Toyota's premium brand made a big splash at Detroit with the
introduction of an all-new flagship LS model. But the bulk of Lexus
sedan sales come from the more pedestrian ES, which for years has
shared mechanicals with the Toyota Camry.
At the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, Lexus
introduced a completely redesigned ES. Though the new ES still shares
many components with the Camry, this new midsize luxury car boasts a
host of features not available on Camry, including a more powerful
engine, available panorama roof, and Lexus' Pre-Collision System.
| 2007 Lexus ES 350 |
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Click here for a video
review of the Lexus ES 350.
Toyota's premium-luxury division, Lexus, redesigns its best-selling car
for 2007, giving the new ES fresh styling, more power, and additional
safety and convenience features. The ES continues to share chassis and
engines with Toyota's Camry. Wheelbase of the new model grows by 2
inches and track increases by 1 inch, though overall length stays the
same.
The car will officially be known as the ES 350 because the standard V6
engine grows from 3.3 liters to 3.5 liters. Horsepower's up as well,
going from 218 to 272. The only transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Lexus claims that this new powertrain will push the new ES from 0-60
mph in 6.8 seconds. All-disc antilock brakes and
antiskid/traction-control remain standard. Newly optional is Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which readies airbags, seatbelts, and brakes when
sensors detect a skid or imminent crash. It's paired with newly
available adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set following
distance. Standard last year were front, side, and head-protecting
curtain airbags. This year, those are joined by driver and
front-passenger knee airbags and by optional rear side airbags. Engine
starting is now by a keyless fob and dashboard pushbutton. Wood
interior trim is standard. A conventional sunroof is again
included.
Newly optional is an Ultra Luxury Package with a "panorama" roof that
combines a sliding glass sunroof with a stationary glass rear panel. A
navigation system is again optional, and now includes a rearview TV
camera. The new ES will be built in Japan and goes on sale in late April 2006. Pricing was not announced, but we'd expect this new model
to sell for $34,000-$36,000.
The 2007 Lexus ES won Consumer Guide'sŪ Most Significant New Car Introduction Award at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Like the original ES,
the '07 model is poised to regain lost market share for Lexus in the
highly contested near-luxury segment.
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2006 Chicago Auto Show 
