Lexus ES

The Lexus ES (in Japan first as Toyota Windom sold ) is a built in several generations since 1989 middle-class saloon in the premium Japanese car brand Lexus.

The ES is based in all generations on the platform of the Toyota Camry or Camry sister model Toyota Vista and therefore has front wheel drive.

First generation (1989-1991)

Lexus ES 250

The first generation of the ES (codename VZV21 ) debuted in January 1989 at the NAIAS in Detroit, where the Lexus brand was first introduced to the world public. The ES 250 ( for 2.5 liter) engine was developed primarily to enable the Lexus flagship LS 400 for the launch was not the only Lexus model.

The ES 250 drew from its 2.5 - liter six-cylinder 115 kW (156 hp). From the design of the ES was very similar to the parallel model Toyota Camry, but the ES had a more prominent grille, more abundant chrome trim, frameless windows and differing rims on. The rich interior included a stereo with six speakers from Pioneer, Decorative items made of real wood and leather seats. The gear selection consisted of a 5 - speed manual or a four -speed automatic transmission (ECT, Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission ). The latter had the gears " " Normal "and " Power ". Driving safety was ensured by a driver's airbag and ABS.

In September 1989, the two Lexus ES 250 and LS 400 models were introduced to the market in the USA. The ES 250 was hailed as a "luxury sedan with the sport sedans " and was sold in the first month in 1216 copies, but clearly beaten by the more expensive LS 400 with respect to its sales figures. In the LS 400, it was a separate model, the ES stuck in contrast, the image of a reconditioned Toyota Camry to. In the year 1990 250 19 534 units in 1991 and 17,942 units were sold by the ES, with the lion's share of vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.

The ES 250 is now on the streets a rare sight, especially because the model was built only two years.

Second generation (1992-1996)

Lexus ES 300

In September 1991, Lexus unveiled the second generation of the ES (codename VCV10 ). The model now was known as the ES 300, with respect to the engine capacity increase to 3.0 liters. The new V6 engine developed 138 kW ( 188 hp) and accelerated the Lexus in 8.0 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h The ES also based in this generation on the Toyota Camry; but the chassis had McPherson struts front and rear and weighed due to a more extensive sound insulation and a higher level of equipment 90 kg more.

The second generation was significantly larger (12.7 cm long and 7.6 cm wide ). At the front of the ES 300 now had projector headlights. The side view showed an "invisible " B-pillar and frameless windows. The trunk lid had an integrated spoiler lip that the ES at higher speeds downforce and thus gave a better grip.

The interior consisted of Californian walnut wood, a sound system with eight speakers and a keyless door lock system. The increased wheelbase offered the passengers rear legroom.

Production started on 9 Sept 1991, and in the same year the first copies in the U.S. decreased in the sale. In Europe, was waived due to model overlaps with the sister brand Toyota on the launch of the ES 300. The second generation was a huge sales success compared to the first and became the best-selling Lexus model. In the first year of the ES achieved sales of 37 886 units; over the whole term of this sales level could be maintained.

It minor facelift were repeatedly made ​​and added additional features such as a front passenger airbag and a more powerful engine. As of 1993, the five-speed manual gearbox was taken out of the offering.

Specifications

Third generation (1996-2001)

Lexus ES 300

For the 1997 model year, the Lexus ES 300, the third generation debuted with an extended 5 cm wheelbase compared with the predecessor model. The three-liter V6 with dual overhead camshafts and 24 valves was now powered by 149 kW ( 203 hp) and was available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. From the end of 1999, the engine received a variable valve timing, the power was increased to 157 kW ( 213 hp).

Fourth Generation (2001-2006)

The fourth generation of ES debuted for the 2002 model year, the year after the smaller Lexus IS was introduced. This model generation with the internal name MCV30 had gained in size. The new ES 300 should provide a higher image and a more luxurious driving experience, by being designed less sporty. It was powered by a 3.0 -liter V6 with 157 kW, the power transmission was done with a 5 - speed automatic.

In 2004, the ES a new 3.3 L V6 with 163 kW and was renamed the ES 330. For Asia and the Middle East, the previous 3 -liter engine remained. 2005, the ES received 330 facelift with a redesigned front and rear fascias, clear lamps, projector headlamps and a revised grille.

This model generation continued sales success and, despite the relatively high price (2002: from 32 080 U.S. $ ) for the best-selling premium vehicle in the United States.

Fifth Generation (2006-2012)

Lexus ES 350

The fifth generation ( GSV40 ) debuted in February 2006 at the Chicago Auto Show. The styling is based on the new Lexus design philosophy of L- finesse. The new ES version is called ES 350 The model has the first 6 -speed automatic front-wheel drive in a Toyota model and is also used in the parallel model Toyota Camry. The engine is a 3.5 liter aluminum V6 engine with variable valve timing, which produces 203 kW of power. According to Lexus ES accelerated in less than 7 seconds from 0 to 96 km / h (60 mph).

2009 is the starting price for the Lexus ES 350 34 470 U.S. $ net.

Cockpit of the ES 350

Sixth generation (since 2012)

Lexus ES 350

The 6th generation appeared in 2012.

To drive a petrol engine with 3.5 liters, which makes 203 kW ensures.

With a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, the body is 4895 mm long, 1820 mm wide and 1450 mm high. The curb weight is indicated with 1610-1660 kg.

Swell

• Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002, ISBN 0-87341-605-8, pp. 786-791.