivial exercise), it is clear that the push was enormous to create this compact vehicle. q While previous Lexus vehicles have a rectangular knob that can be moved forward and back and side to side in order to move the cursor on the screen, the NX features the "Remote Touch Interface" that allows the driver (or passenger) to use a fnger to move the cursor and make selections in a way analogous to using a smartphone. AD&P; > September 2014 > FEATURE > The Lexus NX: Competitive Crossover for a Competitive Space > Gary S. Vasilash > gsv@autofeldguide.com 28