Is this déjà vu? If you’re thinking this particular spy shot soiree is reminiscent of last year’s pre-Pebble Beach debut of the 2013 Lexus GS, then you’re absolutely correct. Except this time the star car that was spotted somewhere in China is the new Lexus ES250, and the speculated debut show of choice is April’s Beijing Auto Show.
As you can tell, the forthcoming Lexus ES gets the family’s all-new hourglass face. The six-sided grille sports a chrome border that adds some luxurious flair. Of course, there are also new HID headlights with LED daytime running light strips, as well as a redesigned rear that thankfully takes from the Lexus LS style guide and not the Toyota Camry’s (the car on which it is largely based).
Naturally, the interior underwent significant surgery too and has now adopted much of the same themes as seen on the latest GS and CT models. It’s simple, clean, and functional inside, with less buttons to push and more modern design accents to enjoy (check out that mini-hourglass grille surrounding the climate/stereo knobs). A multi-tiered, horizontally-oriented dash replaces the vertically-aligned configuration of yesteryears. New accoutrements include the Lexus Remote Touch mouse, analog clock, and refreshed three-spoke wheel.
As for what’s powering the ES250, the rumormill says it will receive a version of the Camry’s 178-horse 2.5-liter I-4 engine that’s mated to a six-speed automatic. Don’t be surprised to see a hybrid version that could be based on the upcoming (and gas-sipping) Camry/Avalon powertrain.
Thanks to: Motor Trend
0 comments:
Post a Comment