SW03ES

Your car is 20 years old. The time that the manufacturer would have been responsible for anything has LONG since passed

Press release: NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 – Lexus today unveiled the all-new 2013 ES lineup, including the ES 350 and ES 300h equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring a progressive new design and enhanced handling, the 2013 ES sedan is set to continue as a favorite of luxury car buyers. “The Lexus ES brought new levels of refinement, sophistication and quality to the entry luxury segment when it entered the market in 1989, and through the years it has consistently been a sales leader for us,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “Now, with both gas and hybrid versions, the 2013 ES promises to lead Lexus forward once again.” ES 350 Now Complemented by ES 300h Hybrid For the first time, the Lexus ES will be available with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, the ES 300h hybrid is expected to earn an EPA fuel economy rating of approximately 40 mpg combined city/highway. This new, low friction twin cam engine utilizes a sophisticated power management system, 12.5:1 compression ratio, and Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The beltless motor is designed to improve fuel economy and durability, and a near zero evaporative fuel system helps reduce emissions. The ES 300h hybrid offers the driver four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV. EV mode allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack. Normal mode provides a blend of performance and efficiency that is suited to everyday driving, while Eco mode favors fuel economy. Sport mode increases powertrain responsiveness. The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Dual VVT-i. The six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides enhanced performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. Low friction materials further improve efficiency. Signature Lexus Design The new ES features a lower, progressive profile, and clean, continuous styling lines from front to rear. All four corners are pulled tightly inward to the wheel arches, creating distinctive proportions. The wheelbase of the new ES has been lengthened by 1.8 inches, while the overall length of the vehicle has grown by just one inch, resulting in a more spacious interior. The new ES unmistakably bears the new face of Lexus with its distinctive, spindle grille. The LED daytime running lights and combination rear lamps reflect the “L” design motif. The ES 350’s rear bumper sports dual exhaust pipes, while the ES 300h hybrid features a distinctive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated spoiler. New exterior colors for the 2013 ES include Fire Agate Pearl and Silver Lining Metallic. Interior Designed for Comfort and Spaciousness The modern interior of the 2013 ES has been designed to provide both a sense of openness and security. Sightlines and visibility are improved, controls are logically placed, and new cabin materials express a high level of craftsmanship. A newly sculptured seat enhances driver comfort. The steering wheel angle has been reduced from 24 degrees to 22 degrees for a more natural control position. Fluid-filled engine mounts, new sound absorbing materials and a tuned engine intake minimize the intrusion of outside noise. Greater rear seat legroom and knee room are the hallmark of the redesigned, more spacious cabin. Knee room is increased by 2.8 inches and legroom is increased by 4.1 inches. The new design also offers additional foot room below the front seats. Available comfort and convenience features include manual door window shades, a power rear shade, and a one-touch power trunk closer. Optional ambient lighting, discretely placed under the wood trim, softly illuminates the surfaces of the instrument panel and all four doors. The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed to reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as is semi-aniline leather for an even more refined look and feel. Interiors are available in Black, Light Gray, and Parchment. Trim colors and materials include Piano Black, Espresso Bird’s-eye Maple, and Bamboo. Crisp, Confident Driving Dynamics Suspension and steering changes and a stiffer body deliver more precise handling. Opposite-wound coil springs on the front suspension enhance straight-line stability. Revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort. A reduction in the steering gear ratio delivers a more responsive and direct steering feel. Increased body rigidity is achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and additional spot welds. Despite its larger size, roomier interior and additional luxury appointments, the weight of the new ES is reduced by almost 90 pounds. The ES will be equipped with standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, and for the first time, available 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels. Driver-Focused Cockpit Designed with attention to ergonomics and driver focus, the cockpit features separate display and operation zones to help keep the driver’s eyes on the road. The instrument panel, with its long, layered look, places the main information display directly in the driver’s line of sight. Just below the center display is a self-illuminating LED analog clock. Controls are clustered beneath the information zone, on the steering wheel, and on the center console. The second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently located on the center console. RTI reduces eye and hand movement, helping reduce effort and distraction. Safety Features An array of safety features aid the driver. The available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles in side blind spots. The RCTA alerts the driver to rear cross traffic when backing out of a parking spot. Available Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology. The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) uses sub-millimeter wave radar to detect obstructions and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision. The ES features a segment-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, including driver and front passenger knee and front air bags, as well as front and rear seat-mounted side and curtain airbags. Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear-end collisions helping to decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries. Lexus Safety Connect, including Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location services, and Automatic Collision Notification to a Safety Connect center is standard on the new ES. A one-year trial subscription for Safety Connect is included. Lexus Multimedia The new ES features the next-generation Lexus Enform® system. Lexus Enform® provides seamless connectivity with Bing™ search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora®, Yelp® and Facebook Places through compatible smart phones. Apps are updated through over-the-air downloads, so new apps and content can be added as they become available. One-year trial subscriptions to Lexus Enform with Safety Connect and the Application Suite are included. The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer, CD player, USB/iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® and a SiriusXM receiver. The available Display Audio package adds a seven-inch screen, a backup camera, HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, and a vehicle information display. The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice command and an integrated backup camera. An available 15-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system features an eight-inch display screen, HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, DVD audio/video and a SiriusXM receiver. Exclusive GreenEdge technology from Mark Levinson doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing energy consumption by fifty percent. “The new Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h hybrid combine technology, style and performance to please current ES owners and attract new buyers,” said Templin. “With the addition of the ES 300h, Lexus truly offers something for everyone in the entry luxury segment. ES 350 Seating Capacity 5 Overall Length (in.) 192.7 Width (in.) 71.7 Height (in.) 57.1 Wheelbase (in.) 111.0 Driven Wheels Front Wheel Drive Curb Weight (lbs.) 3,549 (gas) 3,660 (hybrid) Wheel size (front and rear) 17” x 7.0” (standard) 18” x 7.5” (optional) 17” x 7.0” (standard) Tires size 215/55/17 (standard) 225/45/18 (optional)

I would really recommend everybody watch that second video I posted... Here are a couple pictures of the non-hybrid (Lexus is definately most proud of the hybrid...) Non-hybrid interior (without the bamboo trim) and in the parchment which is much richer IMHO: You can get more here: http://www.lexusnewsroom.com/album_display.cfm?album_id=749&section_id=412

My guess is they'll hold the line. They have a lot of competition now in the Genesis, and the Buick offerings and such they haven't had before. Obviously the hybrid will be more, but my guess is sticker around $36k (they mention a nu-lux synthetic leather, that'll be standard with leather options a'la BMW and Mercedes is my guess, which will *BLEEP* me off), a nav car around $40-41k. A fully loaded car around $44-45k, and the fully loaded hybrid right under $50k.

Theres a thread on this in the ES section too ;) Lets keep them together, to respond please visit here: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=72622&st=0

ES300h Press video:

I can't imagine what the new LS will be like LOL. I mean...this car has almost everything a mid-optioned LS460 has now, similar size and space, similar road presence, similar features (note the side door sunshades in the back)...for a car that will start around $37k probably. Incredible.

I wouldn't use any injector cleaner personally... My 03 always had premium fuel, but 160k trouble free miles, nothing but fuel. Burning regular vs premium isn't going to cause any injector "build up"...

Super high res pics here: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-lexus-es/

I like it in the darker color vs the silver, and I like the rear with the spoiler on the hybrid. I really like the interior (except for the bamboo trim, ugh). I LOVE that 4 inches of rear legroom, thats like an LS! That will make it ride even better too. Overall I'm liking it, wish there would have been a little more chrome trim on the sides and handles and such. I'll be interested to see how much the hybrid version is. If its under $50k...I'd be awful tempted to get that to replace my 2010 next summer. Overall I like it better than the GS...have to see it in person.

Video of the unveiling:

Its out! Hybrid:

I have literally heard this written about every new model Lexus has come out with. I've been doing these forums a long time. It'll be fine...trust me.

The only tires I'd put on the car are Michelin Primacy MXV4's. The Hyrdoedges are VERY loud, the Primacy will be a huge improvement.

You've never had a engine seizure or sludge claim. I'm not saying that its unsafe for the motor, I'm just saying that should you ever have any type of warranty claim that they can pin on your longer oil change intervals, they will. I've been around this company a LONG time, I've owned a lot of their products and through my many years on Toyota/Lexus internet forums I have seen a lot of people get into it with this company when it comes to warranty repairs. They make a great product, and they have great customer service...but they will stab you right in the back over something like this. You can do what you want, but other people read these threads deciding how to care for their cars. Bottom line is Lexus recommends a 5k change on these cars, they specifically sent a memo saying that interval should not be extended when using synthetic oils. If you drive 15k miles per year, that amounts to 3 changes per year instead of 1.5. So you're looking at $225 a year vs $112.50. Everybody can decide for themselves if its worth risking a claim being denied for $112.50 per year. Just telling everybody "its fine" though isn't accurate.

The "dork" is not wrong. He works for Lexus (indirectly) and he told you what Lexus says needs to be done to maintain the vehicle. Just because the other guy told you what you wanted to hear doesn't make the first guy wrong. If you ever should have an oil sludging problem (not saying you will) or an engine seizure problem, I promise you Lexus will deny the warranty because of your 10k drain intervals. Following the maintenance schedule is a requirement of the vehicle's warranty, you're in violation of it plain and simple.

Happy Birthday Buddy! Stay safe...

The dork was right, the other guy is wrong. Doing 10k changes on a 2007 risks voiding the warranty. Lexus specifically stated that oil change intervals could not be lengthened when using synthetic oil. They lengthened the interval for some new cars, but not all...and not the 2012 IS. Read it for yourself: http://www.lexus.com/pdf/service/Lexus_IS_350_IS_350_C_ISF_WSG.pdf I use synthetic oil and change every 5k...

It still could be...

I like that angle of the front... I'll be interested to see it in that dark grey, the darker color might hide that hood break in the front I don't care for.

I thought that was cheap. The ES takes 6.5 quarts of oil, Mobil 1 right now is $8.79 a quart in the store. So...7 quarts of oil is $61.53. Plus a filter and a gasket, plus labor. Sure they get it wholesale, but even then assume its 1/2 price, the oil is still $30, plus the filter and gasket, whatever other fluids they top off, and you get to sit in their waiting area, drink free sodas and eat free cookies and watch the flat screens, they're making $30 on the oil change if they're lucky. Not a lot of things I would do for only $30... Plus, the cost is what, maybe $5 more than doing it yourself? Why bother?

These are the teaser images from Facebook: :

My iPhone works 100% perfect, including Bluetooth audio streaming. iPhone 4 on Verizon.

Sorry to come so late to this, but its the tires IMHO. Every set of Bridgestone tires I've had flat-spotted over time, generally getting to where there would be a weird ghostly vibration at certain speeds. I would have the tires road-force balanced and see if that helps, if it doesn't I would replace the tires with Michelins and I'd bet money the issue will be gone. They don't make the Primacy MXV4 in that size unfortunately...

Hey all... Well, we're getting close to the official debut of the ES at the NY International Auto Show on April 4. If anyone is a fan of Lexus on Facebook, they posted the first teaser image of the car today...