2. New Model Outline

6

MAJOR COMPONENTS

The basic components of the ES300 and the ES250 are as follows:

ModelES300 ES250

ItemES300 ES250

Drive System FF (Front Engine, Front Wheel Drive)

←

Type 3VZ–FE: V6, 3.0–Liter 2VZ–FE: V6, 2.5–Liter

Displacement cm3 (cu. in.) 2959 (180.6) 2508 (153.0)

Valve Mechanism 24 Valve, DOHC ←

e

Fuel System EFI ←

Eng

ine

Max. Output [SAE–NET]kW @ rpm (HP @ rpm)

138 @ 5200 (185 @ 5200) 116 @ 5600 (156 @ 5600)

En

Max. Torque [SAE–NET]N.m @ rpm (ft.lbf @ rpm)

264 @ 4400 (195 @ 4400) 217 @ 4400 (160 @ 4400)

Clutch Dry Type, Single Plate ←

TransaxleManual E53: 5–Speed E52: 5–Speed

TransaxleAutomatic A540E: 4–Speed with ECT*1 ←

BrakesFront Ventilated Disk ←

BrakesRear Solid Disc ←

Suspension 4–Wheel MacPherson Strut ←

Gear Type Rack and Pinion ←

SteeringPower Steering

Vehicle Speed Sensing Hydraulic Reaction Type Electronically

Controlled PPS*2←

*1 ECT: Electronically Controlled Transmission

*2 PPS: Progressive Power Steering

7

HIGH TECHNOLOGY

ECU CONTROLLED ITEMS

� In the ES300, many of the systems have an ECU to provide the same precise control as for the ES250. Forincreased serviceability, many of the systems have a self–diagnosis function, and a connector exclusively fordiagnostic purposes, the TDCL (Total Diagnostic Communication Link), is provided inside the cabincompartment.

No. System Self–Diagnosis

� Air Conditioner YES

� Engine and Automatic Transaxle Control YES

� Cruise Control YES

� Power Steering —

� ABS Control YES

� SRS Airbag YES

� Theft Deterrent —

Electronically Controlled Hydraulic Cooling Fan —

Wireless Door Lock Remote Control —

8

HIGH TECHNOLOGY

� As in the ES250, the TDCL in the ES300 is provided inside the instrument panel lower left hand side as a connectorexclusively for diagnosis of the data from the engine control, ECT, Cruise Control, Air Conditioner, SRS Airbag andABS ECUs to improve serviceability.

Never make a mistake with the terminal connection position as this will cause a malfunction.

NOTICE

9

ENGINE

The ES300 is equipped with a 3.0–liter V6 24–valve DOHC engine.

ENGINE LINE–UP

Displacement EngineType

Max. Output[SAE–NET]

Max. Torque[SAE–NET]

Features

3.0 L 3VZ–FE 138 KW @ 5200 rpm(185 HP @ 5200 rpm)

264 N⋅m @ 4400 rpm(195 ft⋅lbf @ 4400 rpm)

Based on the previous 2VZ–FEengine, this engine has a largerdisplacement, etc. and achieveshigher power.

� 3VZ–FE ENGINE

The 3VZ–FE engine is basically the same as the previous 2VZ–FE engine, with the following changes to improveits power and serviceability as well as reduce noise and vibration to even lower levels.

� The 3VZ–FE engine has been given a larger piston stroke than the 2VZ–FE engine and the displacement has beenincreased from 2.5 liters in the 2VZ–FE to 3.0 liters to increase the engine’s power.

� An electronically controlled hydraulic cooling fan system like that in the 1UZ–FE engine for the SC400 is usedto reduce fan noise and improve cooling performance.

� An ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System) is used, providing high output over the full range of engine speeds.In the ACIS, an intake air control valve is installed in the intake air chamber, which is divided in 2. This intakeair control valve opens and closes in accordance with the engine speed, throttle position, etc. This has the effectof controlling the substantial length of the intake air chamber in two stages, heightening the intake effect.

� Knocking correction is added to the ESA (Electronic Spark Advance) and the compression ratio is increased tofurther improve the engine power output and fuel economy.

� An engine oil level sensor is added to improve serviceability.

10

CHASSIS

The suspension provides good steering stability and flat riding comfort. This is combined with smooth steering, andtransaxle and brake performance, etc. which match the 3VZ–FE engine, providing the ES300 with a chassis suitable fora sporty sedan.

MAJOR COMPONENTS

11

CHASSIS

� FRONT SUSPENSION

A MacPherson strut type suspension like that in the previous model is used for the front suspension. However, all theparts are newly designed and the front suspension is mounted on the body via an anti–vibration sub–frame. Thisachieves a high level of steering stability and riding comfort and greatly reduces noise and vibration.

The front suspension main features are as follows:�: Effect

Effect Steering Roll Cornering Riding Low Noise,

Features

SteeringFeeling

Roll Feeling

CorneringPerformance

RidingComfort

Low Noise,Low Vibration

Negative camber � �

L–shaped lower arm and anti–dive geometry � � �

Low mounted steering gear box � �

Lower arm bushings optimized � � �

Anti–vibration sub–frame �

Ball joint type stabilizer bar � � �

Offset of front coil springs increased �

12

CHASSIS

� REAR SUSPENSION

A dual link type MacPherson strut suspension like that in the previous model is used for the rear suspension. However,all the parts have been newly designed. By mounting the rear suspension on the body via an anti–vibration sub–frame,a high level of riding comfort is realized and noise and vibration are greatly reduced

The rear suspension main features are as follows:�: Effect

Effect Steering Roll Cornering Riding Low Noise,

Features

SteeringFeeling

RollFeeling

CorneringPerformance

RidingComfort

Low Noise,Low Vibration

Lower arm length increased � �

Lower arm mounting span lengthened � �

Ball bushing type lower arm � � � �

Amount of rear coil spring offset increased �

Liquid–filled compound strut mount �

Anti–vibration sub–frame �

13

BODY

High strength steel sheet and front and rear sub–frames are used. Through optimization of the frame construction a light,highly rigid body construction has been achieved. Extensive use of anti–corrosion steel sheet and similar materialsprovides increased rust–resistant performance. Noise and vibration have been reduced by using vibration damping steelsheet and asphalt sheet with resin binding as well as by unitizing the body, etc. This also improves aerodynamicperformance.

�Sub–Frames�

�Aerodynamics�

14

EXTERIOR

STYLING

The dynamic, bold exterior of the ES300 is designed to express high quality with a preeminent individuality.

The styling has the following features.

� The engine hood gives a feeling of volume, while the bold projector type head lights and taut front fenders achievea dynamic front form.

� Large side protection moldings give a high quality image while the greatly slanted rear window and high rear deckprovide a sharp side silhouette.

� An aerodynamically efficient side silhouette and side doors with a solid cross–section keynote the stable formof the body.

� The sharp rear end three–layered rear combination lights create an elegant rear form.

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EXTERIOR

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT

� RADIATOR GRILLE

A die cast zinc alloy radiator grille which is integrated with the engine hood is used. By painting the grille the samecolor as the exterior body panels, the feeling of quality and the vehicle’s dynamic appearance are enhanced.

� BUMPER

� For the front and rear bumpers, a large one piece color–keyed bumper is used which gives a feeling of integrationwith the body.

� The front bumper is integrated with the front spoiler and the air intake.

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EXTERIOR

� LIGHTS

1. Front Lights

� Projector type headlights with little diffusion due to rain, etc. when driving at night, are used for both the low andhigh beams. Projector type fog lights are also standard equipment.

� The light auto turn–off system is standard equipment. The light auto turn–off system turns off the taillights,headlights and fog lights automatically if the driver’s door is opened when the light control switch is on (tail orhead position) and the ignition switch is turned off. After the lights have gone off automatically (with the lightcontrol switch on), turning the switch off, then on again, or turning the ignition switch on again causes the lightsto go on.

� The daytime running light system is standard equipment for Canada. Previously, the daytime running light systemused the low beam headlights and the taillights, but in the new model, it activates the high beam headlights at 50%normal intensity and taillights.

� Headlight cleaners are an option for Canada. If the headlight cleaner switch is pushed on while the ignition switchis on and the headlights are switched on, washer fluid is sprayed from nozzles mounted in the front bumper ontothe headlight lens for approximately 0.5 sec. to clean the lens surface and improve night driving visibility.

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EXTERIOR

� Beam angle gauges are used for aiming theheadlights.

2. Rear Lights

� Large, triple–lens type flush surfaced horizontal rear combination lights are used. These improve visibility, andenhance the vehicle’s luxury appearance and LEXUS channel identity.

� A high–mounted stoplight is positioned in the middle of the rear package tray trim as standard equipment.

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EXTERIOR

� WIPERS

� Fully concealed wipers with lock–back mechanisms are used as in the previous model. However, the method ofswitching between full–concealed and semi–concealed has been changed. Previously, the wiper arm was pulledupward or pushed down by hand to change the setting, but in the new ES300, this change is accomplished bydisconnecting a connector to the wiper motor, rotating it 180°, then reconnecting it. This changes the wiper armsetting from fully concealed to semi–concealed. Rotating the connector to its original position changes the wiperarms to the fully concealed position again.

� A full area wiping system is used. This adjusts wiper blade overrun automatically when the wipers are operatingat high speed, maintaining the same wiping area as when wiping at slow speed.

� OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS

� The collapsible outside rear view mirrors are newly designed to reduce air resistance.

� The electrical remove–control mirrors are standard equipment and so are the mirror heaters. If the rear windowdefogger is operated, then the mirror heaters are also turned on with it.

19

EXTERIOR

� MOON ROOF

� As in the LS400, a power tilt–up and sliding moon roof is an option.

� A tilt–up reminder function causes a warning buzzer to sound if the moon roof is in the tilt–up position when theignition key is turned to ACC or LOCK and either of the front doors (driver’s side and/or front passenger side)is opened or 60 seconds elapses after the ignition key is turned to ACC or LOCK (with the moon roof still in tilt–upposition).

� A plastic material is used for the moon roof housing to make it lighter in weight and improve rust–resistanceperformance.

� SIDE PROTECTIVE MOLDING

As in the previous model, large size urethane side protective moldings are used. These molding offer improvedanti–chipping performance and improve the vehicle’s appearance.

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INTERIOR

The interior of the ES300 is three–dimensional, with its continuous instrument panel and door trim giving it a sporty lookand an air of prestige.

The black–faced meter, center cluster with its excellent switch locations, and use of high class materials such as walnutand real leather heighten the Lexus image of advanced technology and luxury.

CABIN

� Three–dimensional instrument panel which flows continuously into the door trim.

� The door trim has a three–dimensional design with a feeling of continuity with the instrument panel all the wayto the rear doors. The switch locations provide greater utility.

� High visibility black–faced meters give the interior a clean, high tech image.

� The center cluster is integrated, with audio and air conditioner switches laid out in positions where they are easyto use.

� Seats feature smooth curving lines and tautness.

� The lower instrument panel is carpeted, a walnut ornament panel is used and genuine leather seats (option) andother high class materials give the interior the feel of genuine luxury.

21

INTERIOR

� SEAT

1. General

� Leather seats are an option for all models.

� Surrounding hard pad areas provide both betterseating comfort and seat hold.

2. Front Seat

� Power seats are standard equipment for the front seats. These seats include the following adjustment controls.

Adjustment Function Driver Passenger

� Fore–and–aft Slide � �

� Reclining � �

� Front Vertical Height � —

� Rear Vertical Height � —

� Lumbar Support � —

� Headrest Fore–and–aft Adjustment � �

� Headrest Height � �

�: Power �: Manual

� Front seats with seat heaters are an option for the U.S.A. and are standard equipment for Canada.

3. Rear Seat� The fixed type rear seat with center arm rest is standard equipment.

� Recesses are provided in the seat back for storing the seat belt buckles to enhance the appearance of the rear seat.

22

INTERIOR

� When the center arm rest and arm rest door are pulled down, a bag can be pulled out which permits long objectsplaced in the trunk to protrude into the cabin interior to increase utility. The arm rest door can be locked with themaster key in order to prevent theft.

� SEAT BELT

1. Front Seat Belt

� For all models, the three point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) type is standard equipment as was the casewith the previous models.

� An adjustable shoulder belt anchor isprovided on all models. It can be adjustedvertically to five positions to fit the physiqueof the seat occupant.

23

INTERIOR

2. Rear Seat Belt

� The center seat belt is the two point non–retractor type as in the previous model.

� The belt of the center rear seat fits into the recesses in the seat back.

� DOOR TRIM

� The door trim has a three–dimensional design that appears to flow continuously from the instrument panel. It alsohas an excellent switch layout for easy use.

24

INTERIOR

� ROOF HEADLINING

� Flush sun visors, map light and dome light provide a smooth roof headlining.

� LEATHER AND WALNUT

� The use of luxurious leather and walnut enhances the distinctive luxury feeling. Leather specifications areavailable as an option.

25

INTERIOR

� FLOOR CARPET

The floor carpet is one piece from the front to the rear. The floor carpet is filled with urethane on the under side. Thisnot only gives the surface a flat structure but also improves noise damping.

26

INTERIOR

INSTRUMENT PANEL, SWITCH LAYOUT AND EQUIPMENT

The design of the instrument panel gives it a look of continuity from the center cluster to the console box, emphasizingthe sportiness of the ES300.

The air conditioner and audio switches have been placed so that they stand out more and toward the driver and are easierto use. Use of an electronic analog meter improves visibility.

27

INTERIOR

� COMBINATION METER

� An electronic analog meter with superb visibility and high–tech appearance is used like in the LS400.

� When the ignition switch is off, the meter panel is fully blacked out, giving a strong high–tech impression, remotefrom the image of ordinary analog meters.

� An electronic twin–trip meter and an electronic odometer are used for convenience and good visibility.

� AIR CONDITIONER

� An ECU controlled automatic air conditioning system which has sufficient heating and cooling capacity as wellas low fan noise is used.

� The control panel is an easy–to–use push button type panel. Controls such as the Temperature – Auto controlswitch which are used frequently are located on the driver’s side of the air conditioner control panel to improvetheir operability.

� The temperature and air flow status, etc. are displayed in the center of the air conditioner control panel, makingadjustment and checking easy.

� The air conditioner ECU has made a self–diagnosis function to increase serviceability.

28

INTERIOR

� AUDIO SYSTEM

� An AM–FM multiplex ETR (Electronic Tuning Radio) with cassette deck is standard, and a CD (Compact Disc)player with automatic changer is an option. The CD automatic changer can be set with six discs at one time.

� An 8–speaker system is utilized to provide high quality sound across all sound ranges.

� Together with the use of seesaw type switches, the frequently–used power–volume control switch is located nearthe driver to improve operability.

� A diversified antenna system like that in the previous model is used.

� An anti–theft system like that in the previous model is used. However, the following items are changed to improveserviceability.

i) The number of times consecutive errors can be made in inputting the ID (identification) number whenresetting, clearing and cancelling system operation has been changed from 4 times to 9 times. The numberof errors is indicated by the display as in the previous model.

ii) If there has been an error in ID input 10 times in a row, the message “HELP” is indicated by the display. The“HELP” is indicated continuously, regardless of whether the power–volume control switch is on or off, whenthe ignition key is in a position other than LOCK.

iii) A security indicator light has been added. When the ID number is input by the customer, this light blinkswhile the ignition key is in the LOCK position to indicate that the anti–theft system is set. It lights upcontinuously when the “HELP” message is indicated by the display.

29

INTERIOR

�Layout of Audio System�

�Specifications�

AvailabilityStandard Option

y

ComponentsStandard Option

� Audio Unit

� AM–FM ETR with Cassette Deck� Separate Power Amplifier� Make: PIONEER

� AM–FM ETR with Cassette Deck and CDPlayer

� Separate Amplifier� Make: PIONEER

� CD Automatic Changer

—

� Takes up to 6 Compact Discs.

� Use 12 cm (4.7 in.) discs only.

� Make: PIONEER

� Power Amplifier � 30W (Max.) x 6 Channel

� Tweeter � 25 mm (1.0 in.), 30W (Max.), 2 Pieces

� Squawker � 66 mm (2.6 in.), 30W (Max.), 2 Pieces

� Woofer � 160 mm (6.3 in.), 30W (Max.), 2 Pieces

� Full Range Speaker � 152 mm x 228 mm (6 in. x 9 in.), 30W (Max.), 2 Pieces

30

INTERIOR

� IGNITION KEY AND CYLINDER

� The ignition switch has been relocated from the side of the steering column to the instrument panel for easier operation.

� The previous button type ignition key cylinderhas been replaced with a push–in type.

The ignition key is simply pushed in first to turnit from ACC to LOCK position.

Models with an automatic transaxle have a shiftlock system. Accordingly, the shift lever mustbe in “P” range before pushing in the key.

� The key plate has three master keys and onesub–key. One of the master keys is a flat type ina card holder, and another one has installed in itthe remote control switch for the wireless doorlock remote control system.

� These keys are the inner groove type as in the previous model.

31

INTERIOR

� TILT STEERING

� Tilt steering is standard equipment on allmodels.

� The swing up type tilt steering system is used toimprove ease of entry and exit. When the tiltlever is pulled up, the steering wheel swings upto its highest steering position. When the tiltlever is kept pulled up, the steering position canbe adjusted over a range of 15°45’ (7 positions).

� SRS AIRBAG

� An SRS Airbag is standard equipment as in theprevious model.

� An SRS Airbag is installed in the steering wheelcenter pad as a restraint system to supplementthe driver’s seat belt, lessening the shock to thedriver’s upper body in the event of a frontalimpact in a collision.

� CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM

� The cruise control system is standardequipment.

� As in the previous model, the main switch andcontrol switch are located on a single levermounted on the steering wheel which can beoperated without the driver removing his handfrom the steering wheel.

� A motor type actuator is used.

32

INTERIOR

� POWER WINDOW SYSTEM

A power window system is standard equipment. The power window system includes one–touch auto down andkey–off operation functions. The one–touch auto down function automatically opens the driver’s side window fully.The key–off operation function makes it possible to operate the power windows for approximately 60 seconds afterthe ignition key is turned to the ACC or LOCK position, if the front doors are not opened.

� DOOR LOCK CONTROL SYSTEM

� As in the previous model, the door lock control system with 2–step unlock function is standard equipment. Withthe 2–step function, turning the key once in the driver’s door unlocks the driver’s door only. Turning it twiceunlocks all the doors.

� As in the previous model, a key confinement prevention function is provided. When the door is opened and thedoor lock button is locked with the key still inserted in the ignition key cylinder, the key confinement preventionmechanism soon turns the door lock button to UNLOCK. This prevents the key from being inadvertently lockedinside the vehicle.

33

INTERIOR

� A wireless door lock remote control system is standard equipment. With the wireless door lock remote controlsystem, all the doors can be locked and unlocked by signals emitted by the transmitter built into the grip of themaster key.

� THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM

� A theft deterrent system is used to prevent vehicle theft. When the system is set, the horn and headlights operateif the door, hood or trunk is forcibly opened.

� The audio system also has an anti–theft system, whereby the radio and cassette deck is disabled if the radio bodyis stolen from the vehicle.

34

INTERIOR

� ELECTRIC FUEL LID OPENER

� An electric fuel lid opener is standard equipment in all models.

� The electric fuel lid opener switch is located on the driver’s door trim.

� A manual fuel lid opener is provided on the left side of the rear luggage compartment so that if the electric fuellid opener does not operate for any reason, it is possible to operate the fuel lid manually.

� ELECTRIC TRUNK OPENER

� An electric trunk opener is standard equipment on all models.

� An electric trunk opener switch is located on the driver’s door trim.

� The electric trunk opener switch on the driver’s door operates only when the trunk opener main switch inside theglove box is turned on. When the trunk opener main switch is off, the electric trunk opener will not operate.

35

INTERIOR

� ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM

� An illuminated entry system is standard equipment in all models. This system makes it easy to enter and exit thevehicle at night, etc.

� The illuminated entry system turns on the dome light, ignition key cylinder light and door key cylinder light whenthe door is opened. When the door is closed, the lights which are on start to dim, then go off completely after 6–10seconds. If the door handle is pulled up while the lights are dimming, the lights turn off completely while the doorhandle is pulled up. Then, when the handle returns to its original position the lights again begin to dim just as whenthe door was first closed.

� CELLULAR MOBILE TELEPHONE

A cellular mobile telephone system produced by Motorola Inc. is available as a dealer option. There are two typesof operation to choose from; a hand–free telephone with microphone built into the steering column, or a hand–settelephone stored in the console box.

1. Hand–Free Telephone

� A switch built into the microphone on the steering column, and the front passenger’s door speaker, which is alsoused for the audio system, are used so that the communication can occur without picking up the telephone receiverand with both hands on the steering wheel.

2. Hand–Set Telephone

� A small, light telephone fits snugly inside the console box.

� It is possible to use the hand–set telephone by itself, or in combination with the hand–free telephone.

36

INTERIOR

� ASHTRAY

The ashtray is a push open type with a built–in cigarette lighter.

� CUP HOLDER

Push the cup holder to open it.

� SUN VISORS

Sun visors in 3 places effectively cut out glare from the sun.