IT WAS just last year that’ Lexus
introduced their entry-level ES250
sports sedan, a car that is essen-
tially a slightly re-styled, mildly
re-engineered V6-powered Toyota
Camry. Though well-equipped and
well-finished, the ES250 couldn't
quite shake its identity crisis. So
it’s not surprising that, for 1992, a
new model with completeiy dif-
ferent styling and a distinctive new
“mage has arrived.

REDESIGNED FOR 1992, Lexus’ base model, the ES300 sedan,
sports new styling, a !arger 3.0 litre V6 engine, and a refined

drivetrain and chassis.

The Lexus ES300

New 1992 model introduces unique styling -

The Lexus ES300 is longer,
wider, roomier, quieter and more
powerful than the ES259. It shares
a similar platform and drivetrain
with the 1992 Camry (which was
completely redone for 1992) but
‘more attention has been paid to
comfort, sound insulation, and
removal of vibration and_har-
shness emanating from the body
und drivetrain.

Lexus engineers decided to stay

NEWS phoios Mike Wakefield

with a transversely-mounted
engine and front-wheei-drive
rather than switch to a
longitudinally-mounted drivetrain
like some of its competitors.

As a general rule, the transverse
arrangement allows greater interi-
cr space whereas the longitudinal
arrangement reduces driveline
vibrations and has a better front-
to-rear weight distribution for bet-
ter handling. Nevertheless, the
ES300 does surprisingly well in all
three areas: it has a roomy interi-
or, a smooth, vibration-lree
drivetrain, and excellent handling
for all but the most demanding of
drivers.

The new styling bears a strong
family resemblance to other Lexus
models.

A smooth, rounded nose, hori-
zontal grille slats, and dual! pro-
jector lights under curved glass
look rather futuristic. Those lower
bumper slats are not just decora-

Price as tested $38,000
Base price $33,000

Type 4 door, 5 passenger
Layout transverse
engine/front wheel drive
Engine 2959 cc V6, DOHC, 24
valves, electronic fuel injection

front

Friday, October 18. 1991 - North Shore News - 23

tive, though; they help to cool the
brakes and engine. Broad, round-
ed fenders, a sleek profile and a
superb paint job give the ES300 a
rather expensive and unique ap-
pearance. From the rear, however,
the car looks very similar to the
larger Lexus LS400.

Last year’s 2.5 litre V6 engine
has been enlarged to 3.0 litres,
boosting horsepower from 156 to
185. In order to isolate engine
vibrations, Lexus engineers
mounted the engine to.a separate
subframe using a liquid-fitled
engine mount. This, combined
with computerized knock control,
larger air filters and quieter cool-
ing fans produces an engine that is
almost silent and vibration-free at
idle.

Two transmissions are available,
a five-speed manual and a four-
speed automatic overdrive, both
extremely smooth units. To reduce
the jerk associated with gear

Horsepower 185 @ >2GU rpm
Torque 195 ft-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Transmission 4 spd automatic
overdrive, electronically-con-
trolled, Power/Normas modes
(5 speed manual)
Tires P205/65R-15
all-season radials ~
Curb weight 1525 kg/3362 Ibs.
Wheelbase 2620 mm/103.1 in.

Dunlop

Greg
Wilson

TEST ORIVE

the electronically-con-

changes,
transmission

trolled automatic

See Lexus page 28

Length 4770 mim/187.8 in.
Width 1780 mm/70.1 in.

Height 1370 mm/53.9 in.

Trunk space 405 1/14.3 cu. ft.
Fuel economy City 12.4 1/100
kms/ 23 mpg, Hwy 8.4 1/100
kms/34 mpg

Warranty Basic 4 yrs/8G,000
kms, Major Components 6
yrs/110,000