will.i.am reveals his exclusive design for the Lexus NX

An ultra-stylish interpretation of the new Lexus NX, created by the musician, innovator and global entrepreneur, will.i.am, was revealed at an exclusive launch party this week in Paris as part of Paris Fashion Week. The Grammy award-winning artist presented his vision for Lexus’s first luxury compact crossover before performing a DJ set for invited guests from across Europe.

The special edition NX 200t F Sport brings will.i.am’s flair and creativity together with the NX’s eye-catching striking angles. Featuring cutting-edge on-board technology, a sharply styled exterior and a sport design, the NX is aimed at younger, urban customers who value good design.

Talking about his special version of the NX, 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 am honoured 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 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 interpretation extends the car’s personality and character in a new direction that embodies his creativity and vision.”

Cutting-edge technology

One of the most innovative features of will.i.am’s NX is its array of four 180° cameras which can capture panoramic photographs and video while driving. Built into the customised bodywork, they capture media that can be displayed instantly on the driver or passengers’ smartphone screens, via Bluetooth.

Recognising that people increasingly own multiple mobile devices, the NX is equipped with Lexus’s patented Wireless Charging Tray. Located in the centre console box, this allows smartphones and other compatible devices to be recharged simply by being placed on the tray, with no need for a connecting cable.

As can only be expected of a multi-platinum-selling artist, the SUV is equipped with a premium audio system. The 10-speaker Pioneer Surround Sound system includes 16.5cm speakers in the front and rear doors and 6.5cm speakers in the instrument panel.

Power is provided by Lexus’s all-new 2.0-litre VVT-iW turbo petrol engine, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 175kW and a hefty 350Nm of torque between 1,650 and 4,000rpm, enabling zero to 100km/h acceleration in a brisk 7.1 seconds.

Exterior

Blending innovation and design, will.i.am has added his own touch to the NX’s distinctive exterior, producing a lower, wider and more emphatic look. The bodywork combines brushed aluminium and carbon vinyl with will.i.am’s signature monochrome, matt pearl white paintwork and a black-tinted panoramic glass roof. The powerfully flared front and rear wings are fused to a diamond-shaped body, with defining lines generating from the spindle front grille.

As well as sitting lower to the ground, the bespoke NX is fitted with massive, 22-inch alloy wheels, with a luminous black machined finish that strikes a sharp contrast with the visible orange brake callipers.

Interior

Inside, the car features a distinctive combination of brushed aluminium and contrasting soft materials to create a distinctive but luxurious ambience. The monochrome colour scheme is continued in the cabin to create a clean and cohesive look.

The modified seats are upholstered in soft Nappa leather, specified by will.i.am and hand-embroidered with his willpower logo. The brushed aluminium floor mats are also to his personal specification.

The new Lexus NX will make its South African debut during the first quarter of 2015.

*will.i.am stars in new “Striking Angles” TV ad

The Lexus NX and will.i.am are the stars of Striking Angles, a television commercial for the new luxury crossover. Using rich visuals and a soundtrack featuring an exclusive remix of will.i.am’s Dreamin’ About the Future, the ad transports viewers into an imagined modern world of angular design.

It depicts the NX travelling through a futuristic cityscape, giving hints of the car’s progressive design as it passes beneath stylised road signs and through multi-faceted tunnels. As the journey unfolds, will.i.am appears on angled TV screens in a shop window before emerging in person from a facet-fronted club, stopping in his tracks to admire the passing Lexus.

Speaking about the ad, will.i.am said: “As a musician and an entrepreneur, I want my ideas and my presence to impact on the world around me. The team at Lexus applied the same vision to the ad – showing how the NX impacts the design of the world around it.”

Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe, said: “We wanted to bring our design philosophy for the Lexus NX to the forefront, transporting consumers to a world built entirely on revolutionary and striking design. It’s an attitude that we apply to everything we do at Lexus, from the design of the car to the innovative technology within. Will.i.am perfectly complements the world that we created, fusing our joint passions for progressive design and technology.”

To watch the new Lexus NX / will.i.am ad ;

To watch the making-of the ad: