2003 Lexus HPX Concept

In April of 2003, Lexus introduced the concept car, the Lexus HPX. It was dramatically designed to be their version of a new sport utility vehicle, but they had no plans to ever take to the production lines. Still remarkably Lexus (which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on whether you like the Lexus look) she was released with ample fanfare and little explosion.

Lexus had every intention of dominating the sport utility vehicle market with the innovative design features established in the HPX, but the reception they received made them reconsider their direction. Had they pushed forward, they may have found that the actual production car would have had better standing with the general public, but they simply weren’t interested in taking the chance.

The HPX was also supposed to release their new design philosophy, which was unfortunately relatively similar to their old design philosophy. Rather than introducing a strict formula that would identify Lexus models, they were hoping to release a design concept that could remain fluid throughout the years. They have continuously attempted to upgrade their marketability, mostly through the use of electronics rather than design innovation. For some, that works. For others, they were looking for something with a little more bang out of the starting gate.

The HPX was designed to demonstrate the strength represented by the all wheel drive capabilities, and of course they tried to integrate a design concept that demonstrated speed and agility as well. The result? A basically restyled Lexus that lacked originality. Of course the HPX came with a fair amount of technological innovation, as is rapidly becoming the Lexus calling card.

Their targeted demographic was affluent buyers with a sense of adventure and an eye for style. They have successfully attracted baby boomers both before and after the release of the HPX.

Powered by a 4.3 litre 300 horse power V8 engine that came standard with a five speed automatic transmission, they were already behind most concept cars of the time who were then introducing 6 speed semi automatic transmissions with more powerful engines for the larger vehicles.

Full bucket seats are available throughout, which is definitely a nice feature that more car companies should follow when creating anything larger than a performance car. Bucket seat offer dramatically more comfort than bench seating that many sport utility vehicles insist on creating.

The HPX was designed to be an innovative design for the high performance vehicle while introducing a new standard of sport utility vehicle. The goal was to create the overall effect of the sport utility vehicle while establishing driver ambition and desirable drivability.

While Lexus recognized the increasing complexity of vehicle interiors, they attempted to modify and redesign the interior to simplify yet still offer the most extensive package around. They were successful at this and actually carried that trend into the design for the rest of their fleet thereafter. Providing simple and clean environments was believed to assist the driver with relaxation and driving comfort.

The drive by wire system was in fact a good attempt at keeping up with the proverbial Joneses, and the single interface used for the various controls and the standard navigational system were all forward thinking idea of the time. The instrument panel was designed to allow the driver to adjust the readouts for scale, position, or color adjustments as the driver preferred. The center console provided an LCD screen as well as a unique third row passenger seat designed for children proved to be revolutionary design features.

The low set grill and the low shoulder screamed the intention of high performance, while the rest of the design features of the body tried to follow suit. For the most part the body was able to communicate power, endurance, and would prove appealing to older individuals with active lifestyles, but they missed their demographic by about twenty years.

The LED headlamps and taillights that were somewhat embedded and even what some might call “bejeweled” spoke loudly of its technological advanced design, but it didn’t scream performance sport utility vehicle. In fact some overly critical reviews felt that the entire concept was off, claiming that “performance sport utility vehicle” was an oxy moron.

The athletic chassis and the height adjustable suspension were definite hits, even with the harshest critics. This did succeed in giving the HPX a very smooth ride, having more of a car like feel than that of a sport utility vehicle, but the overall station wagon quality still shot the concept in the foot.

The HPX, or High Performance Crossover, was grounded in excellent intentions. In fact, just a few more trips to the drawing board would have had her on the production line, but then again, hindsight is always 20/20. The concept was relatively simple, and it did come with some very remarkable features. Had they reached into their creative cavities just a little farther and presented something that didn’t scream “Lexus,” they would have launched the HPX with greater success.

When concept cars lack innovative body styling, they absolutely must make up for it with design features that are out of this world if they wish to avoid being too harshly judged. Even in the car world, it is still possible for a book to be judged by its cover. It is unfortunate, but it is reality. Prospective buyers do not rush to the waiting line for a vehicle that is predominantly considered ugly or redundant. Car enthusiasts and every day car buyers alike are interested in something new and fresh and high quality. High quality can be discounted if the idea and design just simply aren’t new or fresh enough. Hopefully, the Lexus designers will take the time that has passed since their initial introduction and rework this unusual design into something that will rock the house at its debut. While there are no whisperings in the works as of yet, one can always hope for a return of a classically good idea that simply fell a tiny bit short on presentation.







Bookmark this page, please!

© 2007 Kiersten Stetser and Luiz Telles for www.sport-cars.org