Discussion:
Lexus debuts 2013 ES including new 300h hybrid
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MummyChunk
2012-04-18 10:27:27 UTC
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From A

Lexus Unveils All-New 2013 ES 350 and First-Ever ES 300h Hybrid at Ne
York International Auto Sho

NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 – Lexus today unveiled the all-new 2013 E
lineup, including the ES 350 and ES 300h equipped with Lexus Hybri
Drive. Featuring a progressive new design and enhanced handling, th
2013 ES sedan is set to continue as a favorite of luxury car buyers

"The Lexus ES brought new levels of refinement, sophisticatio
and quality to the entry luxury segment when it entered the market i
1989, and through the years it has consistently been a sales leade
for us," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president an
general manager. "Now, with both gas and hybrid versions, th
2013 ES promises to lead Lexus forward once again.

ES 350 Now Complemented by ES 300h Hybri
For the first time, the Lexus ES will be available with Lexus Hybri
Drive. Featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, th
ES 300h hybrid is expected to earn an EPA fuel economy rating o
approximately 40 mpg combined city/highway

This new, low friction twin cam engine utilizes a sophisticated powe
management system, 12.5:1 compression ratio, and Variable Valve Timin
with intelligence (VVT-i). The beltless motor is designed to improv
fuel economy and durability, and a near zero evaporative fuel syste
helps reduce emissions

The ES 300h hybrid offers the driver four modes: Normal, Sport, Ec
and EV. EV mode allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, usin
only the power from the hybrid battery pack. Normal mode provides
blend of performance and efficiency that is suited to everyda
driving, while Eco mode favors fuel economy. Sport mode increase
powertrain responsiveness

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Dual VVT-i. Th
six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission wit
intelligence (ECT-i) provides enhanced performance, fuel efficienc
and smooth shifts. Low friction materials further improve efficiency

Signature Lexus Desig
The new ES features a lower, progressive profile, and clean
continuous styling lines from front to rear. All four corners ar
pulled tightly inward to the wheel arches, creating distinctiv
proportions. The wheelbase of the new ES has been lengthened by 1.
inches, while the overall length of the vehicle has grown by just on
inch, resulting in a more spacious interior

The new ES unmistakably bears the new face of Lexus with it
distinctive, spindle grille. The LED daytime running lights an
combination rear lamps reflect the "L" design motif. The E
350's rear bumper sports dual exhaust pipes, while the ES 300h hybri
features a distinctive rear design with hidden exhaust and a
integrated spoiler. New exterior colors for the 2013 ES include Fir
Agate Pearl and Silver Lining Metallic

Interior Designed for Comfort and Spaciousnes
The modern interior of the 2013 ES has been designed to provide both
sense of openness and security. Sightlines and visibility ar
improved, controls are logically placed, and new cabin material
express a high level of craftsmanship

A newly sculptured seat enhances driver comfort. The steering whee
angle has been reduced from 24 degrees to 22 degrees for a mor
natural control position. Fluid-filled engine mounts, new soun
absorbing materials and a tuned engine intake minimize the intrusio
of outside noise

Greater rear seat legroom and knee room are the hallmark of th
redesigned, more spacious cabin. Knee room is increased by 2.8 inche
and legroom is increased by 4.1 inches. The new design also offer
additional foot room below the front seats

Available comfort and convenience features include manual door windo
shades, a power rear shade, and a one-touch power trunk closer
Optional ambient lighting, discretely placed under the wood trim
softly illuminates the surfaces of the instrument panel and all fou
doors

The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed t
reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as i
semi-aniline leather for an even more refined look and feel. Interior
are available in Black, Light Gray, and Parchment. Trim colors and
materials include Piano Black, Espresso Bird's-eye Maple, and Bamboo.

Crisp, Confident Driving Dynamics
Suspension and steering changes and a stiffer body deliver more
precise handling. Opposite-wound coil springs on the front suspension
enhance straight-line stability. Revised rear suspension geometry and
improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort.
A reduction in the steering gear ratio delivers a more responsive and
direct steering feel. Increased body rigidity is achieved through
lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and additional
spot welds. Despite its larger size, roomier interior and additional
luxury appointments, the weight of the new ES is reduced by almost 90
pounds.

The ES will be equipped with standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance
tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, and for the first time, available
18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels.

Driver-Focused Cockpit
Designed with attention to ergonomics and driver focus, the cockpit
features separate display and operation zones to help keep the
driver's eyes on the road. The instrument panel, with its long,
layered look, places the main information display directly in the
driver's line of sight. Just below the center display is a
self-illuminating LED analog clock. Controls are clustered beneath the
information zone, on the steering wheel, and on the center console.

The second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) allows the user to
operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system
and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently
located on the center console. RTI reduces eye and hand movement,
helping reduce effort and distraction.

Safety Features
An array of safety features aid the driver. The available Blind Spot
Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles in
side blind spots. The RCTA alerts the driver to rear cross traffic
when backing out of a parking spot. Available Lane Departure Alert
(LDA) is integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology. The
available Pre-Collision System (PCS) uses sub-millimeter wave radar to
detect obstructions and prepare the vehicle for a potential
collision.

The ES features a segment-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment,
including driver and front passenger knee and front air bags, as well
as front and rear seat-mounted side and curtain airbags. Whiplash
Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive
head movement in certain rear-end collisions helping to decrease the
severity of whiplash-type injuries.

Lexus Safety Connect, including Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an
Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location services,
and Automatic Collision Notification to a Safety Connect center is
standard on the new ES. A one-year trial subscription for Safety
Connect is included.

Lexus Multimedia
The new ES features the next-generation Lexus Enform® system. Lexus
Enform® provides seamless connectivity with Bing™ search, iHeartRadio,
MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora®, Yelp® and Facebook Places
through compatible smart phones. Apps are updated through over-the-air
downloads, so new apps and content can be added as they become
available. One-year trial subscriptions to Lexus Enform with Safety
Connect and the Application Suite are included.

The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight speakers with
Automatic Sound Levelizer, CD player, USB/iPod® connectivity,
Bluetooth® and a SiriusXM receiver. The available Display Audio
package adds a seven-inch screen, a backup camera, HD Radio™ with
iTunes® tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, and a vehicle
information display. The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice
command and an integrated backup camera.

An available 15-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system features an
eight-inch display screen, HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, DVD
audio/video and a SiriusXM receiver. Exclusive GreenEdge technology
from Mark Levinson doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing
energy consumption by fifty percent.

"The new Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h hybrid combine technology,
style and performance to please current ES owners and attract new
buyers," said Templin. "With the addition of the ES 300h,
Lexus truly offers something for everyone in the entry luxury
segment."

ES 350 ES 300h
Seating Capacity 5 5
Overall Length (in.) 192.7 192.7
Width (in.) 71.7 71.7
Height (in.) 57.1 57.1
Wheelbase (in.) 111.0 111.0
Driven Wheels Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs.) 3,549 3,660
Wheel size 17" x 7.0" (standard) 17" x 7.0"
(standard)
(front and rear) 18" x 7.5" (optional)
Tires size 215/55/17 (standard) 215/55/17 (standard)
225/45/18 (optional)

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David Z
2012-04-18 23:13:42 UTC
Permalink
From AB
Lexus Unveils All-New 2013 ES 350 and First-Ever ES 300h Hybrid at New
York International Auto Show
NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 – Lexus today unveiled the all-new 2013 ES
lineup, including the ES 350 and ES 300h equipped with Lexus Hybrid
Drive.
<< snip >>

I noticed that Lexus ramped up their ES commercials in the last month or so
big time. At this point, I wouldn't touch a 2012 ES because they'll
probably drop $1,000s in value when the 2013 model comes out. I guess Lexus
needs to clear out their lots to make room for the 2013s.

I wonder how many people who buy a 2012 ES in the next few months even know
that the next generation will be out before they get their first or second
oil change. Also, I never liked the current generation (I own a 2004 ES).
I'm guessing the 2013 will be a significant improvement.

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