love_lexus

Guys,

What do you think if ES 330 have AWD in next generation?

Without AWD is the only reason that I hasitate to buy ES 300.

kreativ

The ES330 will be the current design ES300 with the new 3.3L engine. So no AWD at least for the rest of the design cycle ('07 model year being when a new design comes out if Lexus continues to follow the 5 year pattern). I don't see them putting AWD on the ES either

RX300-BV

The ES would definitely benefit from the more powerful engine. AWD as an option would be good for those wou prefer that. I still, however, dislike the current look of the ES. I thought the previous generation ES looked really nice, but felt the ES, like the current Camry, took a step backwards in style with their current, bloated looking design.

meZoom!

no way---------------. i wish i could save this thread for many years down the line, in case they actually every do come out w/ an AWD ES. Lexus making their entry level sedan AWD? the only possibilities i can imagine of this happening is if: a)it isn't their entry level sedan anymore b)AWD is an option.

mburnickas

RX300-BV- I must agree with you. I also dislike the new 2003 design. The older gens were great. The rear end look very plain and to high. The noise looks to long and like a bubble.

squarehat

If the ES became AWD, it would step on the toes of the GS3 a little too closely. I suppose it could be done using an RX330 powertrain that's lower to the ground; I don't know if the RX AWD system is too bulky to put in a sedan.

steviej

iTrader: (1)

perhaps they would follow the design of volvo's AWD sedan or that of Audi. Toyota has had AWD cars in the past that did not have the stance of the "trucks" so this knowledge of engineering is not new ground for them.

Interesting if they did.

I on the other hand like the lines of the 02/03 ES's better than that of previous years but I do like the scheme of the 00-01 ES's to.

steviej

Toysrme

The old ES's looked like a Camry, A very handsome Carmy in a suite and tie might I add! In and un-biased opinion, I thought the old ones looked better also, even before I got my '93.

An AWD ES 300 would fairly well go against the Niche of the vehicle. I don't see any first hand buyer caring what-so-ever about AWD. The mission is affordable luxury. It would be too hard and expencive (even for this niche) to tool them for AWD. Even more so making it optional.

It's not a performance sedan. You also never know, the next one may have more engine because it's hauling around more wieght :\

Not bashing, but I think we're all daydreaming about the ES becoming high performancewith AWD.

love_lexus

I don't want ES as a performance car, but I like it has AWD because it will be more safe on snow road.

XenonES3

ARE YOU JOKING????

Come over to my house in Chicago during the winter. I'll take you on a tour where you'll see nothing but minivans, pickups, SUVs, and FWD cars. RWD cars are rare during the winter, unless the owner slaps on some smaller rims and snow tires. My family garages two of our high performance RWD cars for the winter.


An ES will handle much better on snowy roads than your GS.


I just don't understand your point.

My dad actually owns several car dealerships across the nation including Lexus, and he says THE MAIN DRAW to the ES in snow belt climates is FRONT WHEEL DRIVE.

amf1932

It's true that FWD cars are better than RWD in snowy conditions, but AWD is the best for extreme traction control! Naturally the tires that are used are important too.

Alan

XenonES3

Hmmmmmm.....

The bottom line: Does FWD get the job done?

My answer: YES!

Next Question: Is it necessary for Lexus to spend millions of dollars in R&D to develop an AWD system for the ES300 that may not provide the monetary return since most buyers would already be satisfied with FWD?

Go figure....


Want AWD? Lexus ain't stupid. That's why there's an RX330 to suit those needs.

amf1932

That's not the question!! As I said before FWD is better than RWD but AWD is the best! We're not talking about the monetary return that the manufacturer will realize by developing that type of system.

Alan

XenonES3

Fine, you win.

Scroll up to love_lexus's first post.

"Without AWD is the only reason that I hesitate to buy ES 300."

I wanted to convince him the FWD ES300 handles just fine in the snow. He should not hesitate to buy one.

If you want to keep pushing for AWD, fine, but that's just going to prevent love_lexus from purchasing an ES300.

Bluesman

I do not like the stock exterior design of the new ES300. However, I've seen a few pics of modified exteriors (i.e. - wheels, spoilers and\or body kits) which greatly enhance it's appearance. A nice set of rims and a spoiler does a lot for the new model. Hence, with that said, if we are speaking of stock models, I prefer the exterior of the older generation. If we bring mods into the equation, I would take the newer model.