Lexus launched the European version of its NX200t and along with it came the full details of the company’s first turbocharged petrol engine.
The key numbers are 238hp at 4800-5600rpm, a steady torque flow of 350Nm (258lb ft) from 1650 to 4000rpm, 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Oh, and CO2 emissions are rated at 178g/km.
What we have here is a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with direct injection and dual variable valve timing technology that runs both in the Otto and Atkinson cycles. The dual variable valve timing technology adopts VVT-i for the exhaust valves and VVT-iW for the intake valves. VVT-iW allows the Atkinson cycle to be maintained by having a mid-position lock, avoiding this way the poor starting performance in cold weather. Lexus featured the Atkinson cycle to take advantage of its late intake valve closing in order to further reduce pumping losses and boost fuel economy.
The cylinder head has the exhaust manifold now integrated for better exhaust gas cooling, with the manifold itself designed to keep the exhaust gasses from each cylinder away separated enough to allow maximum torque available in the widest possible rev range. The air to liquid intercooler is mounted directly to the engine to minimize turbo-lag and increase the engine response.
The total weight of the compact engine reaches a remarkably light 160kg, with Lexus taking measures to reduce the noise and generally improve the NVH levels. The new 2.0-litre turbo petrol is mated exclusively to an also new six-speed automatic gearbox and is expected to find its way in more models down the Lexus range.
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