An innovative concept bicycle by Lexus will make its local debut at this week's Good Design Awards, of which Lexus is official vehicle supplier and principal partner.
The NXB is the latest creative experiment by Lexus International and translates the design sentiment of the NX crossover compact SUV onto two wheels.
The one-off project, designed by Lexus Design Division, features a stiff yet compliant and aerodynamic carbon frame that supports a distinctive ‘floating’ seat.
The frame is designed to suit smooth city streets and rough off-road riding.
The front fork of the NXB features an inverted suspension system that reduces unsprung weight to efficiently absorb bumps.
The fork’s creator, KYB, also supplied the suspension for the Lexus LFA supercar.
The concept features lightweight and hard-wearing carbon monocoque wheels and tubeless tyres with a tread pattern that resembles Lexus’ signature spindle grille.
NXB will be on display alongside a chrome-liveried NX SUV at The Good Design Awards at The Dockside Pavilion, Darling Harbour, Sydney. The Awards gala dinner takes place on Friday 29 May, 2015.
The Good Design Awards, organised annually by Good Design Australia, is one of the longest running and most prestigious design awards in the world, emanating from the Industrial Design Council of Australia, established in 1958.
Chief designer of product design at Lexus Australia Nicolas Hogios will also deliver a keynote speech at the Design as Strategy Forum as part of the Good Design Festival this week.
Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said Lexus’ support of the event for the third year running was confirmation of the brand’s commitment to global design activities.
“Our partnership with Good Design Australia underlines Lexus’ strong and long-term focus on design of all types and fostering future design talent both overseas and here in Australia,” Mr Hanley said.
“We are also delighted to showcase an innovative design of our own at the Good Design Awards – the Lexus NXB concept – which we trust will provide a key talking point among guests.”
CEO of Good Design Australia and president of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, Dr Brandon Gien, said the organisation valued Lexus’ role in promoting good design.
“Having the support of Lexus – a luxury brand that places such importance on professional design – greatly enhances the significance of the Good Design Awards and the design sector here in Australia,” Dr Gien said.
“Good design has numerous benefits beyond visual appeal – it contributes to a safer, more sustainable, more functional and efficient world for us all.”
Lexus supports design globally via multiple initiatives including, notably, the Lexus Design Award, an annual international design competition that fosters the growth of ideas that contribute to society and supports up-and-coming creators.
