Lexus, luxury division of the Toyota empire, has as the all-new ES as the main attraction on its stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show. But also on display from the Japanese marque are the refreshed RX and LFA supercar amongst other current models.
ES
The reason behind bringing the ES to local market, according to vice-president of marketing for Lexus SA, Glenn Crompton, is due to the demand for a value-oriented luxury offering from Lexus that’s more accessible to a wider audience. Price-wise the ES will slot in just below the IS range but it offers space closer to that of the GS range. “Think of it as the spacious and comfortable alternative to the more dynamically focused IS and GS ranges,” says Crompton.
The ES adopts the firm’s L-Finesse design language, with a prominent take on the now-signature spindle grille flanked by headlamps with daytime running lights and rolling on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. Among the interior features are the second-generation Remote Touch interface with eight-inch colour monitor, satellite navigation and leather trim. Optional extras include a moonroof, smart entry, electric seats with heaters, and reverse camera.
Among the standard safety features aboard the ES are 10 airbags, Lane Change Assist with blind spot monitor, vehicle stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist.
The ES250 is powered by a new 2,5-litre, Dual VVT-i, twin-cam four-cylinder engine developing 135 kW and 235 N.m of torque. It is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The ES300h will be available on order and comes with a 2,5-litre single VVT-i twin-cam Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit producing 118 kW and 213 N.m of torque combined with a 105 kW electric motor for a total power output of 151 kW.
RX
For 2014, the RX has been refreshed with a new “Appearance Pack” that is now standard on the RX 350 EX model. This pack comprises a re-designed bumper with larger air intakes, 19-inch alloys (as opposed to the 18-inch units on the outgoing model), as well as LED-type front fog lamps. For the RX 450h SE, the latest upgrade includes the LED interior lighting package as well as the adoption of the Integrated Sport Driving system which enables the driver to tune the Drive Mode Select to Eco, Normal or Sport mode.
LFA
This extremely rare vehicle (only 500 were made, and only three currently reside in South Africa) represents the pinnacle of Lexus’ engineering excellence, combining luxury and performance. Constructed using advanced carbon fibre technology, the rear-wheel drive LFA is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 412kW 4,8-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine that also produces 480 N.m of torque. Mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, this high-revving powerplant ensures that a zero to 100km/h sprint takes just 3,7 seconds and maximum velocity of 325km/h is obtainable.