1998 ES 300 CONTINUES SUCCESSFUL BLEND OF PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY VALUE

With its combination of traditional Lexus refinement and unmatched value, the 1998 ES300 sets the benchmark in the near-luxury segment. Lexus' best-selling sedan consistently builds on its unique blend of luxury appointments, uncompromising performance and class-leading safety. For 1998, ES 300's key enhancements include side-impact airbags, an engine immobilizer security system and an optional Nakamichi audio system. All 1998 Lexus vehicles will be fitted with next-generation supplemental restraint system (SRS) dual front airbags with reduced propellant power. Available as an upgrade, Nakamichi's premium five-channel, 215-watt system with extended frequency response features an AM/FM ETR with cassette and seven speakers. The system also includes Pioneer's six-disc CD auto-changer.

SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAGS - Buy The ES 300 Here

Side-impact airbag supplemental restraint systems (SRS) work with the high-integrity cabin and energy-absorbing door structures to help reduce the amount of impact energy transmitted to the driver or front passenger in a side collision. The airbags themselves are located inside the outer seam of the front seat backs rather than the door trim. Not only does this design help ensure the bag is in the ideal position relative to the occupant's seat position, but it also allows the volume to be small enough for maximum deployment speed yet large enough for proper energy absorption. ES 300 also features next-generation dual front airbags with reduced propellant power. ES 300's front seat belts feature force-limiting technology for the first time in 1998. Designed to work with the seat belt pretensioner, force-limiters measure the severity of the seat belt's tension once retracted and allow a certain amount ot "give" to help cushion the shock to a person's chest area. The force-limiter reduces the risk of injury from seat belt retraction without compromising the seat belt's restraint capabilities. All seating positions feature three-point seat belts, with the front seats featuring height adjustable shoulder belt anchors. Front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes with tandem brake booster and a four-sensor, three-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) are standard. Other safety features include an optional traction control system, center high mounted stop lamp with defogger, front and rear side-impact beams and energymanaging crumple zones, collapsible steering column, and energy-absorbing soft upper interior.

ANTI-THEFT DETERRENT - Buy The ES 300 Here

For Lexus, the concept of theft deterrent extends beyond the traditional alarm system. The 1998 ES 300 features a cutting-edge engine immobilizer which acts as a final theft deterrent should a thief successfully enter the vehicle. This system checks to make sure the correct key is inserted into the ignition before allowing the engine to start, thereby preventing the possibility of theft with an unauthorized duplicate key. Preprogrammed identification codes stored in a transponder chip in the key and the main Electronic Control Unit (ECU) are compared. If the codes match, the immobilizer is deactivated and the engine can be started.

HORSEPOWER - Buy The ES 300 Here

Driven by a four cam, 24-valve, 3.0-liter, all-aluminum V6 engine, Lexus' entry level luxury sedan delivers a maximum horsepower output of 200 horsepower at 5,200 rpm with 214 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm ( 198 horsepower and 212 pound-feet of torque with California Emissions ). This, combined with ES 300's smooth coefficient of drag, leads to an impressive zero to 60 reading of 8.6 seconds. Lexus has always pursued efficiency and environmentally sound engineering, a focus which continues with the 1998 ES 300. A two-way exhaust control system equipped with California Emissions meets the California Low Emissions Vehicle ( LEV ) standard, the second most stringent standard in place for vehicle emissions output. Achieving this strict requirement only reduced horsepower and torque by two to 198 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 212 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm on vehicles bound for states adopting the stricter California emissions requirement. ES 300 is driven by a four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). An automatic shift mode selector with a throttle angle change sensor ensures smooth gear shifting during passive or aggressive driving conditions. This eliminates the need for a power/normal control switch as the transmission automatically adjusts gearshift patterns based on driver behavior.

SUSPENSION - Buy The ES 300 Here

Lexus engineered the ES 300's suspension to yield a smooth ride with incomparable responsiveness. A four-wheel MacPherson strut suspension cushions the sedan against the bumpiest of roads. The front suspension is cradled with the engine and transmission in an anti-vibration subframe for improved handling and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Additionally, the L-shaped forged front lower suspension arms are lightweight without sacrificing rigidity. The rear suspension is equally accomodating with liquid-filled strut mounts for premium road handling. This state-of-the-art suspension is further enhanced by Adaptive Variable Suspension ( AVS), available as an option for the second year on ES 300. Designed for optimal comfort and handling, AVS is a semi-active damping system which keeps track of road conditions, vehicle speed, driver braking, steering inputs and other factors to continuously change damping characteristics as quickly as 0.0025 second. This is accomplished through microprocessors and high-speed damping actuators without borrowing any power from the engine.

POWER STEERING - Buy The ES 300 Here

Steering on the ES 300 is smooth and supple. Equipped with engine speedsensing, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, the ES 300 is not only easy to navigate, but it provides precise handling in all driving conditions. ES 300's sleek look incorporates cutting-edge technology as well as state-of-thear't design. All of the ES 300's windows are treated with a special tint which reduces the level of harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays entering the passenger cabin. Additionally, the dual outside mirrors are color-keyed and heated for maximum effectiveness. Driving the ES 300 is a pleasurable experience not just because of its engine or styling.

POWER SEATS - Buy The ES 300 Here

Its seats are engineered to give the highest level of comfort possible to a wide array of postures and body types. The driver's seat carries a ten-way adjustable feature which enables the driver to adjust fore and aft slide, recline, front and rear vertical cushion height, and lumbar support. The front passenger seat is an eight-way power adjustable seat allowing adjustments to the fore and aft slide, recline, and front and rear vertical cushion height. Both driver's and passenger seats carry four-way manual adjustable headrests. Sitting in the back seat is just as comfortable due to height adjustable outboard rear headrests. Optional front seat heaters add coziness to cold days. For added luxury, a leather trim package is available which includes premium "Imperial" leather grain seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift lever and console cover as well as two-position driver's seat memory capability.

INTERIOR - Buy The ES 300 Here

Small touches make the ES 300's interior as easy to use as it is comfortable to experience. An electronic analog instrument cluster features white cool cathode tube illumination and red LED needles, rendering it easy to read day or night. The ES 300 continues to power its accessories for a short time after the ignition is turned off to close windows or the sunroof at the last minute. Power windows come standard on the ES, with the driver's side including an "auto down" feature. Additionally, an ambient light sensor on the dashboard instructs the headlights to automatically switch on or off in accordance with available natural light.

STORAGE - Buy The ES 300 Here

Storing the small extras is easy in the ES 300. Push type front cupholders with adjustable holder rings are located conveniently behind the shift lever for easy access to both driver and front passenger. Rear passengers may store their beverages in cupholders mounted in the center console. A secondary power point is located inside the center console box to plug in laptop computers or other electronics. The center console itself has a dual stage design which provides for easy storage of CD's, cassettes or the optional Lexus cellular phone. Sunglasses or a garage door opener can be conveniently stored in an overhead compartment near the sunroof control panel.

AMENITIES - Buy The ES 300 Here

Other interior amenities include a manual tilt steering wheel, lockable glove box with optional CD auto changer accommodation as well as a day and night reanriew mirror and a first aid kit.

AUDIO SYSTEM - Buy The ES 300 Here

Lexus has pioneered state-of-the-art audio technology since its inception. Not only does ES 300 boast an audio system comparable to a quality home stereo, but the 1998 model features an even greater range of available options. ES 300 offers a Pioneer AM/FM electronically tuned radio (ETR) with seven speakers and an auto-reverse cassette deck as standard equipment. This system surrounds the cabin with sound generated by five-channel, high power amplifiers with a maximum power output of 195 watts. Located above the HVAC controls for improved ergonomics, the sound system also includes an electronic crossover network, glass imprinted radio antenna, and cassette scan with the Dolby B and C noise reduction system. A six-disc Pioneer CD auto-changer, mounted in the instrument panel above the glove compartment, may be added to upgrade the system. A premium Nakamichi sound system also is available for the ultimate in audio technology.

COMMUNICATIONS - Buy The ES 300 Here

Other personal communications accessories are available for added convenience to ES 300 buyers. Lexus offers three mobile communications systems to best accommodate the wide range of communications needs. Customers may select a fixed Mobile Cellular Telephone, a Mobile Value Phone or the more comprehensive Lexus "Portable Plus" personal communications system.

WARRANTY - Buy The ES 300 Here

Recipient of 30 out of 40 J.D. Power and Associates awards for which it has been eligible, including the 1997 Customer Satisfaction Index award, Lexus continues to demonstrate proficiency not just in product quality, but in product support and customer service as well. The Lexus basic warranty extends four years or 50,000 miles. Powertrain components are covered for six years or 70,000 miles. Lexus also offers a 24-hour Roadside Assistance Program as part of its basic warranty, which extends for four years, unlimited mileage in both the United States and in Canada.

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