Autoblog

2013 Lexus ES300h

Dan Roth — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus, Luxury, Quick Spins

The Lexus ES lineup, the brand's bread-and-butter sedan, has been completely redone for 2013. With that tip-to-tail rework comes the model's first hybrid. We think the ES350 is better in every way than its predecessor, so a spin in the ES300h is warranted to see what it's like to live with the model sure to become the best-selling Lexus hybrid sedan. In particular, we wanted to see how the gas-electric luxury cruiser handled the battery-sapping realities of winter, so we ventured out into the slush and snow to file this report.

Driving Notes:

Peel away the slush, and this car sure is sharp-looking. It strongly resembles the excellent new GS, no bad thing. With the move to the longer Toyota Avalon underpinnings, the ES300h is long and elegant. Lexus has really upped its styling game lately.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive system for the ES300h is the same setup you'll find in the Camry Hybrid. That means a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine and electric motor that are combined for 200 total horsepower and 40 miles per gallon city, 39 mpg highway. It's a generally well-behaved combo, but the thrum and drone of the four seems kind of unrefined for a Lexus.
Usually hybrids feel punchy when you put the spurs to them thanks to the torque characteristics of the electric motors, and the ES300h is only that way to a point. It can feel breathless when trying to merge into traffic, for instance. I often found my foot pressing the accelerator flat to the carpet a lot sooner than expected.
Hybrids are generally not great in the snow, with their harder, low-rolling-resistance tire compounds and high-torque electric motors. The ES300h performed admirably in the storm that made our pictures filthy, with power delivery that can be easily modulated to use the available traction. With a set of winter tires, you'd have no worries at all.
The trunk is useful, even with the hybrid gear. You get a whole mess of useable space, and the rear seat legroom is enormous, too, thanks to the longer wheelbase the ES now rides on.
The interior is quite handsome and well-trimmed, not to mention comfortable. Just like the exterior shows signs of the new mojo working at Lexus, the interior feels luxurious enough to fend off the rest of its competitors. Unfortunately, the tech is a little clunky and there are a whole bunch of cutlines that show how the center console is assembled.
There's a Drive Mode selector so you can pick between Normal, Eco or Sport modes. Naturally, Sport is the least annoying mode, acting most like a non-hybrid car. One nice feature is you can customize the instrument cluster to display the tachometer in any mode (among other little personalizations) instead of having to look at the hybrid power meter, that's way less entertaining.
Hybrid brakes still feel like they're slowing the car more than they really are, something you realize halfway before a collision.
Observed fuel economy was 34 mpg combined. That's in winter, running E10, mostly highway. Not terrible, but given the EPA numbers, you might reasonably expect more.
While the ES300h is quiet and refined (and not super-floaty, yay!) most of the time, on the highway, there's more tire noise than you'd expect.

2013 Lexus ES300h originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus ES350

Michael Harley — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Finally Saying Goodbye To Its Camry Roots

In its equivalent world of breakfast foods, the Lexus ES350 is unquestionably the pancake. While its siblings may offer more interesting textures, flavors and consistencies - a generally more exciting culinary experience - the four-door ES is designed with 'indistinct' as its middle name. Its objective is to please just about every entry-level luxury buyer once it ends up on their plate.

Even after a complete redesign for the 2013 model year, the sixth-generation Lexus ES350 emerges every bit as family-friendly and non-polarizing as its predecessors. It is the everyman's luxury sedan, offering attractive pricing and a satisfying fill of amenities and features with the sweetness of a long warranty and polished customer service to back things up.

As a result of its overall wholesomeness and demeanor, the ES350 sells like hotcakes, too. Last year, 56,158 customers took delivery, thus allowing the five-passenger sedan to continue its reign as the highest sales volume Lexus passenger car (it outsells the bigger LS nearly seven-to-one).

To learn more about the all-new ES, and take our own taste of its goodness, we recently spent a week with the midsize luxury sedan in Southern California.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus ES350

2013 Lexus ES350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports finds flaw with Lexus ES, GS emergency trunk safety release, alerts NHTSA

Zach Bowman — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Safety, Videos, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

Consumer Reports has found what it says is a flaw with the emergency trunk release handles in certain Lexus models. During testing, the organization found that the federally mandated emergency handles on new Lexus ES and GS sedans can easily break if pulled toward the user (presumably a person trapped inside the vehicle's trunk). Once broken, the handles no longer function, creating a safety hazard. CR also checked other vehicles in its fleet, but found no such similar defect. As a result, the watchdog alerted both parent Toyota, which has launched its own internal investigation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to the issue. Both the automaker and NHTSA are currently determining whether further action needs to be taken.

As you may recall, this isn't the first time Consumer Reports has blown the safety whistle on a Lexus model. In 2010, CR discovered a flaw in the stability control system of the Lexus GX SUV that lead to increased rollover risk during evasive maneuvers. In that case, Toyota quickly issued a recall, complete with a software update to take care of the problem. Watch the video below for a full explanation of the trunk release issue.

Continue reading Consumer Reports finds flaw with Lexus ES, GS emergency trunk safety release, alerts NHTSA

Consumer Reports finds flaw with Lexus ES, GS emergency trunk safety release, alerts NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch a Lexus ES magazine ad come to life with CinePrint technology

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

We've seen all sorts of clever marketing tricks lately, but we'll admit, this is actually pretty cool. Taking its print advertising campaign one step further, Lexus has employed CinePrint to bring some life to an otherwise static magazine spot for its new 2013 ES sedan in the October 15 issue of Sports Illustrated.

Here's how it works: Download the iPad edition of SI, place the iPad under the actual magazine page displaying the ad, dim the lights and watch it all unfold. The once-lifeless ES ad now dances on the page using technology that, as Lexus says, creates "a tactile and visceral connection that brings one closer to the printed page with a multi-sensory experience that combines sight, sound and touch." In other words, it looks really rad.

You can check it out in person with this month's issue of Sports Illustrated, or simply scroll down to see the CinePrint ad in action.

Continue reading Watch a Lexus ES magazine ad come to life with CinePrint technology

Watch a Lexus ES magazine ad come to life with CinePrint technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus prices 2013 ES 350 and ES 300h

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus has officially slapped a window sticker on its 2013 ES 350 sedan and ES 300h hybrid. Unlike most new car and truck refreshes, this one comes with a bit of a pricing shocker: the 2013 Lexus ES 350 has been priced at $36,100* - a decrease of 1.7 percent compared to the 2012 ES sedan. (Add delivery charges of $895 to all listed prices.)

That asking price will net the driver a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine (248 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. The EPA estimates that combo is good for 21 miles per gallon city, 31 highway and 24 combined.

Want something a little more... electric? Checking the box for the ES 300h and its 2.5-liter engine/electric motor hybrid combination will run you $2,750 over the base ES. Those $38,850 bring fuel mileage figures of 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined courtesy of its 200 total horses. Drivers can also engage an EV mode that keeps the gas-powered engine off at low speeds for short distances.

Want to know more about the 2013 ES? Click here for our detailed First Drive report, then scroll down for the official pricing press release.

Continue reading Lexus prices 2013 ES 350 and ES 300h

Lexus prices 2013 ES 350 and ES 300h originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why it takes mad origami skills to work as a Lexus upholsterer

Zach Bowman — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Lexus, Design/Style

Lexus sets high standards for the craftsmen behind the interior of the 2013 ES 350. Automotive News reports those responsible for stitching the leather on the sedan's instrument panel must first pass a simple test. Given a blank piece of paper, the applicants must construct an origami cat's head. No big deal, right? Not exactly. Lexus makes each worker fold the piece using one hand, whichever one happens to be their non-dominant. As if that weren't difficult enough, they have to do it in under 90 seconds.

That kind of manual dexterity is tricky to master. According to Automotive News, it can take years to become a Takumi, but the level of control is important for work typically relegated to mechanized hands.

Why it takes mad origami skills to work as a Lexus upholsterer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus ES 350

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, First Drives, Luxury

Same As It Ever Was

Toyota really caught us off guard at the 2012 New York Auto Show. While scanning the press materials for the 2013 Avalon, we noticed the word "sporty" was used on quite a few occasions, and the release even talked about foreign-to-the-Avalon concepts like "throttle response," "steering feel" and "paddle shifters." At the time, it appeared that Toyota was actually getting serious about injecting a bit of youth and enthusiasm into its most geriatric-friendly machine.

How is this relevant to the car we're discussing today, the 2013 Lexus ES? For the first time since its debut in 1989, the ES no longer shares its platform with the appliance-for-the-masses Toyota Camry, a vehicle that we recently described as "old and tired," despite being totally new for the 2012 model year. For this new, sixth-generation ES, Lexus has opted to use the platform that also underpins the upcoming Avalon, the same one that piqued our interest at the New York expo.

Lexus itself wants us to believe that this new ES is more athletic. Scan the company's literature and you'll read about the "direct steering feel" and the "sport mode [that] increases powertrain and steering responsiveness." Sure, it sounds like the usual PR mumbo-jumbo, but these sorts of phrases had never appeared in ES press releases before now.

This can't possibly be just another plushy-plush Camry, right?

Continue reading 2013 Lexus ES 350

2013 Lexus ES 350 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus debuts 2013 ES including new 300h hybrid

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

When the Toyota Camry gets overhauled, like it did this year, you know it's not long before its corporate sister, the Lexus ES, gets revisited as well. And Lexus has done exactly that this afternoon at the New York Auto Show, with the new model doing what the ES does best: Surprise no one.

As expected, the biggest news is the announcement of a hybrid ES, a move that should be the final nail in the coffin of the slow-selling HS 250h. This new hybrid is essentially the Camry hybrid in a nicer package, powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder fitted with the ubiquitous Toyota hybrid system. As it does in the hybrid GS, Lexus will offer a sport drive mode, as well as an EV mode. Lexus estimates that the ES hybrid will have 40-mile-per-gallon combined fuel economy, matching that of the Camry Hybrid XLE (a number that presumably will give it best-in-class bragging rights).

The ES gets the new Lexus spindle grille treatment and a 1.8-inch longer wheelbase, but changes to the sheetmetal aren't as dramatic as the upgraded cabin. The instrument panel now resembles the one in the GS, with a horizontal treatment and a big LCD screen, along with the love/hate Lexus Remote Touch Interface controller snuggling next to the gearshift in the center console. New seats boast a leather-alternative NuLuxe covering, although real hide is also available, along with premium semi-aniline leather. Somehow, Lexus has even managed to find an extra four inches of legroom up front.

The ES 350 will still mate Toyota's proven 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed automatic, driving the front wheels. But Lexus says it's modified the suspension and steering in this generation of ES to improve handling - and it's even cut the curb weight of the 2013 ES by 90 pounds.

Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Lexus debuts 2013 ES including new 300h hybrid

Lexus debuts 2013 ES including new 300h hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus ES teased ahead of New York debut

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus has released this teaser image of the 2013 ES sedan, and - surprise, surprise - it shows off the spindle grille and LED running lamps found on each and every one of the automaker's vehicles. More to the point, it looks exactly like what we saw in a set of Chinese spy shots that we posted last month, so really, there isn't much left for us to speculate on in terms of design.

The Camry-based Lexus mid-sizer will likely debut in ES 350 guise, powered by Toyota's tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6. And while, historically, there's only been one engine offered in the ES range, rumor has it that this sixth-generation model may gain a hybrid variant with a version of the Camry Hybrid's gasoline-electric powertrain. Regardless, Lexus states that the new ES will feature "a new dynamic driving experience." We'll see about that.

Inside, expect a host of updates similar to what we've seen on the GS sedan, including a larger infotainment display screen and mouse-like controller, as well as the addition of Lexus Enform. We'll have the full details next week live from New York, so stay tuned. For now, hit the jump for the automaker's brief press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Lexus ES teased ahead of New York debut

2013 Lexus ES teased ahead of New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus ES shows up undisguised in China

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

The car in the image above may bear a striking resemblance to the 2013 Lexus GS, but take a second look - that's actually the next-generation ES, despite its shockingly similar appearance. It's no secret that Lexus' new hourglass grille is quickly spreading across its entire model range (check out the recently unveiled 2013 LX 570 for reference), and while the ES looks fashionably familiar, there are a few new touches to note.

Underneath the headlamps we can clearly see a row of LED running lights, similar to what's found on the GS... and IS... and CT. Around back, there's a similar resemblance to the larger GS, though the lines are a bit more sedate - a good thing, as the ES shopper tends to be a little more conservative than folks opting for the rear-wheel-drive GS. Chinese site Autohome got its hands on some interior photos, too, and - surprise, surprise - there's a whole lot of GS in the reworked cabin as well, with a two-tiered dash featuring large navigation/infotainment screen up top.

The car Autohome caught is the ES 250 model, which suggests that Lexus' 2.5-liter V6 is underhood - the same engine available in the GS 250 in other markets. Here in the United States, the ES will still likely be available with the automaker's 3.5-liter V6, though earlier reports have suggested that a new hybrid model could also be in the cards.

2013 Lexus ES shows up undisguised in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA proposing panic stop system for keyless ignition

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Technology, Lexus, Toyota

In the wake of the heavily publicized fatal crash involving a Lexus ES 350 with keyless ignition in California, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing standardizing keyless ignition systems. The government regulator wants all vehicles with keyless ignition to turn off after a button press of just half a second, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The proposal states that among the concerns are "drivers' inability to stop a moving vehicle in a panic situation," according to the report. That's what happened in the Lexus crash that killed four people in 2009, in which a three-second button press was necessary to turn off the engine, according to Bloomberg. The incident was one of many that led to recalls of Toyota vehicles in 2009 and 2010.

Automakers have already discussed standardizing their keyless ignition systems, according to an Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers spokeswoman. The half-second delay falls within a range recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers.

While this new regulation is clearly a good thing, we do wonder what was wrong with just using keys?

NHTSA proposing panic stop system for keyless ignition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models

Zach Bowman — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury

Lexus has introduced a slew of 2012 special edition models, including unique variants of the LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h. The rear-wheel-drive Lexus LS 460 Sport Special Edition offers buyers standard equipment that includes Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned air suspension and sport front seats in addition to 19-inch split-10-spoke wheels and a two-tone leather interior, among other amenities. Expect to hand over $77,000, excluding destination.

Meanwhile, the ES 350 Touring Edition comes laden with 17-inch 10-spoke wheels, a steering wheel and shift knob trimmed in leather and wood, navigation and saddle-tan leather heated and cooled seats. Additional equipment is also part of the package, and all that kit will bump the ES 350 Touring Edition MSRP to $40,475, excluding destination.

Finally, the CT 200h is getting the sport treatment as well with the F Sport Special Edition (seen above). The model is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels of its own, along with an F Sport suspension that includes specific springs and sway bars. An F Sport appearance package is also along for the ride, and includes a mesh grille, larger rear spoiler, aluminum sport pedals and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel. Asking price? A cool $37,995. Lexus will politely ask for $875 for delivery on each model. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models

Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus planning LF-A Roadster for 2014; seven-seat CUV delayed

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Crossover, Lexus

The super-hot Lexus LFA coupe may only have a production run of 500 units, but the candle might not burn out on this stunner anytime soon. According to Automotive News, Lexus will produce an LFA roadster, previewed by the 2008 Detroit Auto Show concept car pictured above. Interestingly, the report indicates that there will likely be a one-year hiatus in between LFA coupe and roadster production, so the droptop supercar should hit the streets in mid-2014.

Automotive News also reports that Lexus' long-rumored seven-passenger crossover, dubbed 'VX', has been delayed, even after several years of study. As far as the automaker's CUVs and SUVs go, the RX will get a redesign in early 2014, using some of the new bits found in the updated Toyota Camry platform. The larger GX, which was redesigned in 2010, will not see any major changes, and the grandaddy LX will likely carry on unchanged for the foreseeable future - possibly beyond 2015.

Lexus' sedan lineup will also see some big changes over the next few years, starting with the launch of the all-new 2012 GS early next year. Following that, the ES will be redesigned and tuned and a hybrid version will finally be offered. The smaller IS will get an overhaul in late 2012, based on a chopped version of the new GS platform.

Lexus planning LF-A Roadster for 2014; seven-seat CUV delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus 'ES 300h' trademark filing suggests lux'd up Camry Hybrid on the way?

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Lexus, Rumormill

2010 Lexus ES 350 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Camry-based Lexus ES isn't exactly the most exciting product in the automaker's range. The entry-level luxury front-driver just received a slight refresh for the 2010 model year, but based on a filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office discovered by Car and Driver, an electrified ES hybrid may be in the cards for the sedan's next generation.

Like the rest of Lexus' hybrids, the numerical part of the 'ES 300h' nomenclature doesn't really hold any sort of significance in terms of engine displacement. We'd hardly be surprised to find the Camry Hybrid's 2.4-liter mill under the Lexus' hood, though we won't rule out the possibility that output numbers could be tweaked for use in the ES 300h.

The move to hybrid-ify the ES sedan makes sense, as Lexus has long said that it wants to broaden its gasoline-electric offerings. The automaker currently has the CT 200h, HS 250h, GS 450h, RX 450h and LS 600h L, but adding a sixth hybrid car would further strengthen the brand's appeal to eco-minded luxury customers. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Car and Driver]

Lexus 'ES 300h' trademark filing suggests lux'd up Camry Hybrid on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350 is soft-riding royalty that's lost its crown

Chris Shunk — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 Lexus ES 350 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The entry-level luxury sedan segment doesn't command the enthusiast attention of, say, the ultra-premium luxury sports sedan. But if you ask automakers to choose between the two, we'd wager that most would rather have a best-in-class $35,000 sedan than a world-beating $70,000 sports tourer.

The reason? Very few fortunes are made selling a few thousand highfalutin' rocket launchers, but bottom lines can easily be bolstered or crippled based on the success or failure of a plush, high-volume cruiser. Luxury marques from Acura to Volvo have experienced varied levels of success at the low end of the luxury market, but few have enjoyed the consistent sales dominance of the Lexus ES. In the past decade, Toyota has cranked out over 600,000 copies in the U.S. alone, with another 650,000 units shipped around the world. And those sales have traditionally been overwhelmingly of the retail variety with little or no incentives. Not bad for what many consider a glorified Toyota Camry.

Enthusiasts take note: Lexus didn't reach such lofty sales levels with a rear-wheel-drive architecture or pavement-punishing quantities of horsepower. The road map to success for the ES has been simple: a soft, compliant ride; a pampering interior; and unmatched quality. The fifth-generation ES350 has built nicely on those attributes with smoother power, a quieter cabin and more technology. But the competition is still striving to overtake the ES in sales, so Lexus has gone and given its top-selling sedan a mid-cycle refresh for 2010. We spent a week in a Starfire Pearl ES350 to see if it still had the goods to remain a top option in the entry-level luxury segment.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350

Continue reading Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350 is soft-riding royalty that's lost its crown

Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350 is soft-riding royalty that's lost its crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Toyota said to install brake override systems in all cars by end of 2010

Dan Roth — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Toyota

From the "things that should probably already be there" file comes the announcement that Toyota will be installing brake override systems in response to recent incidents of runaway cars. Toyota North America president Yoshi Inaba told Automotive News that the system will force the engine into idle if it senses the driver is trying to apply the brakes unsuccessfully.

The Toyota Camry and Lexus ES350 will be the first models to get the new system, with installation beginning this month. Toyota's effort follows on the heels of a massive 3.8 million vehicle recall to reshape and replace accelerator pedals. The automaker is attributing reports of runaway cars on floor mat interference with the pedals, though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reportedly remains suspicious of other contributing factors.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

BREAKING: Toyota said to install brake override systems in all cars by end of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Facelifted 2010 Lexus ES350 caught in Japan

Chris Shunk — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

After years of sales dominance in the near luxury segment, the Lexus ES350 is beginning to see increased competition from the likes of - who woulda thunk it? - Lincoln and Buick. It doesn't help much that the styling of the ES is getting long in the tooth as, but new spy shots show that the ES could be getting a makeover in 2010.

Even though the ES350 isn't sold in Japan, these spy photos were apparently taken at a dealership in the land of the Rising Sun. The changes appear to be minor based on the photos, with most of the differences happening up front. The grille appears to be more prominent, with more chrome than the outgoing model.

In addition, the undisguised spy photo shows an updated lower fascia with a single slot opening and new fog lights. The front bumper also appears to have sharper lines than the 2009 model. Out back, we only see slightly updated tail lamps, while the side mirrors retain the same shape but add LED lighting.

Based on these spy shots, the ES350 doesn't look too terribly different than the 2009 model. Given the conservative nature of Lexus redesigns, we're not at all surprised. To look at all three spy photos of the 2010 ES350, head over to World Car Fans.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Facelifted 2010 Lexus ES350 caught in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Mitsubishi

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer - Click above for high-res image gallery

As any kid learns on Christmas morning, expectations are a bitch. And once you've made the transition to adulthood, things don't change. It's widely accepted that most of us who pray at the altar of the car Gods are simply eight-year olds with a bit more expendable income... and for the most part, that's true. There are a few synapses that get fired when we overcook a particular corner in our daily rides, the same ones that were triggered when we yanked up on the makeshift e-brake of our Big Wheels. So when we took delivery of a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES, we were expecting handling and motivation to match the new Lancer's aggressive styling, even in this just-better-than-base model. After seven days of merciless flogging, we were left with a sport compact-sized hole in our hearts, just like when Santa didn't leave the Super Nintendo underneath our tree.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: "New" '73 Volvo P1800ES

Dan Roth — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Volvo

If a car's been sitting at a dealership for 34 years, you'd expect it to develop a certain amount of vehicular arthritis, in the form of brittle rubber, aged braking components and rodent havens. In the case of this Volvo 1800ES, originally owned by Gordon Turner, proprietor of Turner Volvo, it's recieved regular attention during the 10,000 miles it's accrued during its time as a demo car.

For the uninitiated, 1800s are the "exotic" vintage Volvo and nice examples can trade for several thousand dollars. This one's got a starting bid of $20,000 and the reserve has yet to be met.

More after the jump.

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: "New" '73 Volvo P1800ES

eBay Find of the Day: "New" '73 Volvo P1800ES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aw, Snap! Toyota recalling 54,217 vehicles in Japan

John Neff — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Recalls, Toyota

Toyota announced today that it is recalling 54,217 vehicles sold in Japan that could possibly catch fire if parked and left running. The recall affects two models, the Harrier SUV and Windom sedan (known as the Lexus RX and ES, respecitvely, in North America). Apparently there's a possible defect in each vehicle's computer control system that could cause it to malfunction and catch fire. Two vehicles have reportedly went up in flames on account of this defect and 26 complaints about the vehicles have been filed. The units being recalled were produced between December 1997 and November 2000, and Toyota insists none were exported for sale.

The Big T has been blasted in the media this year for performing a higher than normal number of recalls yet still maintaining an image of impeccable quality throughout its brands. One wonders at what point that image will begin to fade if the recalls continue. Toyota's announcement today further justifies Ford's decision yesterday to delay the delivery of Edge and MKX crossovers to dealers until problems with the manufacturing process could be ironed out. It's always best to deal with issues in the factory rather than shifting them over to the owner's driveway.

[Source: International Herald Tribune, Associated Press]
Related posts:

Aw, Snap! Toyota recalling 54,217 vehicles in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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