Is ES330 right around the corner?
06-05-02, 06:42 PM
#1
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Is ES330 right around the corner?
Since whitels mentioned in the RX300 forum that he saw a new RX330 rated at 230HP on his recent invite to pre-view new SUVs from Lexus, does that mean the current ES300 will be ugraded to an ES330 soon? Wonder what this will mean to the Camry's spec.
06-05-02, 07:04 PM
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Probably...Lexus is going to put this engine in everything from the Camry to the IS...Once the 330 goes into production, they won't be keeping the 300 around for long. It would be costly and inefficient, which are some of Toyota's most hated enemies. I'd say look for the 330 cars/trucks/SUVs to start appearing this August/September at the earliest and January 2003 at the latest...The new Solara should be out be then too...We'll see what happens.
06-05-02, 09:26 PM
#3
Hmm...that's interesting. My guess would be that Lexus will delay the ES330 until the 2004 model year, since the current ES came out for 2002. I don't think Lexus will want all the 2002 ES owners being upset about the ES330 coming out so soon.
06-06-02, 12:04 AM
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Stranger things have happened.
Did you say the engine would be used for almost all toyota/lexus vehicles? Thats odd, I would assume, then, that they would adjust it accordingly for the larger and smaller cars.
Did you say the engine would be used for almost all toyota/lexus vehicles? Thats odd, I would assume, then, that they would adjust it accordingly for the larger and smaller cars.
08-01-02, 06:20 PM
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Only 230hp?!
OK, I sure hope that the version of the 330 that was seen was a preproduction trim model, with less power, because 230 will not cut it(Acura uses 225hp, so to keep ahead, I think at least 240hp will be required for the ES, 260+ for RX). Especially for a 4wd vehicle like the RX. However, it is likely that this v6 will be put to use in many Toyota and Lexus models (especially those that share platforms: Highlander, Camry, ES300, RX300) to save costs. Furthermore, power will probably be varied to suit the price ranges of those cars.
However, the GS and IS (Which will also use a larger V6 next generation) will probably use a performance-oriented V6, whereas the ES/RX/Camry/Highlander will use a more luxo-version. Rumour has it that the V6 for the GS and IS will be used to power a Supra successor (in top form, developing 350 hp with 3.5L displacement)
However, the GS and IS (Which will also use a larger V6 next generation) will probably use a performance-oriented V6, whereas the ES/RX/Camry/Highlander will use a more luxo-version. Rumour has it that the V6 for the GS and IS will be used to power a Supra successor (in top form, developing 350 hp with 3.5L displacement)
08-23-02, 11:06 PM
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are you kidding the Acura TL Type S has 260HP and so all these hondas,toyotas and the new altimas even have 260 hp when will lexus get with it and boost the HP? I know lexus is a luxury car, but c.mon 210 ins't cutting it!!
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09-06-02, 08:38 AM
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Looks like the latest Oct issue of Motor Trend is confirming the new ES330 will indeed have the 3.3L 240 hp engine and available in 2004 (2005 model year?) just one year after releasing the new RX330 in 2003.
10-09-02, 05:23 PM
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The ES330 was confirmed for the 2005 model year (2004) release by my local (30min drive) dealership. The IS however is getting a big sister that will be called the IS430. It will have the LS 4.3L V-8 with 300+hp. It will also be beefer and more sporty looking than the previous model. This is coming from the recent car and driver who has a photo as well as the coverage and said it's rumored it may have a supercharger that would give it 400+hp. To bad there won't be an ES430.
10-09-02, 05:56 PM
#13
I was actually told 2003 release for the ES330 as a 2004. But I'm glad to know I've got two years! I'm doing an assumable lease so I can just back out when either the ES330, or if I like it, the new GS comes out.
