The ES250 has been developed as an entry level model in the luxury car class, with a luxurious and sporty image.
This is a sporty sedan which offers excellence in terms of price, size and performance, equal to the compact sporty sedansof competitors, and which sports a 4–door hardtop body with a more individualistic style. The interior provides all thewidth and roominess of a 4–door sedan and sashless doors give the feel of a sporty bright cabin.
While the emphasis is on a sporty feeling even in the cabin, the use of real wood and genuine leather also gives a feelingof high class and high quality.
Tire and Disc Wheel P195/60 R15 88V, 5.5JJ, 15 inch
� MAJOR STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Item Equipment and Specifications See Page
Fog Light Yellow Halogen Bulb —
ExteriorWiper Fully Concealed Type 10
ExteriorOutside Rear View Mirror Power Remote–Control Type 11
Theft Deterrent System Included 21, 221
Cruise Control System Control Lever with Built–in Main Switch 20, 235
Audio System
� 6–Speaker System� AM/FM Multiplex ETR with Cassette Player� Diversity Antenna System� Anti–Theft System
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Air Conditioner Push Button Type Manual Air Conditioner 17
Cup Holder Pull–Out Type Built–in Center Cluster 19
InteriorGenuine Wood
� Center Cluster Panel � Console Upper Panel� Front Power Window Switch Plate� Ashtray Lid
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Seat (Rear) 60/40 Split Fold–Down Type, Rear Seat Back withArmrest
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Power Window One–Touch Down Function on Driver’s Side 20
Door Lock Power Door Lock with 2–Step Unlock Function 21, 215
Illuminated Entry System 7.5 Second–Illumination and Fade–Out —
Light Auto Turn Off System Included —
SRS (Supplemental RestraintSystem) AIRBAG
Included 21, 225
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MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS
� OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Item See Page
Power Sliding Moon Roof 11, 210
Power Seat (Driver’s Seat Only) 14
Audio System � CD Player� AM/FM Multiplex ETR with Cassette Player, Acoustic Flavor
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Leather Package
Applicable Items:� Seat Upholstery � Shift Lever Boot (M/T only)� Door Trim Ornaments � Console Box Lid� Steering Wheel � Parking Brake Lever Grip� Shift Lever Knob
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All Season Tire 195 /60 R15 86H —
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EXTERIOR
STYLING
The ES250 has been given an exterior design, which is sporty, smooth and smart, giving it a sophisticated high classfeeling.
A stylish 4–door pillared hardtop body with sashless doors are used. The use of a classy and sporty radiator grille, largeside protective moldings and large rear combination lights add emphasis to the side lines contributing to a design witha high class feel.
The low front and high deck provides a wedge shape side silhouette.
The sporty–4–door pillared hardop and sashless doors give the cabin a compact look.
The wide, long and low silhouette has a low center of gravity.
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EXTERIOR
EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
� RADIATOR GRILLE
A highly durable radiator grille is used. The grille is painted black and has a chrome–plated outer frame which gives itthe feel of being integrated with the hood molding.
The grille has a mesh type design to give the ES250 a high class image common with the LS400.
� BUMPER
Color–keyed urethane bumpers, integrated with the front spoiler, are used to heighten the sporty image. Side protectivemoldings are also color–keyed to match the body color, giving a 2–tone exterior with a high class feel.
� WIPER
Fully concealed wipers with lock–back mechanisms are used. The wipers are changed from fully concealed tosemi–concealed and vice–versa by mechanically adjusting the length of the wiper link, providing a variable concealedwiper system. The wipers can be locked back after being set in the semi–concealed position.
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EXTERIOR
� OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR
Color–keyed aerodynamically designed electrical remote control mirrors are used. The remote control mirror switchis mounted in the console box for ease of use.
� MOON ROOF
� A power sliding moon roof which provides good ventilation and exhilarating open air driving is available as anoption. In the interior of the vehicle, there is a moveable sun shade to reduce glare during daylight hours.
� A 2–step operation type moon roof is used. When the moon roof reaches a point approximately 7.9 in. (200mm)from the fully closed position, it stops temporarily, even when the “CLOSE” button is held down. Pressing the“CLOSE” button again causes the moon roof to close fully.
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EXTERIOR
� SIDE PROTECTIVE MOLDING
� Large size, urethane side protective moldings are used. These moldings offer improved anti–chippingperformance and improve appearance.
� TRIM MOLDINGS
� Each molding has been chrome plated and the color and gloss have been made uniform to add to the highclass feel.
� A lower back molding made of acrylic has beeninstalled to give a look of continuity to the rearcombination lights and give the rear end afeeling of width.
� TAIL PIPE DIFFUSER
� A sporty dual type plated tail pipe diffuser isused to provide a much more sporty rearappearance.
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INTERIOR
� The interior of the ES250 has been given both a sporty feeling and a touch of warmth, which is appropriate for a highclass sedan. The use of real wood and genuine leather lends a feeling of high quality and softness. The interior linesflow smoothly from the instrument panel to the door trim and from center cluster panel to the console, creating a neatshape and sporty image. The switches located at the sides of the combination meter hood provide excellent operabilityand visibility. The center cluster, which is located close to the passenger side, emphasizes this sportiness while givingthe interior a feeling of luxury and high quality.
CABIN
� The sporty instrument panel flows smoothly to the door trim and from the center panel to the console.
� The optimum reach, priority of use, frequency of use and operating procedures have been considered in deciding thesize and position of each switch as well as their ease of use by passengers.
� Simple, sporty seats with good holding characteristics are used.
� The use of real wood and genuine leather gives a feeling of high class and genuineness.
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INTERIOR
� SEATS
1. Front Seat
� Sporty seats with outstanding hold and comfort are used.
� Leather seats are offered as an option. In the case of leather seats, power seats are used.
Driver”s
Adjustment FunctionsManual
Power (Option)
Passenger
1 Fore–and–aft slide � � �
2 Reclining � � �
3 Front Vertical Height � � —
4 Rear Vertical Height � � —
5 Headrest Height � � �
6Headrest Fore–and–aftAdjustment � � �
�: Manual �: Power
2. Rear Seat
� A 60–40 split fold–down rear seat with center arm rest is used.
� Folding down the seat back provides space, which is connected to the trunk room. This feature can be utilizedfor any number of special uses.
� Leather seats are offered as an option.
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INTERIOR
� SEAT BELT
� 3–point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seat belts are used in the front and outside seat positions in the rear.While a 2–point NR (Non Retractor) seat belt is used for the center seat position in the rear.
� The rear shoulder section is covered by the roofside inner garnish to provide an attractiveappearance.
� FLOOR CARPET
� A single piece carpet extends from the front to the rear to improve the appearance of the interior. Heel pad andfoot–rest, which match the shape of the floor, are also provided.
� LEATHER PACKAGE
� The use of genuine leather gives the interior ahighly luxurious feel. Locations where leather isused are shown below.
�: Seat
�: Door Trim
�: Steering Wheel
�: Shift Lever Knob
�: Shift Lever Boot (M/T Only)
�: Parking Brake Lever Grip
�: Console Box Lid
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INTERIOR
INSTRUMENT PANEL, SWITCH LAYOUT AND EQUIPMENT
� The sporty designed instrument panel and center cluster panel are joined smoothly to the center console.
� Switches, which are used frequently, are arranged in the meter cluster to offer good operability and visibility.
� Switches for the air conditioner and audio system, which are used frequently, are provided in the center cluster panel.Consideration was also given to the operating procedure and frequency of use in designing and laying out the switches.Thus, the size and location of each switch provides good operability and visibility.
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INTERIOR
� COMBINATION METER
� A four–meter analog combination meter is used.
� The shift position of the automatic transmissionis displayed in the center of the combinationmeter. All the other indicator lights and warninglights located in the combination for excellentvisibility.
� AIR CONDITIONER
� A push–button type control panel, with goodoperability and visibility, is used.
� A manual air conditioner is standard equipment.
� AUDIO SYSTEM
� A 6–speaker system with tweeters mounted inthe door trim is used to deliver the high qualitysound expected of a luxury car’s audio system.
� A diversity antenna system, with a pole antennaand printed antenna in the back window glass,is used to give the optimum radio reception at alltimes.
� A CD (Compact disc) player is offered as anoption.
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INTERIOR
� CENTER CLUSTER
� The center cluster is joined smoothly to the instrument panel and protrudes out slightly for easy use and visibilityof each switch.
Real wood (bird’s eye maple) is also used to give the interior a high class yet warm and inviting feeling.
Locations where real wood is used.
� Center cluster panel
� Console upper panel
� Ashtray lid
� Front power window switch base
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INTERIOR
� ASHTRAY
� The ashtray and cigarette lighter are located atthe bottom of the center cluster beneath a slidinglid.
� The inner box of the ashtray pops up when apush–button is pressed, allowing convenientremoval of the box for easy disposal of thecontents.
� USEFUL STORAGE SPACES
� A large console box, door pockets, cup holder and glove box provide good storage and utilize the available spaceconveniently.
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INTERIOR
� POWER WINDOW SYSTEM
� A power window system, with one–touch auto down function, automatically opens the driver’s side window glass,is a standard equipment. The shape of the power window switches are improved to make them easy to operate.The movement of the switches is matched with the window movement. Thus, the window is lowered by pushingthe switch down and raised by pulling the switch up.
� CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM
� The cruise control system is standardequipment.
� The control switch and main switch are groupedon a lever mounted on the steering column. Itcan be reached without taking the hand from thesteering wheel. This makes the cruise controlsystem easier and safer to use.
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INTERIOR
� DOOR LOCK CONTROL SYSTEM
� The door lock control system is standard equipment.
� A 2–step door unlock system is used. When the key is turned one time (�), only the driver’s door unlocks.
Turning the key once more () unlocks the remaining doors.
� A key confinement prevention function prevents the key from being locked in the car. If the door is opened andthe lock button is pressed while they key is still in the ignition key cylinder, the door quickly unlocks again.
� SRS AIRBAG
� An SRS AIRBAG is installed in the steering wheel center pad as a restraint system to supplement the driver’s seatbelt, lessening the shock to the driver’s upper body in the event of a frontal impact in a collision.
� The airbag detects the frontal impact via sensors and when the force of the impact exceeds a set level, the air baginside the steering wheel pad is momentarily inflated to reduce the shock to the driver.
For more detail about the system, see page–225.
� THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
� A theft deterrent system is used to prevent vehicle theft. When this system is activated, the horn and headlightsoperate when the door, hood or trunk are forcibly unlocked.
� The audio system is also equipped with an anti–theft system, which disables the functions of the audio unit if itis removed from the vehicle.
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HIGH TECHNOLOGY
ECU CONTROLLED SYSTEMS
� In the ES250, many of the systems have an ECU to provide precise control.
For increased serviceability, many of the systems have a self–diagnosis system, and a connector exclusively fordiagnostic purposes; TDCL (Total Diagnostic Communication Link) is provided inside the cabin compartment.
No. System Self–Diagnosis
� Theft Deterrent System —
Power Steering —
Engine & Transmission (A/T Only) Control System Yes
� Shift Lock System (A/T Only) —
� SRS AIRBAG System Yes
A.B.S. Yes
� Cruise Control System Yes
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HIGH TECHNOLOGY
� The TDCL is provided inside the instrument panel left hand lower side as a connector exclusively for diagnosisof the data from the engine control ECU, and A.B.S. etc., to improve serviceability. By consulting the TDCL toa diagnosis monitor specifically designed for use with the TDCL, the diagnosis result for each system can be readeasily. The check connector inside the engine compartment is also used for engine adjustment.
Never make a mistake with the terminal connection position as this will cause a malfunction.
NOTICE
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ENGINE
The ES250 is equipped with a 2.5 liter V6 24–valve DOHC gasoline engine.
ENGINE LINE–UP
Displacement Engine Type Max. Output Max. Torque Features
2.5 L 2VZ–FE 156 HP @ 5600 rpm 160 ft–lbs @ 4400 rpm
This V6 DOHC enginefeatures both high perfor-mance and quietness. It iscompact and quiet anddelivers power outputsmoothly.
� 2VZ–FE ENGINE
The 2VZ–FE engine features a compact DOHC mechanism. The intake camshaft is driven by a belt from thecrankshaft. The exhaust camshaft is driven by a scissors gear mechanism engaged with the intake camshaft. It iscompact like an in–line 4–cylinder engine. But since it is a 6–cylinder engine, it runs quietly and smoothly. The banksof the cylinder block are set at an angle of 60°, which provides for good vibration resistance and balance. Thesefeatures take full advantage of a V6 engine. An ECU is used for precise control of the fuel injection and ignition timingto achieve the optimum combustion efficiency, thus realizing both high output and fuel economy.
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ENGINE
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ENGINE
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CHASSIS
The ES250 has been given a sport tuned suspension and sporty chassis which provides good handling and stabilityexpected of a sports car as well as the superior riding comfort of a luxury car.
MAJOR COMPONENTS
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CHASSIS
� FRONT SUSPENSION
MacPherson strut type suspension, with an integrated stabilizer and strut bar, is used. The suspension geometry, wheelalignment and all bushings have been designed for good controllability and riding comfort.
� The caster angle has been increased for greaterstraight line stability. The caster trail is keptsmall through the use of Vorlauf geometry, thusproviding the most appropriate steeringstability.
Generally, if the caster angle is increased, thestraight line stability is increased. However,since the trail is also increased at the same time,the steering stability (restoring force) becomestoo large and is influenced by even slight roadsurface disturbances. Vorlauf geometry offsetsthe kingpin axis to the rear of the wheel center,without increasing the trail, permitting a largercaster angle.
� Use of a lower arm shaft brings the lower arm mounting position as far to the front as possible. This keeps itperpendicular to the tires, thus increasing the rigidity of the front suspension with respect to lateral forces. Theleft and right lower arm shafts are also joined by the lower arm brace, achieving even greater rigidity and providinggood steering stability.
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CHASSIS
� Anti–dive and Anti–lift geometry
By mounting the lower arm, stabilizer bar and shock absorber in the most appropriate positions, nose dive duringbraking and lift during starting off and acceleration have been reduced.
Since suspension movements occur in a stroke which is centered about the virtual center, the position of the virtualcenter becomes very important.
The front virtual center is the point of intersection between a line which connects the stabilizer’s front and rearmounting points and a line from the shock absorber upper support which is perpendicular to the shock absorber.
� Anti–Dive �
Due to load shifting during braking, the load distribution on the front and rear wheels changes. The load bearingon the front wheels increases and the load bearing on the rear wheel decreases. As a result, the front end of thevehicle dives and the rear end rises. If we think of the body’s posture as a constant, the amount of load shifting(∆W) is the sum of the respective forces ∆W at the point where each of the tires comes in contact with theground. In the front, these forces are directed upward, causing the tires to move toward the body, while in the rearthese forces are directed downward, pushing the tires away from the body.
During braking, braking force Br acting on the front tire contact point can be resolved into force Br1 whichacts along a line from the virtual center Of and the ground and contact point and force Br2, which actsperpendicular to the ground at contact point . At this time, the upward force Br2 combines with the upwardforce of ∆W, greatly increasing the amount of front dive. In the ES250, optimization of the mounting position ofthe stabilizer bar and the tilt of the shock absorbers reduces force Br2 and thus reduces nose dive.
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CHASSIS
� Anti–Lift �
Due to load shifting from drive force generated during starting off and acceleration, opposite to the load shiftingwhich occurs during braking, the load on the front wheels is reduced and the load on the rear wheels is increased,with the result that the front end tends to rise up.
If we think of the body’s posture as being constant, the amount of change in the load bearing on the axle centercauses the front tires to push downward away from the body and causes the rear tires to push up toward the body,thus generating a lifting force which causes the front end to rise up.
The driving force T acting on the axle center during starting off and acceleration can be resolved into forceT1, which acts along a line connecting the virtual center Of and the axle center , and force T2, which actsperpendicular to the axle center .
At this time, downward force T2 combines with ∆W and front end lift becomes marked. By optimizing themounting positions of the stabilizer bar and shock absorber, T2 is made smaller and nose lift is reduced.
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CHASSIS
� REAR SUSPENSION
A dual link type MacPherson strut rear suspension is used. Use of a rear suspension member improves rigidity, andoptimization of each rod and arm achieves good steering stability and riding comfort.
� The lower arm is made as long as possible to minimize changes in tread and improve riding comfort while at thesame time improving cornering performance with a wider tread.
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CHASSIS
� The rear wheels are set with negative camber, thus reducing the camber angle during cornering and improvingcornering performance. The No.2 lower arm on the body side has a toe adjustment cam.
� A rear suspension member is used. This improves the support rigidity of the rear suspension and improves thevehicle’s quietness.
� The strut rod, lower arm and shock absorber have been mounted in the optimum positions to reduce the amountof lift of the vehicle rear end during braking.
� The rear virtual center is the point of intersection between a line connecting the strut rod front and rear mountingpoints and a line from the shock absorber upper arm which is perpendicular to the shock absorber.
� Anti–lift �
Due to load shifting during braking, the front end tends to dive and the rear tends to rise up. If we think of the body’sposture at this time as a constant, in the rear, the forces which act are directed downward, tending to push the reartires away from the body.
During braking, the braking force Br acting on the rear tire ground contact point (A) can be resolved into forceBr1, which acts along a line from the virtual center Or through ground contact point (A), and force Br2, which actsperpendicular to ground contact point (A). At this time, the upward force Br2 acts to cancel out the downwardforce ∆W which occurs due to load shifting, thus reducing the lift of the vehicle rear end during braking.
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CHASSIS
� STEERING
PPS (Progressive Power Steering) changes the steering system hydraulic characteristics in accordance with thevehicle speed. This lightens the steering effort required during low speed driving and turning while stopped, butincreases the direct feel during high speed driving.
� BRAKE
� All four wheels are fitted with disc brakes.
� The A.B.S., which prevents wheel lock during sudden braking, is standard. If a wheel speed sensor indicates thatthere is a possibility of locking, the ECU controls the brake pressure on each front wheel independently and onboth rear wheels simultaneously to prevent the wheels from locking. The A.B.S. has the following features:
� Helps to maintain vehicle stability and steerability during sudden braking.
� For the above reasons, even during sudden braking, there is a greater likelihood of being able to avoidobstacles with the A.B.S. system.
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BODY
The ES250 has a 4–door hardtop body with sashless doors. A computer simulated analysis of the body was performedto achieve a highly rigid, aerodynamic body with good noise suppression and anti–vibration characteristics.
HIGHLY RIGID BODY
The parts which comprise the body shell have been designed to give optimum strength. Ribs have been added to makeit highly rigid. The placement of reinforcement, design of the parts used, the use of a front lower arm brace and rearsuspension member and the use of high tension steel sheet for many parts results in a highly rigid and lightweight bodystructure.
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BODY
� High Tensile Steel Sheet �
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BODY
RUST–RESISTANT BODY
The use of rust–resistant steel sheet metal, large side moldings and the application of sealer to hemmed areas on the hoodand doors, give the ES250 high rust resistance.
� RUST–RESISTANT STEEL SHEET METAL
Two types of rust–resistant steel sheet metal are used; Galvannealed steel metal sheet and Excelite II. Galvannealedsteel sheet metal is used for many parts such as inner panels and floor panels. Excelite II is used for the major outerpanels such as the doors and hood. Excelite II is made by adding a zinc–rich layer to both sides of the base metal toprovide rust resistance. An iron–rich layer is added to the outer surface of this steel sheet to provide good paint quality.Thus, rust–resistance performance is assured and a beautiful paint finish is obtained.
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BODY
� WAX AND SEALER
Wax and sealer are applied to hemmed areas of the hood, doors and trunk lid in order to improve rust–resistance.
� UNDER COATPVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) coating is applied tovirtually the entire underside of the body.
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BODY
� ANTI–CHIPPING APPLICATION
� Large protective moldings made of urethane are used on the lower portions of the body. An additional rockermolding, is added to the rocker areas, to improve anti–chipping performance.
� Anti–chipping paint is applied to exposed outer panels such as rocker panels and the inside surfaces of wheelarches.
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BODY
LOW VIBRATION, LOW NOISE BODY
� A multi–layer composite structure dash panel and floor panel are used, reducing vibration and noise.
� The inner cross section of each pillar is filled with foamed vinyl to prevent the penetration of engine noise, road noiseand wind noise.
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BODY
FLUSH–SURFACE BODY AND EXTERIOR
The smooth body shape and the height difference of the windshield glass with the body has been kept as small as possibleto reduce wind resistance. Full case type door handles, which do not protrude out from the door panels, andaerodynamically designed outside rear view mirrors are used to reduce wind noise.
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BODY
BODY PAINT
Body paint with rich colors suitable for a luxury car, and which express a feeling of high quality, are offered.
� Improved paint quality
� MIO (Micaceous Iron Oxide) paint, which gives a deep luster to the paint finish, is used. A new concept color, DarkGreen MIO, is used.
� A different tone is used for the main body and for the side protective moldings and front and rear bumpers, to providetone on tone exterior coloring (except in the case of deep red mica).
