The all new Auxuras ALX, Reclaim the Roads

Starfish94 · 1 December 2024 08:08

YEAR 2025

The all-new NLX. American Engineering, Redefined.

Auxuras NLX Luxury (left) and Auxuras NLX SV ‘‘Sport Vehicle’’ (Right)

Auxuras NLX Luxury interior shown

Engine :	3.5 liter JA35AC SOHC V6 i-VIC 3.3 liter JA-CER33A DOHC V6 turbo (SV only)
Transmission :	10 Speed only
Assembly :	Georgetown , Kentucky, USA (American Saminda Motor Co.)
Designer :	Simeon Gibson (Exterior) and Brenton Wells (Interior) at Saminda California Design Studio
Chief Engineer:	Timothy Hawkins
Platform :	Saminda/Auxuras Grand New Structural Platform (ngS)
Class :	Midsize Luxury Crossover SUV
Related :	Saminda CR5
Availbility :	North America and China

The Auxuras NLX (Japanese: アウズラス・NLX, Auzurasu NLX) is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV featuring three-row seating, manufactured by the Japanese automaker Saminda under its luxury Auxuras division since 2003. It has consistently ranked as one of the top-selling mid-size luxury SUVs in the U.S.

The 2025 NLX is the first Auxuras model to be fully designed and built at it’s Kentucky plant while embodying an all-American engineering approach. For the first time, no Japanese engineers were involved in its design or development, marking a bold departure from the brand’s traditional design roots.

2019 Auxuras NLX

Design
The Auxuras NLX showcases a new bold dynamic design that sets it apart from it current design. With its sculpted body lines, aggressive front grille, and distinctive LED headlamps. The vehicle is built on Saminda/Auxuras Grand New Structural Platform allowing for enhanced durability and stability while maintaining an impressive, modern silhouette.

Performance
The NLX is powered by a 3.5-liter SOHC V6 i-VIC engine, producing 302bhp and 352Nm of torque to deliver a smooth and responsive driving experience. This engine provides a balance of power and fuel efficiency, ideal for both urban commuting and long-distance travel. The standard NLX comes with FWD, while the Elite and Luxury trims come with AWD as standard. The FWD gets 23mpg combined while AWD gets 22mpg combined

For those seeking enhanced performance, the NLX SV (Sport Vehicle) is equipped with a 3.3-liter DOHC V6 turbo engine (NON i-VIC), producing 338bhp and 490nm of torque making it the more performance-oriented variant in the lineup. The NLX SV comes with only AWD

Auxuras NLX Spec-V confirmed!

The Auxuras Spec-V is a high-performance oriented marque under the Auxuras brand, representing the most powerful and performance-focused variants of the company’s vehicle lineup. The Spec-V designation stands for “Specialized Vehicle,” and is reserved for models that are engineered with an emphasis on extraordinary performance, handling, and driving dynamics.

Auxuras has confirmed that the NLX Spec-V will be powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine found in the CZ6 as well as ETL Spec-V and ITL Spec-V, producing approximately 500 bhp. Auxuras says the NLX Spec-V will not ‘disappoint’ any car enthusiasts. The NLX Spec-V is expected to debut in Q2 of 2025 as a 2026 model

NLX (Starting at an MSRP of $49,980).

Auxuras NLX ($49,980)

Auxuras NLX Elite ($57,980)

Auxuras NLX Luxury ($65,980)

NLX SV (Sport Vehicle) (Starting at an MSRP of $70,980)

Auxuras NLX SV ($70,980)

Starfish94 · 1 June 2025 08:18

YEAR 2025

The all-new NLX Spec-V, Move Fast. Look Sharp

Engine :	3.5 liter JA-CER35Y DOHC V6 twin-turbo
Transmission :	10 Speed only
Assembly :	Georgetown , Kentucky, USA (American Saminda Motor Co.)
Designer :	Barry A. Gaines
Chief Engineer:	Timothy Hawkins
Platform :	Saminda/Auxuras Grand New Structural Platform (ngS)
Class :	Midsize Luxury Crossover SUV
Availbility :	North America and China

The Auxuras NLX Spec-V (Japanese: アウズラス・NLX スペックV, Auzurasu NLX Supekku Bui) is a high-performance variant of the NLX, manufactured by the Japanese automaker Saminda under its luxury Auxuras division

As the third model to carry the “Spec-V” (Specialized Vehicle) designation, the 2026 NLX is the first in the NLX lineup to receive this high-performance treatment, it represents Auxuras focus on combining dynamic driving capability with upscale refinement. The NLX Spec-V features a reinforced chassis, upgraded suspension, and a twin-turbocharged V6 engine engineered for precision and power. Visual and aerodynamic enhancements, along with model-exclusive badging and interior elements, distinguish the Spec-V from standard NLX variants.

Design
The NLX Spec-V features several design enhancements that visually and functionally set it apart from the standard NLX model. At the front, the Spec-V adopts a unique mesh-pattern grille with a more aggressive design, emphasizing its performance-focused identity. The bonnet is fitted with a functional carbon fiber air extraction vent, engineered to reduce engine bay heat and optimize airflow at high speeds.

Additional carbon fiber ducts near the front brakes serve as dedicated cooling channels, improving braking performance under prolonged dynamic driving.

At the rear, the Spec-V is equipped with a quad-exhaust system, tuned for both acoustics and performance. Along with more agressive rear bumper design.

Performance
The NLX Spec-V is powered by the handcrafted JA-CER35Y 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, meticulously assembled at Auxuras state-of-the-art facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, USA.

Tuned for both responsiveness and high-output endurance, the engine produces 520
bhp and a broad torque band of 681 Nm available from 1,000 to 4,900 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 10-speed performance automatic transmission and a specially calibrated Super Control All-Wheel Drive system (SC-AWD).

The NLX Spec-V accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.6 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h. A launch control system comes standard, optimizing grip and traction during hard starts. The throttle mapping, transmission shift logic, and steering feel adjust dynamically depending on the selected drive mode ranging from Comfort to Track.

To manage its performance, the Spec-V rides on a stiffened suspension setup with electronically controlled dampers. The braking system features 6-piston front calipers with ventilated rotors, providing confident stopping power even under repeated high-speed braking scenarios.

While performance-focused, the Spec-V retains everyday usability with adaptive ride tuning, allowing the vehicle to switch between refined cruising and aggressive handling characteristics with ease.

Interior
The interior of the NLX Spec-V blends luxury with sport-oriented design elements to create a driver-focused cabin environment. The seats are upholstered in premium Alcantara combined with red leather inserts, featuring distinctive red contrast stitching a deliberate departure from the standard NLX’s white stitching, that accentuates the Spec-V’s sporty character throughout the cabin.

Performance cues continue with extensive use of carbon fiber across the dashboard, door panels, center console, and seatbacks, highlighting the Spec-V’s specialized nature. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara, providing enhanced grip and tactile feedback for spirited driving. The sport seats are specially designed to provide enhanced lateral support and grip, ensuring driver and passenger stability during dynamic maneuvers.

2026 Auxuras NLX Spec-V ($92,880)

Starfish94 · 20 October 2025 06:24

Saminda New Boss Sets Auxuras Expansion Plan — Europe from 2026, Global by 2028

Toda Akira addresses the press, outlining the company’s new strategic direction for the future

Tokyo, Japan — Saminda has confirmed that its luxury division, Auxuras, will enter the European market in 2026 as part of a wider strategy to go global by 2028. The direction was outlined by CEO Toda Akira who assumed the position on April.

The Auxuras ALX, which is currently sold only in China, is essentially a rebadged version of the Saminda CR1. With the CR1 scheduled for a major refresh in 2026, sources suggest that the updated model may be introduced in Europe under the Auxuras badge as the first model to enter the market

To meet European emissions requirements, Auxuras will launch with a hybrid-led lineup, using Saminda’s existing hybrid system architecture to speed up market demands. In addition, Saminda confirmed it will reveal three electric prototype models for Auxuras within 2026, signaling the brand’s upcoming shift toward electrified product development.

Saminda highlighted several core reasons for selecting Europe as it first launch region for Auxuras international expansion. The company acknowledged that Europe is widely regarded as the benchmark market for emissions compliance, hybrid efficiency and regulatory standards. Gaining certification and brand acceptance there would provide global legitimacy to Auxuras electrification strategy.

Europe Market Continues to Be Difficult for Saminda

More than half of these sales, around 55%, come from a single model in Europe which is the Saminda CR1

Despite strong performance in Asia, North America and even South America, Saminda’s market share in Europe remains low at only around 0.6% to 0.8%, which equates to approximately 80,000 to 110,000 units sold annually.

In contrast, Saminda sold 1.25 million vehicles in North America alone and 950k vehicles in China in 2024

Industry analysts noted that Saminda’s current lineup has not strongly matched European buyer preferences, and pricing has often been positioned slightly higher than direct competitors, reducing its appeal. This combination of product mismatch and price positioning is widely believed to be a key factor behind the brand’s continued weak performance in the region.

Europe Gets a Different Auxuras, Sort of

Auxuras will carry a different identity in Europe compared to North America and China. While it is positioned as a luxury performance division in its existing markets, the European introduction will focus on premium electrification branding as the core direction.

Saminda to Invest ¥80 Billion in Japan Facility for Europe-Bound Auxuras Models

As part of this shift in direction, Saminda announced a ¥80 billion (around $500 million USD) investment to expand its Suzuka plant in Mie Prefecture, Japan. The upgraded facility will be responsible for engineering and assembling Europe-spec Auxuras models, focusing on tuning specifically for European standards.

This move suggests that Auxuras models built in Japan for Europe could follow a different engineering approach compared to those produced for North America, as Saminda’s positioning strategy in Europe centers more on electrification rather than performance-first tuning.

Starfish94 · 31 January 2026 07:08

2028 Auxuras EV-Z Concept will be the brand answer to a new Halo Car - What we know so far

Auxuras has debuted the EV-Z concept, offering an early look at its upcoming electric halo car planned for 2028. The EV-Z previews the brand’s future design language and electric technology. Positioned at the top of the lineup, the EV-Z is intended to define Auxuras’ direction in the EV era while setting the foundation for future electric models.

Performance

The 2028 Auxuras EV-Z is expected to feature a Super Control All-Wheel Drive system, paired with a dual-motor electric setup delivering approximately 600 horsepower. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, Auxuras’ system is designed to actively and continuously manage torque distribution, with the ability to transfer power entirely to a single wheel when conditions demand it.

Auxuras is also expected to place a strong emphasis on chassis sophistication. High-performance braking hardware, including large front performance brakes, is anticipated, along with a sport-focused suspension layout engineered to handle the EV-Z’s power and weight distribution. These choices suggest that the EV-Z is being developed with driving engagement in mind, not just straight-line speed.

Key performance metrics such as battery capacity, driving range, and acceleration figures have yet to be confirmed. However, given its positioning as a flagship model, the EV-Z is expected to balance strong performance with competitive efficiency and everyday usability.

A-1 EV platform will be fully bulit in-house

The Auxuras EV-Z will be the first production model built on the brand’s newly developed A-1 electric platform, which has been engineered entirely in-house. The architecture is designed as a dedicated EV foundation, with an emphasis on efficient packaging, structural integration, and modern manufacturing techniques suited to next-generation electric vehicles.

According to Auxuras, the A-1 platform is intended to improve overall efficiency and flexibility compared with earlier electric architectures, while allowing greater freedom in vehicle proportions and drivetrain layout. Aerodynamic optimization has played a key role in shaping vehicles developed on the platform, contributing to a low, wide stance and a streamlined body profile suited to both performance and efficiency goals.

Development of the A-1 platform and the EV-Z will take place in Japan, aligning with Auxuras’ broader engineering strategy for its future electric lineup.

Production Timeline and Expected Pricing

The Auxuras EV-Z is currently shown in concept form, with the production version expected to be revealed closer to its planned 2028 launch. Auxuras has indicated that the production model will closely follow the concept, with refinements made for homologation and series production.

Production is expected to begin around the time of the production model’s reveal, with customer deliveries anticipated to follow shortly thereafter, depending on market rollout schedules.

Pricing has not yet been officially announced. However, the EV-Z is expected to be priced at around $120,000 USD, reflecting its positioning as a halo model within Auxuras’ electric lineup.

Starfish94 · 3 May 2026 11:16

YEAR 2026

The all new ALX, Reclaim the Roads.

ALX SV (LEFT) and ALX Premium (Right)

ALX Premium interior shown

Engine :	Petrol Hybrid : 1.5 liter RE15H4 16V DOHC inline-4 s:HV (sport:HybridVariable) Electric Motor : 101HP SAM1 AC synchronous motor (front) 10HP SAM2 AC synchronous motor (rear) Petrol : 1.5 liter RE15FZ3 16V DOHC turbo inline-4 (SV only)
Transmission:	e-CVT 8 Speed Automatic (SV)
Assembly :	Suzuka, Japan
Designer :	Konno Keiichi and Itoh Atsushi (Saminda Suzuka R&D)
Platform :	Saminda/Auxuras New Small Structural Platform (nS)
Model years	2026 - present
Class :	Subcompact luxury crossover (B-segment)
Availbility :	Japan and UK (Q1 2026), Europe (Q2 2026)

The Auxuras ALX (Japanese: アウズラス・ALX, Auzurasu ALX) is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV produced by Auxuras. It is the first Auxuras model fully designed in Japan , and the first to be marketed in both Japan and Europe. The model also marks the brand’s return to the United Kingdom market after a hiatus of more than 15 years.

Although the previous generation Auxuras ALX was available exclusively in China, the latest generation will not be offered in the Chinese market as part of a revised global strategy by Auxuras. Developed with a focus on European consumer preferences, the new ALX is intended primarily for markets in Europe and Japan. As a result, the model will not be marketed in Auxuras traditionally larger markets, including the United States and China.

Development and engineering

The development of the ALX was led by chief engineer Tajima Kiyoshi, with the programme managed by Saminda Suzuka R&D engineering division in Japan. The project focused on achieving a balance between ride comfort, efficiency, and structural rigidity suitable for urban and regional use.

During development, emphasis was placed on noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance. The ALX utilises a combination of lightweight sound-dampening materials and reinforced body structures to improve cabin refinement while maintaining weight efficiency. Additional measures were implemented to reduce road and powertrain noise under varying driving conditions.

The ALX utilises the s:HV (Sport Hybrid Variable) hybrid system developed by its parent company Saminda. The system integrates a petrol engine with electric motors to provide a balance of fuel efficiency and performance, supporting both low-speed electric driving and hybrid-assisted acceleration.

The suspension system of the ALX consists of MacPherson struts at the front, while the rear suspension varies by drivetrain configuration. Front-wheel drive models utilise a torsion beam rear suspension, whereas all-wheel drive variants are equipped with an independent rear suspension to improve stability and handling performance.

The ALX also incorporates an electronic control system that adjusts braking force and torque distribution to maintain stability during cornering and uneven road surfaces.

ALX SV

A higher-performance Auxuras ALX SV (Sport Vehicle) was also introduced as part of the ALX lineup. The model is powered by a 1.5 liter turbocharged petrol engine, producing 216 hp and 275 Nm.

The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and is available in AWD only.

Compared to the standard hybrid variants, the ALX SV adopts a conventional turbocharged powertrain focused on increased performance and responsiveness. The powertrain is tuned to deliver stronger mid-range torque and improved acceleration characteristics, positioning the SV as a sport-oriented offering within the ALX range.

ALX Cruise (£30,995) (4,250,000 yen)

Code:	RE Series
Production:	2005 - Present
Displacement:	1.2 - 1.5 liter
Valvetrain:	DOHC only
Fuel Type	Gasoline only
Engine:	1.5 liter RE15H4 16V DOHC inline-4 s:HV / 101HP SAM1 AC synchronous motor (front) / 10HP SAM2 AC synchronous motor (rear)

ALX Design (£34,995) (4,550,000yen)

Code:	RE Series
Production:	2005 - Present
Displacement:	1.2 - 1.5 liter
Valvetrain:	DOHC only
Fuel Type	Gasoline only
Engine:	1.5 liter RE15H4 16V DOHC inline-4 s:HV / 101HP SAM1 AC synchronous motor (front) / 10HP SAM2 AC synchronous motor (rear)

ALX Premium(FWD £38,995, AWD £39,995) (4,850,000 yen)

Code:	RE Series
Production:	2005 - Present
Displacement:	1.2 - 1.5 liter
Valvetrain:	DOHC only
Fuel Type	Gasoline only
Engine:	1.5 liter RE15H4 16V DOHC inline-4 s:HV / 101HP SAM1 AC synchronous motor (front) / 10HP SAM2 AC synchronous motor (rear)

ALX SV (£39,995) (4,950,000 yen)

Code:	RE Series
Production:	2005 - Present
Displacement:	1.2 - 1.5 liter
Valvetrain:	DOHC only
Fuel Type	Gasoline only
Engine:	1.5 liter RE15FZ3 16V DOHC turbocharged inline-4