What if it is based on the Avalon chassis?

 

Isn't the current gen Avalon based on the previous gen Camry? Seems like the new ES350 would be on an updated platform vs. going back. Probably whatever the new Camry is on.

 

New Camry is due out this fall - the 2012 ES will probably follow close behind.

There's no reason it would be based on anything but the Camry, Toyota's bread and butter vehicle.

 

No. The Avalon has always had a longer wheel base. It was originally built on a stretched camry chassis. 107in. vs 102in. In 2005, it went to 111 in wheelbase. Even today the camry sits on a 109" wheelbase. The avalon is a bigger car, inside and out. More rear leg room etc. Seems to me the es350 could be put on the 111" chassis and still look good.

 

Has a new verisons of the ES always come in the same year as a new version of the Camry?

 

Toyota president Akio Toyoda says the new generation Camry is coming out this fall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgYeP4ssKNA&f

 

Has a date been set for the introduction of the new ES?

 

I thought I read somewhere that the ES has been pushed out to 2013? There may be some design clues from the Camry, the rear of the Camry looks similar to that of the ES, I hope Lexus makes a clean break from this similarity.

 

I was reading a new issue of C&D and they reported "minor trim changes" for the 2012 ES350. I guess that means it has been pushed back to 2013.

 

Motor Trend just said the same thing. Only change for 2012 is lighted Homelink buttons and Smokey Granite being replaced by "Nebular Gray." This would be the first time the ES does not debut when the Camry does. If that's the case, I would guess Lexus will wait till the end of the year to debut it as a 2013, but goes on sale beginning of 2012.

 

Glad to see they are finally adding lighted Homelink buttons. Too bad it took them SO long for this feature.

 

If they don't and the tech is similar I may just save the ~20% and the next time I upgrade I'll downgrade the status and get some new Toyota wheels. The only thing I would be concerned about is build quality, you know what I mean? Kentucky vs. Japan - Toyota vs. Lexus.

 

Yeah, I second the lighted homelink button. WOW, what an upgrade. The old homelink, a house burglar's best friend when you leave the car in the driveway or better yet put your home in the GPS.

 

Lexus Press Release:

http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases...?view_id=32573

Color changes, that seems to be it.

Edit - Added Product Information Sheet.

Lou

 

Interesting to see that EPA highway MPG is up 1 to 28 on regular, vs. the 27 previously on premium.