August 6, 2001

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Preview:
2002 Lexus ES 300

Redesigned ES 300 is roomier, quieter, safer and more luxurious than previous ES 300 - gap between luxurious ES 300 and sporty IS 300 widens.

Lexus will introduce a completely redesigned ES 300 sedan for 2002 with more emphasis on luxury when compared with its sportier, rear-wheel-drive Lexus stablemate, the IS300.

A longer wheelbase (107.1 in. vs. 105.1 in.) and increased height (57.3 in. vs. 54.9 in.) provide greater passenger room than in the previous ES 300. A flat underbody, reshaped mirrors, and other exterior refinements contribute to its low 0.28 coefficient of drag which helps reduce wind noise further than before.

In addition, the 2002 ES 300 features a new sound insulation material that absorbs noise rather than simply blocking it. As in the previous model, an active engine mount helps cancel out vibrations with every power stroke. New engine mounts further reduce vibration at idle, and a two-stage muffler reduces exhaust "booming" at low speeds.

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The 2002 ES 300's aluminum 3.0-litre double-overhead cam V6 engine produces 210 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. For 2002, the powerplant is teamed with a new five-speed electronic automatic transmission that helps to enhance performance, driving smoothness and fuel efficiency.

The ES 300's standard 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 R16 tires are larger than the previous optional tires.

Larger front discs with dual-piston calipers and other system refinements have improved braking performance.

Safety has been given a higher priority on the 2002 ES 300. The safety package starts with a redesigned unibody with new crush structures and passenger compartment reinforcements. The A-pillars extend further into the roof, and new connection techniques bolster the strength of the roof structure and side sills. A new dual-thickness B-pillar and more efficient cross-car floorpan reinforcements help provide the ES 300 with inherently high side impact strength. Additionally, whiplash injury lessening (WIL) front seats are standard.

As in the LS 430, the Supplemental Restraint System includes new side curtain airbags that augment the dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags. The side curtain airbags extend from the A-pillar to C-pillar to help provide protection for the head and upper body in a side impact. New dual-stage front airbags deploy according to impact force. The driver's front airbag includes an extra low deployment stage when a smaller-size person is driving, as detected by seat position.

Standard active safety technology in the 2002 ES 300 includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), which monitors all four wheels for lock-up, and daytime running lights. The optional Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system integrates electronic traction control (TRAC), EBD and the advanced Brake Assist feature. VSC helps control traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by using throttle intervention and/or applying individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading. Brake Assist can determine an emergency-braking situation, and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the braking power applied.

As it did for the LS 430, Lexus refined the ES 300 suspension tuning to provide an improved driving experience and greater ride smoothness. The four-wheel independent suspension is mounted to anti-vibration subframes, now with greater rigidity for tighter handling.

The optional Adaptive Variable Suspension system (AVS) is a feature generally seen in LS 430 competitors, not the entry-luxury segment. AVS enhances ride quality by continuously changing each wheel's shock absorber damping rate in response to road surface conditions, vehicle speed, driver steering and braking inputs, and even vertical vehicle movement. The driver can choose between Comfort and Sport modes, or an intermediate setting. Improvements to the system for 2002 yield better road and steering feel and quicker turn-in response.

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