Toys4RJill

The Camry 3.5 is the same engine, but not the EXACT same engine. You have to dig into the parts numbers, some things like the starter and alternator are different part numbers. I'm sure there are other things that are different. I believe the ES has mount that work to reduce vibration or something like that.

The current 3.5 is nice but it is time for an update. DI should be enough.

SW17LS

As for the powertrain, it needs to be updated because time marches ever forward. Engines need to become more powerful and more efficient, and buyers want to see evolution. One of the major issues Lexus has right now is old engines.

SW17LS

Nobody is talking about replacing the 3.5 with the 2.0t. You may see a 2.0t option but the updated 3.5 from the 4RX is what we're talking about.

Have you driven the NX with the 2.0t? I haven't, but I've driven other luxury cars with a 2.0t most notably the Cadillac CTS and found it a surprisingly smooth and enjoyable motor. I went into the test drive thinking I would never but a 4cyl luxury car and walked away feeling differently.

The 3.5L in the ES is pretty smooth, I don't think its exceptionally smooth though. I thought the 2.0T in that Cadillac was just as smooth or smoother.

mmarshall

Agreed.....the mid-bar on the current model tones down the spindle-effect some, and improves its looks. Remove it, like the new hybrid version does, and the big black spindle just gets out of hand.

Toys4RJill

But nobody is buying the Cadillac. Maybe those who actually BUY the cars are noticing that the Lexus has the smoother engine.

spwolf

indeed, it is never exactly the same anyway... even same engine in different cars might feel different due to better insulation for instance. Toyota diesels for instance in Europe, to me they feel like complete different engines in Rav4 and Avensis... in Rav4 it is rough and peaky, in Avensis it is smooth, quiet and fast... it ends up complete different feeling due to the weight and much better insulation in Avensis.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Wow, looks great.
Getting more aggressive but not in-your-face.

Now for the rear.

mmarshall

Audi (and VW) have been doing a silky-smooth and responsive 2.0T in-line four for years. It's competent enough that they even use it as a base engine for the American-market A6.

Although there are some things about Audis that I don't care for (such as the MMI), this engine has been on my list of favorite powerplants for years...as has its brother 2.0L TDI diesel.

RXSF

Sister has a C300 which is a 2.0t and it is not smooth at all. Sounds loud and harsh and vibration while generally well controlled when sitting inside the cabin, is not well controlled elsewhere. I had a rear door open and had my arm on the door frame and it was vibrating almost violently. Not a cold start after a night's rest, just after a 2 hour dinner. And dont get me started on the start/stop system which is almost unusable.

OTOH, I had a CT200h and was surprised at how well vibration was controlled even at cold start. It seemed to hide the engine/battery switchover even better than my RX. So it can be done and with lexus standards, I am sure they will keep NVH at a minimum in their future 2.0 4 cyl products

SW17LS

But they're not choosing not to buy the Cadillac because of the motor. My point was not to compare the CTS and the ES, it was to say that a 2.0t can work in a luxury car and be smooth and refined.

Toys4RJill

I am glad someone on here understands that they are not exactly the same. The Lexus ES power train is made in Japan while Camry/Rav/Avalon and HL are from the USA.

Toys4RJill

Well, poor reliability is a major factor as to why folks are staying away from the Caddy. That and the fact its less prestigious.

spwolf

how old was C300?
We just had other member tell us how new C300 is quietest of them all, much better than bad lexus hybrids :-)

I also remember when new Auris was introduced, many Lexus UK CT owners mentioned how it is even quieter than CT200h... performance and NVH are always evolving.

SW17LS

I'm not discussing the merits of the Cadillac, just as an example of a smooth and refined 2.0T motor

SW17LS

I would have agreed with you until I drovethat 2.0T Cadillac. Remember I've driven Lexus vehicles with that 6 in some iteration for 12 years. Try one.