Lexus Infuses Next Generation ES 300
TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 1, 2001 -- Lexus will introduce a completely
redesigned
ES 300 sedan for 2002 and further refine its successful two-model strategy for
the entry-luxury segment.
An emotional, contemporary design, combined with more responsive driving
pleasure and greater room than its predecessor, make the ES 300 a more alluring
package for a broader range of buyers. In many ways, the new ES 300 more
closely aligns with the LS 430 flagship model.
Targeting its second model in this segment, the rear-wheel drive IS 300, at
more sport-oriented drivers allowed Lexus to increase the luxurious character of
the ES 300. Powertrain and chassis refinements make the new ES 300 a more
engaging car to drive than before.
The ES 300 design exudes luxury in subtle ways, such as the sculpted hood
lines, combination headlight clusters and dynamic surface tension. Body gaps
made even narrower than before give the ES 300 the trademark Lexus precision
appearance.
Roomier, Quieter
A longer wheelbase (107.1 in. vs. 105.1 in.) and increased height (57.3 in.
vs. 54.9 in.) provide greater passenger room than the previous ES 300. A flat
underbody, reshaped mirrors, and other exterior refinements contribute to the
low 0.28 coefficient of drag and help reduce wind noise even further than
before.
Using more sound absorption technology than sound insulation gives the 2002
ES 300 an even quieter cabin than its predecessor. The new material absorbs
noise rather than simply blocking it. As in the previous model, an active
engine mount helps cancel out vibration with every power stroke. New engine
mounts further reduce vibration at idle, and a two-stage muffler reduces exhaust
$B!H(Bbooming$B!I(B at low speeds.
Raising the Safety Quotient
The ES 300 safety package starts with a redesigned unibody with new crush
structures and passenger compartment reinforcements. The A-pillars extend
further into the roof, and new connection techniques bolster the strength of the
roof structure and side sills. A new dual-thickness B-pillar and more efficient
cross-car floorpan reinforcements help provide the ES 300 with inherently high
side impact strength. Additionally, whiplash injury lessening (WIL) front seats
are standard.
As in the LS 430, the Supplemental Restraint System includes new side
curtain airbags that augment the dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side
airbags. The side curtain airbags extend from the A-pillar to C-pillar to help
provide protection for the head and upper body in a side impact. New dual-stage
front airbags deploy according to impact force. The driver$B!G(Bs front airbag
includes an extra low deployment stage when a smaller-size person is driving, as
detected by seat position.
Standard active safety technology in the 2002 ES 300 includes anti-lock
brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), which monitors all four
wheels for lock-up, and daytime running lights. The optional Vehicle Skid
Control (VSC) system integrates electronic traction control (TRAC), EBD and the
advanced Brake Assist feature. VSC helps control traction while cornering on
slippery or dry road surfaces by using throttle intervention and/or applying
individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the
driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading. Brake Assist can determine
an emergency-braking situation, and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough
on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the braking power
applied.
Enhanced Handling, Smoother Ride
As it did for the LS 430, Lexus refined the ES 300 suspension tuning to
provide a more engaging driving experience, yet with even greater ride
smoothness. The four-wheel independent suspension is mounted to anti-vibration
subframes, now with greater rigidity for tighter handling.
The optional Adaptive Variable Suspension system (AVS) is a feature
generally seen in LS 430 competitors, not the entry-luxury segment. AVS enhances
ride quality by continuously changing each wheel$B!G(Bs shock absorber damping rate
in response to road surface conditions, vehicle speed, driver steering and
braking inputs, and even vertical vehicle movement. The driver can choose
between Comfort and Sport modes, or an intermediate setting. Improvements to
the system for 2002 yield better road and steering feel and quicker turn-in
response.
The standard 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 tires are larger than the
previous optional tires. Larger front discs with dual-piston calipers and other
system refinements improve braking performance.
Effortless Performance, Improved Efficiency
The aluminum 3.0-liter double-overhead cam V6 engine that powers the ES 300
produces 210 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400
rpm. For 2002, this smooth and responsive powerplant is teamed with a new
five-speed electronic automatic transmission that helps to enhance performance,
driving smoothness and fuel efficiency.
Other powertrain enhancements, including a new electronic throttle ($B!H(Bdrive
by wire$B!I(B), improve both response and environmental compatibility for 2002. The
2002 ES 300 has achieved an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) certification and
EPA fuel mileage ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, versus
19/26-mpg ratings for the 2001 model.
The ES 300 V6 produces a wide torque curve for quick response at virtually
any speed. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps eliminate the
compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower, and a three-stage
variable intake optimizes breathing to enhance torque. With five ratios instead
of the previous four, the new transmission makes better use of the engine$B!G(Bs
wide torque curve. Refinements to the torque converter and electronic controls
help make gear changes even smoother than on the previous model. The
transmission responds to road grades, delaying upshifts to sustain power on
inclines and holding a lower gear for engine braking on descents.
Flagship-Style Luxury
Lexus infused the ES 300 with luxury features similar to the LS 430, such
as the new dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filtration system.
The standard premium audio system in both models features a five-channel
amplifier and seven speakers. The ES 300 includes both CD and cassette players.
Automatic Sound Level (ASL) adjusts volume up or down in response to ambient
noise. The LS 430 introduced as an option the first OEM installation of a
high-end Mark Levinson audio system, and the ES 300 offers this option by itself
or in a package with a satellite navigation system.
The Lexus Navigation System uses a DVD for map storage, containing the
entire contiguous United States, plus Canada, on one disc. This new system
includes multi-language selection and greater convenience thanks to route
calculation that$B!G(Bs twice as fast as before and map scrolling that$B!G(Bs speedier
as well. New functions include multi-route calculation, route preview,
simplified highway junction graphics and a dual-map screen mode.
Additional standard luxury features include a multi-information display
with trip computer, Homelink
