Turbo four for Lexus IS, GS

Lexus is set to follow its German rivals down the downsizing path for two of its core passenger car models.

During the media launch of the new NX 200t SUV in Canberra yesterday, Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley dropped a very strong hint that the new powerplant for the NX – a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with Lexus's D-4ST direct/port induction – would be turned through 90 degrees for application in the company's IS and GS passenger car ranges.

"At the moment, this engine is being assessed for its suitability in other Lexus models," Hanley said during his presentation. "I can tell you right now that this engine is being investigated for fitment into rear-drive models. And obviously its power and torque figures make it a logical enhancement for vehicles using our 2.5-litre V6 engine, which is serving well in IS and GS."

Hanley's announcement comes as no surprise, given the German prestige rivals to Lexus have already embarked on this sort of downsizing program to achieve lower fuel consumption figures and comply with tougher emissions standards. As of yet, however, Lexus is merely hinting at what's to come.

"It's clear to us that this engine could be adapted across the wider Lexus range," Hanley later said during a Q&A session. "We don't have any confirmed plans, as I sit here today. But clearly this could be adapted in the future..."

Asked subsequently whether it could be inferred the turbo four would universally replace every instance of the 2.5-litre V6 in the Lexus range, Hanley backed off.

"What I'm suggesting is that clearly this engine has the capability and capacity to go across the range. Do I have any firm plans right now to replace the 2.5-litre? No, I certainly don't.

"What I'm suggesting though, is that if the opportunity arose, and those cars were made available to us in this market, it's something that we would obviously consider."

In the NX application, the turbo four-cylinder produces 175kW and 350Nm. Driving through the U661 six-speed automatic transmission it consumes fuel at the rate of 7.7L/100km (front-wheel drive) or 7.9L/100km (all-wheel drive). In the two passenger car ranges it could be expected to be greener than that.