2.

New Model Outline

 6

MAJOR COMPONENTS

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

Model
ES300 ES250
Item
FF (Front Engine,
Drive System ←
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 ←
Fuel System EFI ←
Enginee

Max. Output [SAE–NET]

138 @ 5200 (185 @ 5200) 116 @ 5600 (156 @ 5600)
kW @ rpm (HP @ rpm)
En

Max. Torque [SAE–NET]

264 @ 4400 (195 @ 4400) 217 @ 4400 (160 @ 4400)
N.m @ rpm (ft.lbf @ rpm)
Clutch Dry Type, Single Plate ←
Manual E53: 5–Speed E52: 5–Speed
Transaxle
Automatic A540E: 4–Speed with ECT*1 ←
Front Ventilated Disk ←
Brakes
Rear Solid Disc ←
Suspension 4–Wheel MacPherson Strut ←
Gear Type Rack and Pinion ←

Steering Vehicle Speed Sensing Hydraulic

Power Steering 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. For
increased serviceability, many of the systems have a self–diagnosis function, and a connector exclusively for
diagnostic purposes, the TDCL (Total Diagnostic Communication Link), is provided inside the cabin
compartment.

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 connector
exclusively for diagnosis of the data from the engine control, ECT, Cruise Control, Air Conditioner, SRS Airbag and
ABS ECUs to improve serviceability.

NOTICE

Never make a mistake with the terminal connection position as this will cause a malfunction.
 9

ENGINE

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

ENGINE LINE–UP
Engine Max. Output Max. Torque
Displacement Features
Type [SAE–NET] [SAE–NET]
Based on the previous 2VZ–FE
138 KW @ 5200 rpm 264 N⋅m @ 4400 rpm engine, this engine has a larger
3.0 L 3VZ–FE
(185 HP @ 5200 rpm) (195 ft⋅lbf @ 4400 rpm) displacement, etc. and achieves
higher power.

 3VZ–FE ENGINE
The 3VZ–FE engine is basically the same as the previous 2VZ–FE engine, with the following changes to improve
its 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 been
increased 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 used
to 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 intake
air control valve opens and closes in accordance with the engine speed, throttle position, etc. This has the effect
of 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 to
further 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, and
transaxle and brake performance, etc. which match the 3VZ–FE engine, providing the ES300 with a chassis suitable for
a 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 the
parts are newly designed and the front suspension is mounted on the body via an anti–vibration sub–frame. This
achieves 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 Feeling Feeling Performance Comfort 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 Feeling Feeling Performance Comfort 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 materials
provides increased rust–resistant performance. Noise and vibration have been reduced by using vibration damping steel
sheet and asphalt sheet with resin binding as well as by unitizing the body, etc. This also improves aerodynamic
performance.

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 achieve
a dynamic front form.

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

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

 The sharp rear end three–layered rear combination lights create an elegant rear form.
 15

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 same
color 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 integration
with the body.

 The front bumper is integrated with the front spoiler and the air intake.
 16

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 and
high 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 or
head position) and the ignition switch is turned off. After the lights have gone off automatically (with the light
control switch on), turning the switch off, then on again, or turning the ignition switch on again causes the lights
to go on.

 The daytime running light system is standard equipment for Canada. Previously, the daytime running light system
used 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 switch
is on and the headlights are switched on, washer fluid is sprayed from nozzles mounted in the front bumper onto
the headlight lens for approximately 0.5 sec. to clean the lens surface and improve night driving visibility.
 17

EXTERIOR

 Beam angle gauges are used for aiming the

headlights.

2. Rear Lights
 Large, triple–lens type flush surfaced horizontal rear combination lights are used. These improve visibility, and
enhance 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.
 18

EXTERIOR

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

 A full area wiping system is used. This adjusts wiper blade overrun automatically when the wipers are operating
at 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 window
defogger 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 the
ignition 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–up
position).

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

 SIDE PROTECTIVE MOLDING

As in the previous model, large size urethane side protective moldings are used. These molding offer improved
anti–chipping performance and improve the vehicle’s appearance.
 20

INTERIOR

The interior of the ES300 is three–dimensional, with its continuous instrument panel and door trim giving it a sporty look
and an air of prestige.
The black–faced meter, center cluster with its excellent switch locations, and use of high class materials such as walnut
and 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 way
to 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 easy
to 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) and
other 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 better
seating 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 objects
placed in the trunk to protrude into the cabin interior to increase utility. The arm rest door can be locked with the
master 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 case
with the previous models.
 An adjustable shoulder belt anchor is
provided on all models. It can be adjusted
vertically to five positions to fit the physique
of 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 also
has 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 are
available 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. This
not 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, emphasizing
the 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 easier
to 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, remote
from 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 well
as low fan noise is used.

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

 The temperature and air flow status, etc. are displayed in the center of the air conditioner control panel, making
adjustment 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 near
the 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 improve
serviceability.
i) The number of times consecutive errors can be made in inputting the ID (identification) number when
resetting, clearing and cancelling system operation has been changed from 4 times to 9 times. The number
of 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, when
the 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 blinks
while the ignition key is in the LOCK position to indicate that the anti–theft system is set. It lights up
continuously when the “HELP” message is indicated by the display.
 29

INTERIOR

Layout of Audio System

Specifications
Availability
y
Standard Option
Components

 Audio Unit
 AM–FM ETR with Cassette Deck and CD
 AM–FM ETR with Cassette Deck Player
 Separate Power Amplifier  Separate Amplifier
 Make: PIONEER  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 cylinder

has been replaced with a push–in type.
The ignition key is simply pushed in first to turn
it from ACC to LOCK position.
Models with an automatic transaxle have a shift
lock system. Accordingly, the shift lever must
be in “P” range before pushing in the key.

 The key plate has three master keys and one

sub–key. One of the master keys is a flat type in
a card holder, and another one has installed in it
the remote control switch for the wireless door
lock 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 all
models.

 The swing up type tilt steering system is used to

improve ease of entry and exit. When the tilt
lever is pulled up, the steering wheel swings up
to its highest steering position. When the tilt
lever is kept pulled up, the steering position can
be adjusted over a range of 15°45’ (7 positions).

 SRS AIRBAG
 An SRS Airbag is standard equipment as in the
previous model.

 An SRS Airbag is installed in the steering wheel

center pad as a restraint system to supplement
the driver’s seat belt, lessening the shock to the
driver’s upper body in the event of a frontal
impact in a collision.

 CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM

 The cruise control system is standard
equipment.

 As in the previous model, the main switch and

control switch are located on a single lever
mounted on the steering wheel which can be
operated without the driver removing his hand
from 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 and
key–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 after
the 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. With
the 2–step function, turning the key once in the driver’s door unlocks the driver’s door only. Turning it twice
unlocks all the doors.

 As in the previous model, a key confinement prevention function is provided. When the door is opened and the
door lock button is locked with the key still inserted in the ignition key cylinder, the key confinement prevention
mechanism soon turns the door lock button to UNLOCK. This prevents the key from being inadvertently locked
inside the vehicle.
 33

INTERIOR

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

 THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM

 A theft deterrent system is used to prevent vehicle theft. When the system is set, the horn and headlights operate
if 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 body
is 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 fuel
lid 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 the
glove 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 the
vehicle at night, etc.

 The illuminated entry system turns on the dome light, ignition key cylinder light and door key cylinder light when
the door is opened. When the door is closed, the lights which are on start to dim, then go off completely after 6–10
seconds. If the door handle is pulled up while the lights are dimming, the lights turn off completely while the door
handle is pulled up. Then, when the handle returns to its original position the lights again begin to dim just as when
the 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 types
of operation to choose from; a hand–free telephone with microphone built into the steering column, or a hand–set
telephone 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 also
used for the audio system, are used so that the communication can occur without picking up the telephone receiver
and 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.