2013 Lexus ES Hybrid

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Hybrid cars seem to be making waves in the present with all the talk focused on their low fuel reserves and carbon emissions. Toyota’s Prius, the first mass produced hybrid, has set the bar high for hybrid vehicles with the United State’s EPA and CARB rating it among the cleanest cars to hit American roads. Now, the Japanese automaker is working on its luxury Lexus marque to produce the 2013 ES 300h, a hybrid version of its H1 segment.

Weighing in at 3,549 lbs. (about 90 less than the outgoing model), the ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Look for about 268 horsepower and a 25 mpg combined figure. The 3,660 lbs. ES 300h, meanwhile, uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine mated to a CVT and a permanent magnet synchronous motor charged by a trunk-mounted Nickel Metal Hydride battery. The hybrid system should put out a combined 200 horsepower while netting a 40 mpg combined figure.

To capitalize on the more sporting nature of the new ES, Lexus will offer optional 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels for the first time, although 17s will be standard.

The interior sports a more luxurious look with a 7 inch LCD display, a Remote Touch Interface controller in the center console next to the gearshift, bluetooth audio, backup camera and vehicle info display. Customers can choose from premium semi aniline leather seats or a leather alternative, NuLuxe. New ES models of 2013, including the petrol driven ES350, will offer a one year subscription to the company’s OnStar like Enform services, attendant applications and Safety connect.

The exterior design looks similar to the recently announced GS: a new spindle grille, new LED daytime running lights, dual exhaust pipes in the rear bumper, and an integrated spoiler. On the interior, the instrument panel also resembles the one in the GS. It features a big LCD screen and the Lexus Remote Touch Interface controller.The price of about $38,000.

The Interior