The 2015 Lexus NX debuted in two versions, the NX 200t with a turbocharged 2.0-liger four-cylinder engine and the NX 300h hybrid.
The Lexus NX features numerous firsts in a Lexus, among them:
• The all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine has a combination water-cooled cylinder head, integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbocharger.
• The front axle adopts a pre-load differential to control differential torque. It assists turning on slippery roads and straight-line stability at high speed.
• Standard energy-efficient LED headlights and taillights.
• Touch-sensitive interior lamp switches in the headliner.
The 2015 Lexus NX 200t features an all-new 2.0-liter, 235-horsepower turbo gasoline engine, the brand’s first turbo gasoline engine that is matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission.
For its first-ever turbocharged gasoline engine, Lexus created an all-new engine architecture. The 2.0-liter turbocharged port and direct-injection engine uses an advanced valve control system to switch between Atkinson cycle and Otto cycle operation to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.
To minimize turbo lag, the four-into-two exhaust manifold system pairs cylinders according to their expansion or compression stroke to reduce pumping losses and eliminate exhaust gas interference. This results in improved acceleration response and wide torque band. The turbo engine produces 235 horsepower at 5,600 rpm with 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,650-4,000 rpm and up to 17 psi of boost at wide-open throttle. A balance shaft enhances smoothness.
The combination of direct fuel injection and additional port fuel injectors, as used on some other Lexus models, ensures ample power and crisp responsiveness at all engine speeds.
Combining the cylinder head, exhaust manifold and intercooler with variable wastegate control enhances low-speed torque fuel economy. Active wastegate control minimizes pumping losses by reducing backpressure during low engine load. The water-cooler intercooler, mounted directly to the engine, provides strong advantages in acceleration. A dual exhaust system reduces backpressure and noise.
To keep the engine oil clean, the intake system creates a syphon which draws carbon vapors away from the crankcase allowing for 10,000 miles between oil changes.
Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence optimizes torque throughout the engine speed range and allows the engine to start in the Otto cycle and then run in the more fuel efficient Atkinson cycle. The late intake valve closing of the Atkinson cycle reduces pumping losses and boosts fuel economy.
An all-new sequential six-speed automatic transmission networks with the turbo engine to achieve an ideal boost pressure for performance and fuel economy. Torque-demand control logic calculates required engine torque and maximizes it.
The NX 200t with all-weather drive introduced Dynamic Torque Control AWD to provide maximum traction and cornering stability. The system can instantly vary front and rear torque split between 50:50 and 100:0 for optimum traction and fuel economy. To conserve fuel, the system uses front-wheel drive during normal cruising. When required, it automatically engages AWD through an electromagnetically controlled coupling in the rear differential housing, directing up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels. When the driver makes too wide of a turn, Dynamic Torque Control AWD helps bring the vehicle back to the intended driveline.
The Lexus NX introduced a new color, Eminent White, which is brighter than the brightest conventional white. The NX is available in seven other colors: Silver Lining Metallic, Nebula Gray Pearl, Atomic Silver, Obsidian, Matador Red Mica, Fire Agate Pearl and Meteor Blue Mica.
Looking more sports car than sport utility, the 2015 NX’s cabin is bristling with new, onboard, standard and available technology, including a wireless charging tray for compatible phones and devices; the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi-Information Display that features a G-Force meter and boost gauge.
A base model NX200t, with front-wheel drive, carries an MSRP of $34,965. A top-of-the-line AWD model with options such as the Luxury Package (Linear Black Shadow wood interior trim, perforated leather-trimmed interior, heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers and power open/close rear door), Navigation Package (navigation system with voice activation, remote touchpad, voice command, Lexus Enform Destinations, Lexus 10-speaker Premium Sound System and additional USB port), Lane Departure Alert and premium triple-beam LED headlamps will run a buyer just north of $45,000.
Servicing the NX 200t
Lexus recommends obtaining scheduled maintenance every six months or 5,000 miles, whichever occurs first. In addition to standard maintenance items, vehicles that are driven under special operating conditions require further maintenance service. These special operating conditions, which put added demands on a vehicle, include:
• Driving on dirt roads or on dusty roads
• Repeated trips of less than five miles in temperatures below 32 F or 0 C
• Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use
• Towing
If a vehicle is driven under any of these special operating conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should be replaced every six months or 5,000 miles, even when the oil maintenance reminder does not appear.
Every six months or 5,000 miles:
• Inspect and adjust all fluid levels
• Reset scheduled maintenance reminder
• Rotate tires
• Visually inspect brake pads, calipers and rotors
• Inspect wiper blades
• Check installation of driver’s floor mat
• Road-test vehicle
Every 12 months or 10,000 miles:
• Replace engine oil and filter
• Replace cabin air filter
• Reset oil maintenance reminder, if oil was changed
Every 18 months or 15,000 miles:
• Replace Smart Key battery
• Re-torque nuts and bolts of drive shaft (AWD)
• Inspect axle shaft boots
• Inspect ball joints and dust covers
• Inspect body
• Inspect brake lines and hoses
• Inspect engine coolant
• Inspect exhaust pipes and mountings
• Inspect rack-and-pinion assembly
• Inspect rear differential oil (AWD)
• Inspect steering linkage and boots
• Inspect transfer case oil (AWD)
Every 36 months or 30,000 miles:
• Replace brake fluid
• Replace engine air filter
• Inspect brake rotor thickness and runout
• Inspect fuel lines and connections, fuel tank band and fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
• Inspect fuel tank cap gasket
• Inspect transmission for signs of leakage
Every 48 months or 40,000 miles:
• Replace spark plugs
Every 72 months or 60,000 miles:
• Inspect drive belt
Every 120 months or 100,000 miles:
• Replace engine coolant
Every 144 months or 120,000 miles:
• Inspect vacuum pump for brake booster
If a vehicle is driven primarily under any of these special operating conditions, perform these additional items:
DRIVING ON DIRT ROADS OR DUSTY ROADS
Every 6 months or 5,000 miles:
• Inspect axle shaft boots
• Inspect ball joints and dust covers
• Inspect engine air filter
• Inspect steering linkage and boots
• Re-torque nuts and bolts of drive shaft (AWD)
• Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
TOWING A TRAILER, USING A CAR-TOP CARRIER OR HEAVY VEHICLE LOADING
Every 6 months or 5,000 miles:
• Re-torque nuts and bolts of drive shaft (AWD)
• Tighten nuts and bolts on chassis
Every 18 months or 15,000 miles:
• Replace rear differential oil (AWD)
• Replace transfer case oil (AWD)
Every 72 months or 60,000 miles:
• Replace transmission fluid
DRIVING ON ROADS ON WHICH SALT HAS BEEN APPLIED
Every 6 months or 5,000 miles:
• Re-torque nuts and bolts of drive shaft (AWD)
FLUIDS & CAPACITIES
Motor Oil: SAE 0W-20; capacity is 5.2 quarts (4.9 liters) with filter and 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) without filter
Coolant: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant; capacity is 8.3 quarts (7.9 liters)
ATF: Toyota Genuine ATF WS; capacity is 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters)
Transfer Case Oil (AWD models): Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT 75W-85 GL-5; capacity is 0.48 quarts (0.45 liters)
Rear Differential Oil (AWD models): Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT 75W-85 GL-5; capacity is 0.5 quarts (0.5 liters)
Brake Fluid: FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 S
[[At a Glance:
Motor Oil: SAE 0W-20
Capacity: 5.2 quarts (4.9 liters) – with filter
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) – without filter
Coolant: Toyota Super Long Life
Capacity: 8.3 quarts (7.9 liters)]]
