1SICKLEX

Lexus Announces Pricing for New, More Powerful 2004 ES 330




TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus announced today the
upgraded 2004 ES 330 entry-luxury sedan will maintain its value position with
a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $31,725, which is unchanged from
the 2003 model price. In addition to a more powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine, the
ES 330 features newly standard leather seats with memory, as well as larger
side impact airbags (SRS), and an enhanced optional satellite navigation
system.
The improved 3.3-liter V6 engine in the ES 330, which replaces the
previous 3.0-liter V6, produces 225 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of peak
torque, compared to 210 horsepower and 220 lb.-ft. in the ES 300. The
larger-displacement engine endows the ES 330 with better performance, with the
increased torque providing the kind of response the customer can feel and
appreciate in everyday driving situations.
"In its third year on the market, the new-generation ES sedan shows the
benefits of Lexus' thoughtful attention to detail and passionate pursuit of
perfection," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny
Clements. "The more powerful engine and other refinements for 2004 help to
further hone our two-model strategy in the near-luxury segment, in which we
also offer the rear-wheel drive IS 300 for more sport-oriented drivers."
The ES 330 is nearly a second quicker than its predecessor from 0-60 mph,
at 7.2 seconds. Continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i)
and a three-stage variable intake manifold (also featured on the previous
version) give the ES 330 V6 engine a wide torque curve for quick response at
virtually any speed. With the 3.3-liter V6, the ES 330 achieves the ULEV II
(Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) certification.
Lexus has also revised the standard five-speed automatic transmission for
the 2004 ES 330, matching it to the performance of the larger engine. Wider
gear ratios take advantage of the increased torque while enabling the ES 330
to achieve virtually the same EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings as the
previous model (20 MPG city/29 MPG highway vs. 21/29 for the 2003 ES 300).
New grade logic enables the five-speed transmission to provide improved
performance in hills, delaying upshifts to sustain power on inclines and
holding a lower gear for increased engine braking on descents. Shifting
smoothness has been improved in all conditions.
In addition, Lexus has augmented the impressive safety technology array in
the ES 330 for 2004. A new larger side airbag provides a greater protection
area that includes the torso. Standard active safety technology in the 2004
ES 330 includes daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which helps proportion braking power to the
wheels that need it most. The optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system
integrates ABS, EBD, electronic traction control (TRAC) and the advanced Brake
Assist feature.
Lexus trademark luxury features continue to enhance the ES driving
experience. The optional Lexus Navigation System for the ES 330 has been
improved for 2004. As before, the system uses a DVD for map storage,
containing the contiguous United States, plus major cities in Canada, on one
disc. This system includes multi-language selection and very fast route
calculation (about five seconds). The revised system features better,
easier-to-understand graphics, a larger point of interest (POI) database and
new convenience functions. The DVD map database now contains more than five
million points of interest (POI), compared to two million before. The
navigation system comes with a center-console mounted six-disc CD auto-changer
as well as a single-disc player in the dash.
Lexus infused the ES 330 with luxury features similar to the LS 430
flagship sedan, such as dual-zone automatic climate control with an air
filtration system. The optional power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals
that were introduced for 2003 now include a memory feature that provides
greater adjustability for driver comfort. Seating comfort also has been
enhanced for 2004 with two new features. The passenger seat now includes a
power lumbar adjustment, and a new design for the front headrest hinge allows
the lower portion of the headrest to swivel toward the occupant. This
provides a larger support area and a more comfortable fit. Additional
standard luxury features include leather seating, a one-touch power moonroof
with sunshade, multi-information display with trip computer, Homelink(R)
compatible garage door opener, electrochromic auto-dimming inside and outside
rearview mirrors and a compass integrated into the rearview mirror.

pimpscls

dammit faster cant beat a cl-s can it ?

jwong77

I don't think the people who buys those actually race them. All I ever see driving those are old people or little asian women who can't see over the steering wheel.

gavriil

You know this car wont feel much slower than a CLS. Actually in mid range rpm, it might feel stronger due to that higher torque numbers. But I bet the ride will be one of the most compliant in any car in its class.

ItalianStallion

it only went up 15 hp. the lexus site said its 225 and i distinctly remember the ES300 being 210. woopdy fuckin doo. its still underpowered.

kansaiwalker1

My cousin has one of those and it is really refined and quiet, if you are into that type of car. Kinda like a Japanese Buick, but with way better quality and (somewhat) sharper handling.

Sdog2012

My dad has an 03 es300, its a dream to drive, its so incredibly smooth, quiet and just feels solid on the road but it is pretty slow, he went from a 9-5 aero to this and wishes he got something quicker

1SICKLEX

It now has MORE TORQUE than the new 2004 TL 240 vs 238.

This car is a baby LS 430. I just had one for the weekend. Creamy and quiet and totally opposite the GS. Next thing I know, I took out the rap CDs, put in some Jazz and didn't speed all weekend. It is a very, very, very boring car.