Lexus Launches First Turbocharged Engines
When Lexus launched the NX200t, it also launched another first for the automaker—the company’s first turbocharged engine.
In the NX200t, the engine produces 238 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The torque band lies between 1650 to 4000 rpm, and zero to 62 mph comes in just 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph.
The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is boosted by a twin-scroll turbocharger with direct injection and dual variable valve timing technology baked in, running in both Otto and Atkinson cycles. The dual variable valve timing system has adopted the VVT-i for the exhaust valves and VVT-iW for the intake valve, which allows the Atkinson cycle to be maintained and decrease poor staring performance in the winter.
The cylinder head and exhaust manifold have been integrated for better exhaust cooling, while the manifold has been engineered to keep exhaust gas the cylinders separated to allow maximum torque through a wide range of rpms. Lexus has mounted the air-to-liquid intercooler directly to the engine to minimize turbo-lag, while increasing engine response.
The engine is remarkably light for its power output—about 353 pounds. Lexus took measures to reduce noise and improve NCH levels, and the exclusive transmission for the engine is a six-speed automatic gearbox. We here at Lexus of Highland Park expect this new engine and transmission pairing to soon filter throughout the Lexus lineup in the upcoming years – and we sure hope it does.
