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