Lexus dipped its toe into turbocharged waters for 2015. Just a year later, it's cannonballing into the deep end. Toyota Motor Corp.'s fancy division started with the NX 200t compact crossover for 2015; for 2016 Lexus is rapidly expanding turbos to the base trim of its IS, GS and RC car families. The move is largely driven by tightening fuel economy and emissions standards.
But "turbocharged" is also becoming a key luxury buzzword.
"What 'turbo' says to the typical consumer is you're modern," Brian Bolain, Lexus marketing manager, told Automotive News at a press event here for the turbocharged lineup. "People hear 'turbo,' and even for someone who doesn't know or couldn't explain how it works, they know it's something good and they know they want one."
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