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News of  August 08, 2001

Lexus Infuses Next Generation ES 300 with Unparalleled Luxury

Photo: Lexus

Entry-Luxury Model Aligns Even Closer to Flagship LS 430 for 2002

Torrance, CA - 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 "booming" 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’s 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’s 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.

(August 01, 2001)

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