The 2015 Lexus NX is set to make its global debut this week at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, and although we’ve already gotten a good look from the photos revealed earlier this month, we still didn’t know much about what was going on underneath the hood – until now. The Japanese automaker has revealed the 2015 NX’s engine specs, including the new turbocharged engine and hybrid that are slated for the U.S.
An all-new turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that makes 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm will be the sole powertrain in the Lexus NX 200t when it arrives on our shores later this year. The engine is the automaker’s first-ever turbo, and it will come paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that Lexus says features a new torque-demand control logic, which “calculates the required engine torque and maximizes it, delivering quick response to acceleration and exhilarating feel with fuel efficiency.” An F Sport NX 200t will be available at a later date, and it’s possible it will come with an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. We’ll also be getting the Lexus NX 300h hybrid, which will be motivated by a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine supplemented by an electric motor for a total output rated at 194 hp. While the U.S. gets the NX 200t and NX 300h, China and Russia will get the NX 200, which utilizes a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine paired to a CVT.
In terms of its size, the NX’s wheelbase measures 104.7 inches versus the RX’s 107.9-inch long wheelbase. With an overall length of 182.3 inches, the NX is 5.5 inches shorter than its larger sibling, but only 1.6 inches slimmer. Height-wise, the NX is just 1.5 inches shorter than the RX. While we originally imagined the NX to be about the same size as the Nissan Juke, it’s actually much larger. The NX is 19.9 inches longer, 3.0 inches taller, and 3.1 inches wider than Nissan’s cute ‘ute. It’s also slightly larger than the BMW X1.