New York 2012: Lexus ES *UPDATED*

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 2, 2012

Here is the new Lexus ES that will premiere at the New York Auto Show this week; even though we have seen it back in February thanks to a photographer.

The front end has the spindle (or predator) grill and LED strips running along the headlights. The back end appears to closely resemble the flagship LS sedan.

We'll have more information when the ES is shown later this week.

*UPDATE*

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

April 4, 2012

Today, Lexus unveiled the new ES at the New York Auto Show. And like we expected, the new ES uses Lexus' new design language. What was kind of unexpected was a hybrid model would be joining.

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

The ES300h uses 2.5L four-cylinder hooked up to Toyota's hybrid system. Like the hybrid GS and CT200h, the ES300h will offer a sport drive mode, as well as an EV mode. Lexus says the ES300h will deliver an estimated 40-mile-per-gallon combined fuel economy.

The ES350 continues on with a 3.5L V6 and six-speed automatic.

Lexus says they have improved the driving experience of the ES by increasing the rigidity and tweaked the suspension and steering for more responsive and precise handling. Also, the new ES is 90 lbs lighter than the outgoing model.

Inside, Lexus has fitted a ton of comfort and convenience features, including mbient lighting across the cabin, eco-friendly NuLuxe seating surfaces (genuine leather is an available upgrade), a one-touch tire trunk closer, door window shades, a power rear shade, and Lexus' Enform infotainment system.

Safety wise, the new ES is fitted with 10 airbags and a whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) device in front seats. Available is a blind spot monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and an Pre-Collision System (PCS) that uses sub-millimeter wave radar to detect obstructions and prepare the vehicle for the collision.

Press Release is on Page 2

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. Featuring a progressive new design and enhanced handling, the 2013 ES sedan is set to continue as a favorite of luxury car buyers.

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

ES 350 Now Complemented by ES 300h Hybrid

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

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

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

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

Signature Lexus Design

The new ES features a lower, progressive profile, and clean, continuous styling lines from front to rear. All four corners are pulled tightly inward to the wheel arches, creating distinctive proportions. The wheelbase of the new ES has been lengthened by 1.8 inches, while the overall length of the vehicle has grown by just one inch, resulting in a more spacious interior.

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

Interior Designed for Comfort and Spaciousness

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

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

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

Available comfort and convenience features include manual door window 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 four doors.

The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed to reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as is semi-aniline leather for an even more refined look and feel. Interiors 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)