TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Lexus turbo a big torquer

Lexus has unveiled its first turbocharged engine at the Tokyo motor show today along with some technical detail but no power, torque or fuel consumption figures.

However, Lexus International president Kyotaka Ise did reveal in a press conference yesterday that torque levels matched a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine was shown in a slightly updated version of the LF-NX compact SUV concept, which debuted last September at the Frankfurt motor show.

The production version of the NX will be the first Lexus to be powered by the engine, which is expected to be badged 200t. The combination is expected to make its debut late in 2014.

Australian launch of the NX is guaranteed, given the booming sales in the compact SUV market.

While no outputs were mentioned in the limited information issued today, the press material claimed the engine possessed “fast throttle response and exhilarating performance while demonstrating outstanding fuel efficiency”.

The press statement also made it clear the engine’s debut “paves the way for the introduction of turbocharged powerplants in future Lexus models”, something Ise refused to elaborate on, although he enthused about its performance potential and cleanliness.

“The downsizing is definitely a trend. However, the LF-NX 2.0-litre turbo ... shows how the car can pick up the speed and ultimately the driveability because how fast it can pick up is really state of the art.

“The exhaust is smaller due to the engine displacement, however it can match the performance of V6 3.5-litre torque availability.”

In the production-ready RC Coupe which also debuted in Tokyo today, the 3.5-litre direct injection engine V6 makes 380Nm. As a guide, BMW’s highly rated N20 2.0-litre turbo makes 270 to 350Nm depending on the application.

Lexus isn't the only Japanese manufacturer embarking on a new turbo-petrol adventure, with Honda confirming a slew of turbocharged petrol engines that will displace between 1.0- and 2.0-litres, with the latter claimed to develop 400Nm and to be deployed in the 2015 Honda Civic Type-R.

After NX, the 200t engine is expected to appear in at least the RC, the CT, the IS, RX and GS. It has also been linked with petrol-electric hybrid amalgamations. It is expected to gradually take over from the 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 in the Lexus line-up.

The engine combines D-4S direct and port injection using a high tumble port and fan spray injection, VVT-i variable valve timing and a cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold. The turbocharger is twin scroll with an active wastegate valve.

Lexus claims the integrated cylinder head provides optimised exhaust gas temperature for a high level of performance with fuel efficiency, clean exhaust emissions and reliability.

Revisions to the controversially styled LF-NX for Tokyo include new paint and new alloy wheels. The production version is expected to be based on the front and all-wheel drive architecture of the Toyota RAV4, include a hybrid in its drivetrain layout and have its styling toned down significantly.

“We have not confirmed this car in production, however it is clear to Lexus that if we are to grow our brand we have to play in that segment at some point,” said Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley.

“I re-confirm it is an area that should that car become available to us, we will bring it to market.”

Latest news from 2013 Tokyo Motor Show