Musician Will.i.am Unveils His New Lexus NX Design

Paris, September 25, 2014 – Musician, innovator and global entrepreneur will.i.am last night unveiled his personally designed new Lexus NX at an exclusive launch party in Paris. The highly-anticipated car was revealed ahead of an exclusive DJ set by the Grammy-Award winner, to attending guests from across Europe. Bearing his name, the special edition NX 200t F SPORT pairs the flair and creativity of will.i.am’s innovative personality with the eye-catching striking angles of the Lexus NX. With cutting-edge on-board technology, a sharply-styled exterior and an aggressive and sporty design, the NX is aimed at younger, urban and more design oriented customers. Speaking about the special edition SUV, will.i.am said: "When I found out Lexus wanted me to be involved in the Striking Angles campaign, my first thought was, can I design a car with you?  I’m honored to be launching my bespoke Lexus NX F SPORT in Paris –this car is super fresh and incorporates my personal style. My point of view is the best kind of design will encourage other people to interpret that design.” Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe said: “Working with will.i.am to produce a bespoke take on the NX has been a fantastic experience. We were immediately struck by his passion to take the aggressive and bold design of the NX F SPORT to a whole new level. The striking design of the NX has already captured the imagination of customers worldwide and will.i.am’s bespoke take extends the car’s captivating personality and character in a new direction that embodies his unrivalled creativity and vision.” CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY One of the most innovative features of will.i.am’s bespoke NX is the ability to capture panoramic photographs and video footage whilst driving. Built into the customised body kit are four 180° interconnected camera lenses. The media that is captured can then be displayed on the smartphone screen of the driver or passenger, instantly via Bluetooth. To support the growing trend for consumers to own more than one mobile device, the bespoke car also features the Lexus NX patented Wireless Charging Tray. Located in the centre console box, the innovative technology allows smart phones and other compatible devices to be recharged by being placed on the tray, with no need for a cable. As can only be expected for a multi-platinum selling artist, the audio system inside the sports SUV is premium. It features a Lexus NX 10-speaker Pioneer Surround Sound System, consisting of 16cm speakers in the front and rear doors and a set of 6.5cm speakers mounted in the instrument panel. Under the bonnet sits Lexus’ all-new 2.0l VVT-iW turbo petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission, boasting 238 DIN hp / 175 KW and a hefty 350 Nm of torque at 1650-4000rpm. This will take the car from 0-100km/h in a brisk 7.1sec and 80-120km/h in 6.0sec. EXTERIOR Through a unique blend of innovation and design, will.i.am has added his own touch to the striking exterior of the NX, producing a lower, wider and bolder model. The bodywork incorporates an arresting blend of brushed aluminum, carbon vinyl and will.iam’s signature monochrome, matte pearl white paintwork with a black tinted panoramic glass roof.  Powerfully flared front and rear fenders are fused to a diamond-shaped body with lines generated from the spindle grille. As well as being lowered the bespoke car boasts a set of massive 22-inch alloy wheels. These alloys have been painted with a luminous black machine finish in contrast to the highly visible bright orange break calipers. INTERIOR Inside, the stylised bespoke car features a distinctive combination of high performance brushed aluminum and contrasting soft materials to create a bold, yet luxurious, interior design. The signature monochrome colour scheme continues inside creating a clean and cohesive overall look. Embroidered with will.i.am’s globally renowned #willpower logo, the modified leather seats provide the perfect viewpoint to appreciate the Lexus NX innovative central console and custom-built steering wheel. The musician has even specified luxurious Nappa leather and brushed aluminum floor mats. The Lexus NX was manufactured at the Lexus Miyata Plant, Kyushu, Japan.

About Lexus   Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding quality and sophisticated high-technology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer service. Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, comfort and interior luxury, Lexus is currently rejuvenating its line-up, launching a new wave of emotional and inspirational products featuring bolder product execution, superior driving dynamics and state-of-the-art technologies. Today, Lexus remains the first - and only - premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive full-hybrid model range comprising the RX 450h, the GS 450h and GS 300h, the LS 600h, the ES 300h, the IS 300h and the CT 200h. In Europe, models featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive account for more than half of all Lexus sales. Lexus sold 43,241 vehicles in Europe in 2013 and aims to increase sales to 50,000 vehicles in 2014. The new NX mid-size crossover, to be launched in the second half of 2014, will represent another significant growth opportunity in the future years.