Has anyone wondered what happened to the 2.0T engine? What I found very weird about the 2.0T Dynamic Force is the apparent lack of any bidding request for suppliers and construction contractors from FAW-Toyota Engine Works regarding a new engine model. They usually post these requests 30 months before something goes into production. So far all clues point to them only expanding production of the three engines currently produced in China: the M15, M20, and A25.
So I couldn't help but ask: does the 2.0T DF have a future (is Toyota proceeding with making one)? This engine really only makes sense in three markets: ChDM, EU, and JDM. But in all three markets Toyota is increasingly pushing for hybrids that 2.0T engines are getting replaced by the A25 hybrid. For the few ICE models they are still selling, it makes more sense to just refresh the 8AR to reduce cost.
A 2.0T used to be the core engine of any brand due to its versatility. However, the A25 has become one of the most versatile engines ever produced as it covers the 150-250kW range perfectly, where most mid-size and larger vehicles are sold. It is one engine that replaces four: the 2.5 2AR, the 2.7 1AR, the 2.0T 8AR (hybrid), and the 3.5 2GR (prime). The only obstacle is battery production, but several of their battery plants are coming online in the next couple of years so the supply problem could be alleviated.
For NA, there is no need for a new 2.0T if they are making the 2.4/2.5T already since there is no tax on displacement. There is little cost addition in scaling up the engine: it's basically just extra material cost. The 2.4/2.5T will be the workhorse for majority of the TNGA-K and TNGA-F products as they start phasing out the 2GR-FKS. Meanwhile the 8AR-FTS only exists on two Lexus products: the IS and NX. Lexus could really need more power on both of them and a 2.5T will elevate them above the competition. We also need to remember that the recently launched G16E-GTS with its incredible 124hp/L specific power basically replaces the 2.0T as a 200kW-class engine for small and light performance vehicles so there's one fewer reason for it to exist.
I'm not as familiar with which makes sense for global markets with a displacement tax, but the biggest thing the NX needs is a new "core" 4-cylinder, whether it's a new 2.0T or the rumored 2.4/2.5L T. 8AR-FTS has never been a particularly great engine, and it'll be even less competitive in 2 years, not to mention the 5-10 years for a full 2NX lifecycle.
I wish they'd do something in the realm of 350-400hp - it would be really nice for "NX 400" or NX F. Lexus needs to create some sort of answer to SQ5, X3 40i, etc.
Therefore my guess is their core 4-cylinder is the A25 both in naturally aspirated and turbocharged form.
The 135kW A25A-FXS+E-Four PHV = 225 kW/302hp, with the E-Axle it could even scale to 250kW/335hp. So a hypothetical turbocharged A25 with 225kW+PHV would make 315kW/420hp+. I guess this powertrain could be offered on higher trim of RX and performance variant of NX. With just one modular powertrain design they can basically scale from 150kW to 300kW+, which is really economically efficient. They must be planning something with the E-Axle; it just doesn't make sense to only use it for the ES.