Lexus Announces Pricing for New, More Powerful 2004 ES 330

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 4 -- Lexus announced today the upgraded 2004 ES 330 entry-luxury sedan will maintain its value position with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $31,725, which is unchanged from the 2003 model price. In addition to a more powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine, the ES 330 features newly standard leather seats with memory, as well as larger side impact airbags (SRS), and an enhanced optional satellite navigation system.

The improved 3.3-liter V6 engine in the ES 330, which replaces the previous 3.0-liter V6, produces 225 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of peak torque, compared to 210 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. in the ES 300. The larger-displacement engine endows the ES 330 with better performance, with the increased torque providing the kind of response the customer can feel and appreciate in everyday driving situations.

"In its third year on the market, the new-generation ES sedan shows the benefits of Lexus' thoughtful attention to detail and passionate pursuit of perfection," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "The more powerful engine and other refinements for 2004 help to further hone our two-model strategy in the near-luxury segment, in which we also offer the rear-wheel drive IS 300 for more sport-oriented drivers."

The ES 330 is nearly a second quicker than its predecessor from 0-60 mph, at 7.2 seconds. Continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and a three-stage variable intake manifold (also featured on the previous version) give the ES 330 V6 engine a wide torque curve for quick response at virtually any speed. With the 3.3-liter V6, the ES 330 achieves the ULEV II (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) certification.

Lexus has also revised the standard five-speed automatic transmission for the 2004 ES 330, matching it to the performance of the larger engine. Wider gear ratios take advantage of the increased torque while enabling the ES 330 to achieve virtually the same EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings as the previous model (20 MPG city/29 MPG highway vs. 21/29 for the 2003 ES 300).

New grade logic enables the five-speed transmission to provide improved performance in hills, delaying upshifts to sustain power on inclines and holding a lower gear for increased engine braking on descents. Shifting smoothness has been improved in all conditions.

In addition, Lexus has augmented the impressive safety technology array in the ES 330 for 2004. A new larger side airbag provides a greater protection area that includes the torso. Standard active safety technology in the 2004 ES 330 includes daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which helps proportion braking power to the wheels that need it most. The optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system integrates ABS, EBD, electronic traction control (TRAC) and the advanced Brake Assist feature.

Lexus trademark luxury features continue to enhance the ES driving experience. The optional Lexus Navigation System for the ES 330 has been improved for 2004. As before, the system uses a DVD for map storage, containing the contiguous United States, plus major cities in Canada, on one disc. This system includes multi-language selection and very fast route calculation (about five seconds). The revised system features better, easier-to-understand graphics, a larger point of interest (POI) database and new convenience functions. The DVD map database now contains more than five million points of interest (POI), compared to two million before. The navigation system comes with a center-console mounted six-disc CD auto-changer as well as a single-disc player in the dash.

Lexus infused the ES 330 with luxury features similar to the LS 430 flagship sedan, such as dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filtration system. The optional power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals that were introduced for 2003 now include a memory feature that provides greater adjustability for driver comfort. Seating comfort also has been enhanced for 2004 with two new features. The passenger seat now includes a power lumbar adjustment, and a new design for the front headrest hinge allows the lower portion of the headrest to swivel toward the occupant. This provides a larger support area and a more comfortable fit. Additional standard luxury features include leather seating, a one-touch power moonroof with sunshade, multi-information display with trip computer, Homelink(R) compatible garage door opener, electrochromic auto-dimming inside and outside rearview mirrors and a compass integrated into the rearview mirror.