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Lexus ES 350
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I don't think, though, that the target demographic for this car includes the sports-oriented buyers who are gravitating toward the Acura TL. I hope I'm wrong about this.
I would expect great improvements to the handling and overall performance of the ES. Remember that this is a car meant for comfort, tighter handling means some give and take. Perhaps they can find the balance?
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/4215/esfrontenhanced8lv.png
Coming Soon: A New ES.
With all the excitement surrounding the recent introduction of the new LS 460, GS 450h, and IS, one could be forgiven for wondering if other Lexus models—like the ES—have been forgotten. Hardly. In fact, the ES has been completely redesigned as the 2007 ES 350.
Like other redesigned Lexus models, the new ES 350 sports what the chief engineer calls as “confident” new look, thanks in part to a wider stance and wheels repositioned closer to the vehicle’s corners. The ES 350 has a larger wheelbase and a wider track, both of which help enhance the vehicle’s handling and increases the interior space.
Designers also equipped the ES 350 with an array of new Lexus features, such as the keyless SmartAccess system with push-button ignition, the backup camera, Bluetooth® technology that gives drivers hands-free cell phone access (with compatible cell phones), and options such as swivel headlamps that turn with the road and a DVD Navigation System with the latest graphics and points of interest.
Under the hood, a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine, complete with Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) for maximum engine efficiency, produces 275 horsepower—a 50-horsepower increase from the ES 330’s engine. The vehicle also includes a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting, which improves overall vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Enhanced safety features include driver and front passenger knee airbags, a direct-type tire pressure monitor, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control. Plus, options abound--leather seats equipped with the Lexus Memory System, a glass roof, a power rear sunshade, and heated and ventilated front seats. (Most of these items will be included in a new ultra luxury package). Look for the 2007 ES 350 to arrive in dealerships this spring.
This ES looks very promising.
Notice that they said they will infuse better handling and sport into this ES. No doubt it will not be a performance sedan, but there are many ways of making a car handle well while still being very cushy and pampering.
If this car starts with a base price a tick above the IS 250 it will be a hit in my books. (This is comming from a 19 year old.)
5 more horses than the TL. Important. The tail wags the dog these days! :surprise:
DrFill
Like other redesigned Lexus models, the new ES 350 sports what the chief engineer calls as “confident” new look, thanks in part to a wider stance and wheels repositioned closer to the vehicle’s corners.
The ES 350 has a larger wheelbase and a wider track, both of which help enhance the vehicle’s handling and increases the interior space.
Under the hood, a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine, complete with Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) for maximum engine efficiency, produces 275 horsepower—a 50-horsepower increase from the ES 330’s engine.
It looks like Toyota has their eyes on the Acura TL (5AT) crowd with a practical (roomy), performance-oriented sedan. This may not be your mother's/grandma's ES. :shades:
Why, really, would the IS 350 command a higher price than the ES 350?
I am totally game if the ES 350 is just a touch more expensive than the IS 250; that would be perfect, and a really great value.
It's obvious that the new ES will use the new SAE ratings just like the new IS. That means 275HP (SAE net) compared to the 258HP (SAE net) of the TL. It will probably require premium, or have it as recommended, just like premium is recommended on the TL. Also about the TL's sportiness; the 5A TL is not as sporty as you think. The TL's reputation for good handling and sportiness mostly comes from the 6MT model, which most people seem to forget, comes with a helical limited slip differential. Slap a 6 speed manual and LSD onto the new ES, and I'll bet it will handle very close to a TL. A 6MT TL vs the new ES is not an entirely accurate comparison. I'm really interested to see if any magazines will compare a 5AT TL to the new ES, which is a more accurate comparison.
If you want sportiness, that's what the IS is for, and an IS350 will handily out-handle and outperform a 6MT TL.
To those who ask about the IS350's price; it is based on the GS chassis and uses a lot of GS components (ex. suspension, brakes). Also, it's engine with added direct injection is more expensive and more complex than the ES350's engine will be.
Current ES starts at basically 33K. IS350 starts basically at 36K, which is a 3K difference, which seems like a very reasonable difference.
Besides, seeing as the new ES will come with an "ultra lux" package , a loaded ES may approach the price of a loaded IS350.
A comparison with the Acura TL is apples and oranges. The standard TL is a sporty, very firm riding entry lux car that corners flat at high speed in Consumer Reports accident avoidance test and with a high skid pad rating from the car mags. That is not what the ES was or is. Compare to the Buick Lucerne or Toyota Avalon.
but dont you guys think that the new ES IS AND LS look like each other, but just a little stretched out? They dont really look that unique anymore
although I love the new ES interior
VEry nice
Doesn't look like the ES will be AWD since it was not explicitly stated. Thus far I like the looks and expected the updates. I think this will be a great seller for Lexus. Very nice inside and out (of what I have seen thus far).
Toyota Avalon? The ES pricing basically starts where the Avalon pricing just about ends. Sure, some people may be cross-shopping, but if you look at the sales, neither car has cannibalized sales of the other, which means different shoppers are buying these cars. With regards to the Lucerne, GM used the ES as a benchmark in many aspects, but in reality, the Lucerne competes with the Avalon, or rather barely manages to compete. The Lucerne has a 4 speed auto, and an interior very similar to an Impala, it only has a tilt (no telescoping) steering wheel, and bluetooth is not offered. Plus, the V6 Lucerne is really slow, it does 0 - 60 in about 9.5 sec. Even the V8 Lucerne only does 0 - 60 in about 7.5 sec. The Avalon and ES330 are both rockets compared to the V6 Lucerne, and easily trump the V8 in performance. The ES350 will only increase the gap. The Lucerne is also priced to compete with the Avalon, not the ES.
The real reason I compared the TL is because buyers DO cross shop between a TL and ES, I've personally witnessed it many times. Pricing, features, and dimensions are all quite similar in many respects, although the TL offers somewhat more sport, and the ES somewhat more luxury.
Lately, I have seen quite a few "older" ladies (as well as men) behind the wheel of the 5AT TL so traditional buyers of the ES are cross-shopping between the ES and TL. Maybe Toyota has realized this and that could explain the focus on performance for the ES350 (plus traditional Lexus luxury/comfort of course).
Like you said, the 5AT version of the TL is not as sporty as some people want to believe. It's FWD with slightly over-boosted steering and a wide turning circle. Try driving a 5AT G35 right before driving a 5AT TL which I did a few months ago. It does look "sporty" and the interior is nice. I think the ES350 will at the very least close the gap with that version of the TL except the ES will have a better ride.
Merely by design, the new ES will have better handling. It should be about the same size as the current ES (seeing as its on the Camry platform), but with a longer wheelbase, and a wider stance. It will be interesting to see if Toyota puts anything from the Camry SE onto the ES or not.
I wish people would quit posting that fabrication.......
Go back to post #305 and you'll see the actual car.
Sorry to jump on you but that chop has shown up on all the Lexus boards in the past week.
For a family with two children over the age of 4 of "normal" proportions, the IS would be perfectly fine.
There are still single people out there that would be attracted to the new ES 350, though.
PS - That last photo is obviously a chop. I don't think Lexus is looking for that "bodykit" look on the new ES.
I don't see any "bodykit" look on it. All I see is an aggressive and equally elegant front fascia. I think some people will be a bit suprised by this new ES. Suffice to say, it's not your grandma's ES anymore
They exagerated the tail lamps and we knew that, but now compare the side profile and you'll see what I mean.
I'd like to say I was correct all along...
Unfortunately I think it looks too close to the Camry. The profile and taillamp/headlight design are really similar. I would have liked Lexus to go with something different to separate the two.
The interior is classic Lexus - absolutely stunning.
~alphaB