Lexus ES300: history and description
The Lexus ES sedan set a value standard in entry-level
luxury when it arrived in 1990, and continued to set the pace in its 1992
redesign (when it went from being the ES250 to the ES300). The ES was
re-engineered in 1997, received a new powertrain (with the same engine
displacement) for model-year 1999, and updated again in 2000; the ES330
appeared afterwards, with the ES350 arriving in 2007
A perennial winner of quality awards from J.D. Power and
Associates and "Best Value" awards from Intellichoice, the Lexus ES
300 was given a more sporty appearance in 2000, with a new grill featuring a
wider chrome frame and two bars instead of three, with a chrome finish.
Designers gave the the front bumper a more "chiseled" design, and the
integrated foglamps now used clear lenses. New optional High-Intensity
Discharge (HID) headlights gave greater road lighting and lend the ES 300 a
different look in front. Redesigned tail lamps used clear lenses, while an ES
300 badge was put onto the right-side light.
More important, the optional Lexus Vehicle Skid Control
(VSC) system, introduced in 1999, was expanded to include the advanced Brake
Assist feature in 2000. VSC helps maintain traction under demanding conditions
by detecting and helping to correct for wheel slip. Brake Assist interprets a
quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking and, if the driver has
not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake
system (ABS), Brake Assist supplements the applied braking pressure.
In 2000, the separate remote lock fob was replaced by an
on-key remote button, and new stainless-steel doorsill scuff plates with the
Lexus logo were added; additional wood trim surrounding the audio and climate
controls augmented the genuine California walnut trim on the center console and
doors. New, more-recessed rear-seat headrests improved rearward visibility for
the driver, and a lock for the standard trunk pass-through was added; 16 inch
alloy wheels with 205/60 tires were made optional. Auto-dimming interior and
driver's side rear-view mirrors became standard equipment, and the optional
heated seats were given two temperature settings; and the optional driver's
power seat memory included the outside mirror settings.
The standard audio system added Automatic Sound Level (ASL),
which adjusts volume up or down in response to ambient noise. Specially tinted
window and moonroof glass rejected ultraviolet and infrared light to help keep
the interior cool on sunny days and to protect interior materials from
premature aging, and a dust/particle filter was made part of the leather trim
package.
The ES350 advanced the state of the art with the new Lexus
3.5 liter V6, pushing out 272 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque in 2007, while
still increasing gas mileage thanks partly to dual variable valve technology
(working on both intake and exhaust valves) with variable lift; the system,
along with a six-speed automatic transmission, helped the ES350 to get from
0-60 in 6.8 seconds while still getting Camry-like gas mileage (21 city, 30
highway).
Lexus ES 300 performance and brief review (2000)
The aluminum 3.0-liter double-overhead cam V6 engine
produced 210 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft of peak torque (about the same as the
IS300), allowing for a sprint from 0-60 mph in just 8.3 seconds, good for the
time in an automatic-transmission car. Perhaps more important, the engine produced
80 percent of its peak torque - 176 lb.ft. - at a very low 1,600 rpm, which
enhanced performance in everyday situations, such as freeway merging or driving
up a steep grade with a full load of passengers. Gas mileage is 19 city, 26
highway, rather good for a luxury sedan.
A three-stage variable intake system and a two-way bypass
exhaust system optimize breathing and help boost torque in the ES 300 engine.
Continuously variable valve timing optimizes valve overlap throughout the
engine's speed range and in all operating conditions, eliminating the
traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower. The
Lexus VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent) system also helps to optimize
fuel efficiency, and it helps to reduce emissions to the point that the engine
does not require exhaust gas recirculation. The ES 300 is certified as a Low
Emissions Vehicle (LEV).
The electronic four-speed automatic transmission provides an
outstanding balance of smooth shifting and quick response to make best use of
the engine's torque curve. The transmission avoids unnecessary upshifting and
downshifting to create a smooth ride.
The ES 300 is completely silent and still at idle, helping
the stereo to sound clear and strong even at low levels. Part of the reason is
a solenoid-controlled diaphragm which cancels out the engine's vibration; there
is also considerable noise insulation. While the ES 300 does not feel fun and
exciting under full acceleration because of this, it does feel remarkably
civilized under just about any conditions.
The ride is soft without being wallowy, soaking up
imperfections but still transmitting some road feel and not giving up any
control; there's no big trick in seeing how Lexus leapfrogged Lincoln and
Cadillac, not to mention Mercedes.
High-intensity discharge headlights are optional; they give
a blue tint, which hurts other drivers’ vision by scattering the light, but
they do provide considerably more light than standard halogens. Tail-lights are
now clear, following a fashion trend, and the ignition key includes the remote
fob, saving some keyring space. The interior has more of a luxury feel thanks
to extra wood trim, new rear seat-rests, automatic-dimming rear view mirrors,
and a lock for the trunk pass-through. An optional automatic climate control
particle filter is a worthwhile boon not only to people with allergies, but to
anyone who drives in a dirty, dusty environment - which is most of us.
Standard features include antilock brakes, automatic climate
control, a tool kit and first aid kit, power driver and passenger seats, remote
locking, cruise control, and traction control.
Advanced Lexus safety features
The ES 300 helps protect its occupants with an array of
safety technology, starting with front and rear energy-managing crumple-zone
body construction and a strong passenger compartment. Inside, the ES 300 has
three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions as well as dual front
airbag and front seat-mounted side airbag Supplemental Restraint Systems. The
front seatbelts feature pretensioners, force limiters and height-adjustable
anchors. New child restraint seat (CRS) top tether brackets comply with the
phase-in of the CRS Anchorage Point Regulation.
Standard safety technology includes electronic traction
control (TRAC), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and daytime running lights.
Lexus ES300 construction
While luxurious amenities abound in the ES 300, its luxury
"feel" actually starts with a tight unibody structure that integrates
extensive measures to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). A
construction technique shared with the LS 400 flagship sedan, the ES 300
employs asphalt dampening sheets in the roof, rear quarter panels, floorpan and
trunk lining, along with steel-resin-steel sandwich construction in the
dashboard, cowl, front floor tunnel and rear wheel housings.
Four-wheel independent suspension mounted in the subframes
gives the ES 300 a luxuriously smooth ride and precision, fun-to-drive
handling. For an even smoother and more responsive ride, the ES 300 offers an
optional Adaptive Variable Suspension system (AVS).
This innovative system - uncommon in this segment -
continuously changes each wheel's shock absorber damping rate in response to
road surface conditions, vehicle speed, driver steering and braking input and even
vertical vehicle movement. AVS also permits the driver to select the desired
range of ride character from "sport" to "comfort."
While renowned for the smoothness of its engines, Lexus
found a way to eliminate even the smallest vibrations in the ES 300. An
industry-first active engine mount uses a solenoid-controlled diaphragm to
produce pulses equal-but-opposite to those of the engine, canceling out
vibration with every power stroke.
source: http://www.toyoland.com/lexus/es300.htmlhttp://www.boscheuropean.com
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