New, Lexus-Exclusive V6 Powers 1999 ES 300 Sedan

The perennially hot-selling Lexus ES 300 receives a powerful and responsive new drivetrain for 1999. As in all Lexus cars, the new 3.0-liter V6 engine employs continuously variable valve timing (VVT-i), which creates higher horsepower, lower emissions and improved fuel economy, while at the same time boosting low-rpm torque for satisfying acceleration.

This new engine was first introduced in the 1999 Lexus RX 300 and is exclusive to the Lexus Division. In addition, a completely new and more responsive electronically controlled automatic transmission has been developed to handle the higher power and torque of this new engine.

The 1999 ES 300 also gains a number of convenience and safety features first introduced in the GS 400, GS 300 and LS 400 sedans.  These include Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), one-touch open and close functions for front windows and moonroof and standard electronic traction control.

An unusual safety technology among entry-luxury cars, VSC integrates the sensors and computer electronics of the anti-lock braking and traction control systems to help reduce vehicle skids caused by understeer or oversteer conditions.  When the direction of vehicle travel does not agree with driver steering inputs, VSC adjust engine power and brakes individual wheels as necessary to help prevent loss of vehicle control.

The ES 300 is widely regarded as the class standard for refinement, quality, safety and value in the highly popular entry-luxury segment. And while industry observers frequently refer to this as the "near-luxury class there is nothing near-luxury about the ES 300. Lexus designers and engineers set out to incorporate as much of the marque's flagship LS 400 performance, safety and comfort as possible.

With the addition of its new engine and transmission, the ES 300's Lexus credentials are unquestionable. Seventy-five percent of major vehicle components, including sheet metal, engine, transmission, interior components, etc. are unique to the ES 300 or other Lexus Division models.

With 200 hp and 214 lb.-ft. (198 hp/212 lb.-ft. in Calif .) of the previous V6. More importantly, its continuously variable valve timing system, called VVT-i, makes 80 percent of peak torque available as low as 1,600 rpm for brisk performance from a standstill. The VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing- intelligeftt~ system selects the ideal intake and exhaust valve overlap under all operating conditions. VVT-i eliminates the traditional compromises between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower. At the same time it enhances fuel economy and reduces emissions so effectively that it eliminates the need for such emission control devices as exhaust gas recirculation.

The ES 300 adopts a newly developed high-torque-capacity electronically controlled automatic transmission, also a Lexus Division exclusive. Shift logic control adjusts upshift and downshift patterns for improved responsiveness when ascending hills and enhanced engine braking when descending inclines.

Despite the new powertrain and significantly enhanced standard equipment, overall curb weight has been reduced slightly. Zero-to-sixty, quarter mile and top speed performance have all improved substantially, with fuel economy of 19 mpg city / 26 highway. VVT-i also pays clean air dividends and the ES 300 meets California Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) requirements.

MORE POWER AND EFFICIENCY

The ES 300's new 3.0-liter engine pces 210 hp and 220 lbs.-ft. of torque, comparedth 200 hp and 214 lb.-ft. of the previous V6.  More importantly, its continuously variable valve timing system, called VVT-i, makes 80 percent of peak torque available as low as 1,600 rpm for brisk performance from a standstill. 

The ES 300 engine also benefits from a new computer-controlled three-stage variable intake system as well as an exhaust bypass muffler.  These provide enhanced low-end torque, quiet operation and unrestricted high-rpm airflow for more horsepower.  To assure the smoothes operation a new active engine mount controlled directly by each combustion stroke of the engine.  The engine mount creates pulses which are equal but opposite to the engine's movements to counteract vibration.

The ES 300 adopts a newly developed high-torque-capacity electronically controlled automatic transmission, also a Lexus Division exclusive.  Shift logic control adjusts upshift and downshift patterns for improved responsiveness when ascending hills and enhanced engine braking when descending inclines.

In addition to numerous improvements for 1999, the ES 300 provides a comprehensive list of performance, handling, comfort and convenience features. Sophisticated suspension design is a Lexus trademark. The ES 300's independent suspension is enhanced by the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system available as an option. AVS is a semi-active damping system which tracks road surface conditions, vehicle speed, driver braking and steering inputs and even vertical vehicle movements and continuously changes each wheel's shock absorber settings. AVS also permits the driver to select the desired range of ride character from sport to comfort.

The ES 300 not only provides high quality, safety and luxury for its owners but excitement and driving pleasure as weft. While the ES 300 was again recognized as the Best Entry-Luxury Car in Initial Quality by the independent research firm J.D. Power and Associates, its owners also named it Most Appealing Entry-luxury car, in the J.D. Power APEAL Study. The survey measures of owner satisfaction with emotional aspects such as design, performance and layout.