Lexus Plans to Add 2.0L Turbo Engine to Model Lineup

Lexus will soon add a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a step toward modernizing its powertrain selection.

The new turbocharged engine will be the first for Lexus, and is expected to have around 250 horsepower and will be used as a base engine for its mid-sized vehicles as well as its entry-level models. The brand will also overhaul several of its models in the upcoming years, in addition to adding new nameplates including a compact crossover.

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The most exciting of those is the Lexus RC sports car, which will use the same IS/GS platform and will essentially be a coupe version of the new IS sport sedan. That model is expected to debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show and may be the first to sport the automaker’s turbocharged engine. As for the rest of the lineup, the CT 200h will see more telematics features for the 2014 model year, while the GX lineup will receive a midcycle refresh for 2014.

As we know, the IS, ES, GS, and LS have all recently received major changes, so don’t expect any major changes for those nameplates over the next couple of years. The LF-LC flagship coupe concept however just received the green light from Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda, and will likely be produced as a 2+2 hybrid. According to sources, the production LF-LC is expected to arrive in late 2015.

Lexus’ entry into the compact crossover segment will come in the form of a NX model and will be based on the RAV4 platform. Recent trademark filings for the NX 200t and NX 300h hint that the crossover will also be powered by the brand’s new 2.0-liter, turbo engine while a hybrid variant will also be in tow.

[Source: Automotive News]

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