Lexus Gets Turbo Power

Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus unit is adding downsized turbocharged engines to several of its cars to better compete against rival German luxury marques.

Lexus, which first offered a turbo in the 2015 NX 200t compact crossover, has expanded the technology to its IS, GS and RC car lineup for 2016, Automotive News notes. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger now serves as the base engine in these models.

Consumers perceive turbocharged engines as “modern” and “something good” that they want, Lexus marketing chief Brian Bolain tells AN. He says putting turbos under the hood also helps puts Lexus on par with Audi, BMW and Mercedes when buyers compare models.

The downsized turbocharged engines also are more fuel efficient and less expensive than the 6-cylinder engines they replace, the newspaper adds.

The turbo-four is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission in the rear-drive Lexus cars, and with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive in the NX crossover. The powerplant generates 235 hp or 241 hp (depending on the application) and 258 lb-ft of torque.