BEIJING, April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- After six
generations of unprecedented success in the entry-luxury sedan
category, the next-generation Lexus ES is forging a new, more
ambitious path. Long known for its unparalleled comfort, refinement
and luxury appointments, the seventh-generation ES builds on its
strengths with an all-new chassis that allows for a more dynamic
exterior design and the introduction of the first ES F SPORT.
Representing the third vehicle in the Future Chapter of Lexus
that started with the LC coupe and LS sedan, the new ES expands
that vision of the brand's future to a broader audience.
Traditional buyers will find the new ES more spacious, quieter and
safer than ever before while a new generation of customers will be
introduced to a sedan with sharpened performance, class-leading
active safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found
in this segment.
The New Dimension of ES Design
Built on the all-new
Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, the new ES pushes the
limits of design in the luxury sedan class. This ES is longer (+2.6
in), lower (-.2 in) and wider (+1.8 in.) than before with wheels
that have been pushed closer to the corners thanks to a two-inch
longer wheelbase and wider tracks front (+.4 in) and rear (+1.5
in). Its stance and proportions reflect its newfound performance
capabilities and give the ES the kind of eye-catching appearance
that will make owners take a second look as they walk away.
Project Chief Designer, Yasuo
Kajino, describes the look of the ES as "provocative
elegance".
"The ES has always been an elegant luxury sedan. For this
generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge the
traditional expectations of buyers."
To create a dynamic yet fluid shape, Kaijino's team used the low
hood enabled by the new ES platform to produce a distinctive
silhouette emphasized by an aggressive downward slant. Up front,
the ES offers two dramatically different grille designs. The
standard ES 350 and the ES 300h use elegant vertical bars
that radiate out from the center while the ES 350 F SPORT
model adopts a blacked out pattern consisting of "L"-shaped
clusters with corresponding cut outs at each corner of the
fascia.
In a break with ES models of the past, the seventh-generation
design uses a fast roofline that emphasizes its lower stance and
slippery aerodynamics. The rear end is clean and sharply chiseled,
with LED taillamps that wrap around the quarter panels to provide a
continuous styling line from any angle. F SPORT models add a
rear spoiler, additional rear badging and a dark lower valance to
further refine the look. There are three different wheel designs
(standard 17-inch, two 18-inch) for the ES 350 and
ES 300h while the ES 350 F SPORT gets standard
19-inch wheels with a design similar to that found on the LC
coupe.
A dozen colors make up the exterior paint palette including two
new shades, one green and one beige, that are anything but typical.
Moonbeam Beige Metallic was designed to mimic light reflecting off
fresh snow, while Sunlit Green replicates the color of ocean water
brightened by the sun. F SPORT models get an exclusive Ultra
Sonic Blue Mica 2.0 color that complements its high-energy
design.
The Future of Lexus Interiors
When designing the look
and feel of the ES's interior, Kajino's team started with the Lexus
Future Interior concept which blends a driver-centric cockpit with
a spacious and comfortable area for the front passenger. In the ES,
the driver's focus is kept on the road ahead by placing the center
display screen, instrument panel and available heads up display in
a tight cluster in the driver's field of view. Front passengers, on
the other hand, get a more open and spacious environment that
promotes relaxation.
Rear seat passenger comfort has long been a hallmark of the ES
and the seventh-generation model still prioritizes rear package
capability despite the sleeker exterior roofline. A lower hip point
and a carefully configured headliner preserve headroom while the
longer wheelbase delivers generous legroom.
To create an entirely different appearance for the inside of new
F SPORT model, an all-new kind of metallic cabin trim was developed
that is unlike anything else Lexus has done before. Inspired by the
making of a traditional Japanese sword, Hadori aluminum trim
features fluctuating wave patterns that give it a three-dimensional
appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle. The effect
is subtle yet indicative of the level of detail and craftsmanship
that Kajino's team put into giving the F SPORT a unique place in
the lineup. The standard ES 350 and ES 300h will continue to offer
traditional materials like Matte Bamboo, Linear Dark Mocha and
Linear Espresso wood which give the ES a hand-crafted appearance
that luxury buyers expect in this category.
A New Era of Performance
The engineering team led by
Yasuhiro Sakakibara had one clear
goal when it came to the ES: transform the image of the ES. That
meant turning a sedan known primarily for comfort and quietness
into one that is equally capable of delivering class-leading
handling and power that you can feel and hear.
According to Sakakibara, this ES was built to deliver a
fundamentally higher level of performance than any of its
predecessors. "We knew that this ES had to feel responsive and easy
to drive, no matter what kind of road it was on and that can only
be achieved with a solid foundation."
The starting point was the newly developed GA-K chassis. It's an
exceptionally rigid front-wheel drive chassis, rivalling the GA-L
rear-wheel drive platform used for the LC coupe and LS sedan in
terms of torsional stiffness. Various grades of high-tensile steel
reduce weight versus previous platforms while additional
enhancements like an all-new multi-link rear suspension design,
rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind
the rear seat gave the engineers the flexibility to tune the ES
with a newfound level of precision.
All of the upgrades to the chassis were designed to deliver a
sense of comforting predictability coupled with a feeling of quick
response to every movement. Yoshiaki
Ito, chief test driver for Lexus, describes the ES's
heightened level and refined definition of comfort by saying: "We
want every kind of driver to feel a sense of complete control when
they are behind the wheel of the ES. It's a level of comfort that
goes beyond merely delivering a smooth ride."
For an enhanced level of dynamic performance, F SPORT
models offer an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) similar to that
found on the LC coupe. AVS adds adjustable dampers at each corner
that feature 650 levels of damping force for the ultimate in
control over any surface. Another F SPORT exclusive is a
Sport+ mode for the Drive Mode Select system that selects the most
aggressive engine, transmission and suspension settings for maximum
performance. A new Engine Sound Enhancement feature is also
activated in Sport+ mode that adds an additional layer of engine
noise that enhances the natural rhythms of the spirited
driving.
Standard V6 Power and a New 8-Speed Direct-Shift Automatic
Transmission
All ES 350s are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that
is designed to deliver commanding acceleration along with an
invigorating sound. With an update to D4-S fuel injection, the
impressively smooth engine now develops 302 horsepower and 267
pound-feet of torque. Both of those numbers are up significantly
(+34 hp, +19 lb-ft) compared to the previous generation V6.
In addition to the boost in power, the ES 350 also benefits from
a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. It uses an
ultra-thin torque converter and a multi-plate lock up clutch to
more efficiently transfer power to the front wheels, and has been
tuned to deliver crisp, precisely timed shifts with quick
responses. With a wider spread of ratios, the new eight speed is
able to utilize high torque gears on the low end for quick starts
and tall gearing on the high end for optimum efficiency.
Fourth Generation Hybrid Drive System
Not to be
outdone by its gasoline siblings, the ES 300h is capable of
delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and
minimal emissions for an entry-level luxury sedan. A new,
fourth-generation Hybrid Drive System couples an ultra-efficient,
Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with a lighter,
more compact, more power dense electric motor and self-charging
hybrid system. Together they deliver a combined 215 total system
horsepower and a preliminary estimate of 44 mpg in combined
driving.
An all-new engine, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder incorporates
fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most
thermally efficient engines ever offered in a Lexus. The result is
more power without increasing emissions or fuel consumption.
Various methods were used to achieve such impressive results
including straight intake ports, increased valve angles and
laser-clad valve seats. A variable capacity oil pump, multihole
injectors, VVTi-E on the intake valves and a variable cooling
system also contribute to the engine's impressive heat and
combustion management.
Overall drivability of the ES 300h has been improved thanks to a
more sophisticated hybrid system control computer that is better
able to mimic the feel and power delivery of a standard gas engine.
An all-new nickel metal hydride battery is smaller than before
which allows it to be mounted underneath the back seat so it
doesn't infringe on trunk space.
Unparalleled Safety Comes Standard
One element of the
ES that hasn't been radically transformed is its dedication to
safety. All versions of the seventh-generation ES feature the new
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard equipment. Already one of the
most sophisticated systems of its kind, LSS+ 2.0 adds new features
that further expand its capabilities.
One such feature is daytime bicyclist detection which is part of
the comprehensive Pre-Collision System (PCS). Already designed to
detect an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian, the PCS system's ability
to potentially detect a bicyclist addresses a common accident
scenario. PCS has also been enhanced to help better detect a
pedestrian at night by increasing the radar's sensitivity and
dynamic range.
Technology That Connects and Simplifies
Staying
connected has never been so important to ES owners, so there are
now multiple ways to engage with technology in a safe and
convenient manner. For example, the seventh-generation ES is the
first Lexus product to offer Apple CarPlay™ phone functionality,
enabling drivers to control their iPhones® through the dashboard
display screen or with Siri Eyes Free® voice control.
The ES is also Amazon Alexa®-enabled, so drivers can use natural
language commands to control a variety of functions. That
functionality includes car-to-home and home-to-car commands, so
owners who have Alexa enabled devices in their home can interact
with their ES before they ever get behind the wheel.
On board Wi-fi powered by Verizon is also available on the ES as
part of an optional navigation system that includes an easy-to-read
12.3-inch wide dashboard display. Along with its on-board data set,
the navigation system is also capable of receiving over-the-air
updates for improved routing and the latest Points of Interest
(POIs). Models without navigation will use an 8-inch display
and all interactions will be controlled through the Remote Touch
Interface (RTI) trackpad.
The Next Chapter of ES
When it goes on sale in
September, the 2019 Lexus ES will usher in a new era for one of the
brand's most popular models. Much like the flagship LS, the new ES
sedan addresses the need to engage a broader range of customers. It
delivers everything that traditional Lexus buyers expect along with
elements that will draw in those who haven't considered the brand
before. Bolder styling, more dynamic performance, unique cabin
materials and the latest technology add a chapter to the ES story
that hasn't been told, but that all changes in 2018.
|
ES
350
|
ES
300h
|
Engine
|
3.5-liter
V6
|
2.5-liter
four-cylinder hybrid
|
Layout
|
Front-wheel
drive
|
Front-wheel
drive
|
Transmission
|
8-speed
automatic
|
Hybrid
|
Max engine output
(hp)
|
302
|
|
Max engine torque
(lb-ft)
|
267
|
|
Total system output
(hp)
|
|
215
|
Battery
Type
|
|
Nickel Metal
Hydride
|
Length
|
195.9
|
195.9
|
Wheelbase
|
113.0
|
113.0
|
Width
|
73.4
|
73.4
|
Height
|
56.9
|
56.9
|
Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative
technology, and exhilarating performance enables the
luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its
customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury
sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has
developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers
in more than 90 countries. In the United
States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 240 dealers offering
a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating
Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also
offers six F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is
committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future
for luxury customers.
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MEDIA
CONTACT:
|
|
Nancy
Hubbell
|
Ed
Hellwig
|
469.292.4954
|
469.292.1165
|
Nancy.Hubbell@lexus.com
|
Edward.Hellwig@lexus.com
|
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SOURCE Lexus International