Autoblog

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 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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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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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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Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, Lexus

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to isolating the two most important stats automakers consider when determining a vehicle's success or failure, the Lexus ES350 is a smash it. The stats in question are sales volume and profit, and the ES typically tops the entry-level luxury sales chart while often exceeding its competition in terms of price. Conversely, Buick has been stuck at the opposite end of the spectrum, with little in the way of product or respect - at least until recently. The well-received Enclave proved that General Motors' one-time bastard child could make competitive product, but the 2010 LaCrosse is tasked with taking on the likes of Acura and Lexus.

Inside Line was impressed enough with a LaCrosse it reviewed earlier that the online publication pitted Buick's upstart against the long dominant ES350. IL notes that the Lacrosse outweighs the ES by nearly 500 pounds, generates 2.5 fewer miles per gallon and has a .6 second slower 0-60 mph time, yet it handily bests the aging ES in nearly every category. Hit the read link below to check out the comparison. Has Buick arrived as a legitimate contender to Lexus? It's definitely too early to tell, but it looks like the division could finally be ready to put up a good fight.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: Inside Line]

Oldplay: Inside Line pits Buick LaCrosse against Lexus ES 350... who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:59:00 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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ESpionage: minor tweaks for 2010 Lexus ES

Noah Joseph — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Lexus

For fifteen years, the Lexus ES has been the top-selling luxury sedan from the top-selling luxury marque in America. But after twenty years of sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Camry, the Japanese auto giant has decided to let the two mainstay models go their separate ways. With the sportier IS sharing the duty of anchoring the lineup and a new hybrid model on its way, the ES might get scrapped altogether... but not before one last hurrah, previewed by the crude spy shot you see to the right. The 2010 Lexus ES350 will be a subtle update on the current fifth-generation model, in true Lexus style, with modest tweaks to the styling to keep it fresh for another few years. Nothing revolutionary, which means nothing to upset the model's conservative customer base, either. (That's what things like the IS-F are for.)

[Source: BurlappCars.com]

ESpionage: minor tweaks for 2010 Lexus ES originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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