Lexus NX 200t to Launch New Turbo Four-Cylinder Engine
Toyota is set to bring its first turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the market under the hood of a Lexus, starting in late 2014 or early 2015.
The motor will probably debut in Lexus’ new small crossover, likely to be called the NX 200t based on U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings. A hybrid version of the NX, likely called the NX 300h is also said to be coming from Toyota, though timing for both models’ rollout is still unknown. A Toyota insider told Automotive News that the U.S. might not get the turbo four until 2015.
Several other automakers already offer turbo four cylinder small crossovers, such as the BMW X1. The engine may also be seen under the hood of the Lexus IS, replacing the 2.5-liter V6 as the base engine. Toyota’s RAV4 could also use the turbo-four cylinder to compete more closely with the Ford Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Hyundai Tuscon.
Automakers are continually investing in turbocharged four cylinder engines, as they are said to offer the torque and horsepower of a V6 with the fuel economy of a four pot, though Consumer Reports recently called the fuel economy of these engines into question.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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