Speculating on New 2025 Model ES 350
03-23-24, 08:13 AM
#196
Instructor
One thing to speculate here with the ES 25 or 26 model with no V6 is that it probably will have a plug in model available which if follows the RX lead will have more power over the hybrid. So far only UX and NX but we should be getting close to finding out if ES will be 25. Lexus must have real tight security about leaks unlike here in the US where coordinated leaks are everywhere. Bet the first place I hear it is here.
03-25-24, 10:34 AM
#198
Lead Lap
Well I'm hoping that the V6 survives 2025 and beyond... No need to jettison such a tried and true, bulletproof, smooth engine. No one knows at this point... No one... Well maybe Akio knows... 
03-25-24, 10:36 AM
#199
It's possible to pair a hybrid drivetrain with a conventional transmission. Usually Toyota and Lexus use an eCVT. It makes the annoying whining noises of the crapbox CVTs from cars like Nissan, but unlike those, it at least is extremely reliable.
03-25-24, 10:46 AM
#200
Lexus Test Driver
03-25-24, 10:47 AM
#201
I've heard the newer Toyotas and Lexi are greatly improved in that respect. I was just trying to respond to OP's question, which to me implied that he preferred a torque-converted automatic's stepped shifting behavior.
03-25-24, 11:06 AM
#202
Lexus Test Driver
Like one poster recently said, once you drive the eCVT, driving a conventional trans will feel like you're in the car with someone learning to drive a stick
03-25-24, 11:12 AM
#203
The continuous variability in the Toyota/Lexus eCVT is accomplished through sophisticated electronic control of a clever planetary gear set. The same sort of planetary gear set as used in the 8 speed automatic transmission although the automatic transmission's gear set is more complicated and has additional complexity in the mechanisms for "shifting" between the fixed 8 forward gear ratios.
I haven't seen anyone claiming the 8 speed automatic transmission has "annoying whining noises" so why should a similar use of a planetary gear set in the Toyota/Lexus' eCVT have that noise?
03-25-24, 11:30 AM
#204
Racer
Thread Starter
03-25-24, 11:31 AM
#205
Lexus Test Driver
For those curious about the working of the Toyota hybrid system, Car Care Nut has a series of videos where he explains in simplistic terms step by step what goes in once you press the POWER button. There's one entire video on the eCVT as well.
03-25-24, 04:32 PM
#206
One thing to speculate here with the ES 25 or 26 model with no V6 is that it probably will have a plug in model available which if follows the RX lead will have more power over the hybrid. So far only UX and NX but we should be getting close to finding out if ES will be 25. Lexus must have real tight security about leaks unlike here in the US where coordinated leaks are everywhere. Bet the first place I hear it is here.
03-26-24, 09:04 AM
#207
Pole Position
As one example of a hybrid with a conventional transmission, check out the new (as of 2023) RX 500. It is only available as an F Sport so they had slightly different design objectives. Perhaps they will build an F Sport ES with the same design? Call it an ES 500 to mirror the RX model number? Although the popularity of sedans in the current environment may suggest the profit would be hard to justify for such a model.
03-26-24, 05:34 PM
#208
I'm not holding my breath for any future gas-engined Lexus sedans other than ES and maybe IS refreshes. And I say that as a buyer who'd be seriously interested in a V6 GS comeback.
03-26-24, 07:09 PM
#209
Racer
Thread Starter
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LexFinally (03-26-24)
03-28-24, 08:38 AM
#210
One thing to speculate here with the ES 25 or 26 model with no V6 is that it probably will have a plug in model available which if follows the RX lead will have more power over the hybrid. So far only UX and NX but we should be getting close to finding out if ES will be 25. Lexus must have real tight security about leaks unlike here in the US where coordinated leaks are everywhere. Bet the first place I hear it is here.