The Lexus ES 250 made its 1990 debut with a 24-valve, DOHC, fuel-injected V6 engine. This was the optional powerplant for the Toyota Camry, and became the only engine offered in the ES 250. It delivered 156 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 160 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. ES 250 buyers could choose from either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission with standard electronic shift controls. With all-new body styling for the ES 300 in 1992 came a new 24-valve, 3.0-liter DOHC V6 capable of delivering 185 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm, with available manual and automatic transmissions. For the 1994 model year, the cast-iron cylinder block is exchanged for an all-aluminum block, which improved both horsepower and torque ratings slightly, to 188 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The ES 300's previously standard 5-speed is dropped in favor of a single transmission--an electronic 4-speed automatic with available "normal" and "power" shift modes. Acceleration from the 1992-1996 models is strong and easy. The automatic matches well with the 3.0-liter V6, shifting smoothly and quietly.