I'm seriously sold to the design of this car, regardless of all the negativity surrounding this board.

 

Of the hybrid? I don't think there is a negative biased towards it.
If it's coming it will come at the 2.5 year product cycle update, or the 5th year update. (7th generation Camry platform, 6th generation ESxxx).

The actual $24,000 question is when they offer a hybrid version, which hybrid version will it be? Will it be the Camry's i4 based hybrid drivetrain, or the Highlander's v6 based hybrid drivetrain?


Personally, I think it would be the i4 drivetrain because of weight. The hybrid Camry has a 3680lb curb weight. A CURRENT ES 350 is a portly 3580lbs. I don't think they can afford the weight on the chassis of the v6 based drivetrain, and it's batterypacks.
They also save around 250lbs of weigh simply having the i4 drivetrain over the current aluminum v6 transaxle drivetrain, so by the time an average 150lb driver gets in the car, we're in excess of 4000lbs.







At any rate, that's my opinion. But don't expect one before the mid-generation update in 2009, or the next generation in 2012.
Toyota runs 5 year product cycles with an update at 2.5.

 

I thought by 2010 Lexus will have all hybrid options?

 

For some reason I thought it was coming soon as well - 2009 or 2010 at the latest.

Found where I got it in my head soon - http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/08/20...ter-crossover/

 

i think it will have the V6 version. remember, lexus=performance hybrid; toyota=fuel economy hybrid. also remember lexus apparently doesnt care about weight, ie. LS600hl

as for whether or not it will come, never i dont think unless we sign a petition. there isnt enough space in the back of an ls460L for the batteries, it will be even worse in this smaller car.

 

To the OP, when you say hybrid ES350, do you want the same performance and better gas mileage or just better gas mileage, cause better perforamnce would take the ES into say 5 Series competition and the ES already has more power then it needs for it's soft plush ride and handling.

 

http://www.hybridcenter.org/hybrid-timeline.html
JU

 

As battery technology advances (likely quicker than expected) the hybrids will dominate. Even as much as I love the 272+HP, if I could have bought a 4 cylinder gas saving hybrid ES this year (or a 6 cylinder, even) I would have jumped on it.

 

Def. will be a 6 cylinder me thinks. Though I guess it depends on the success of the 4 cylinder IS hybrid that is supposedly being developed.

 

I can't wait for the PriES350 -- that'll be the end of the U660E transmission flare woes for me!

 

This source states somewhat authoritatively:

"Lexus ES: A Lexus ES hybrid will be added for the 2009 model year. A model freshening is planned for the 2010 with a total redesign for the 2012 model year."


http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6386...e-7/index.html

 

Keep in mind the 2009 Camry is coming early (Feb 2008) so we might see the 2009 ES earlier too.

 

So if a hybrid ES does come out most likely it will be called the ES 400h using the 3.3 liter V6 hybrid RX drivetrain or the ES 300h using the 2.4 liter I4 hybrid Camry drivetrain...

 

I'm curious if it'll use the V6 option. Just like the current HiHy (or new HiHy rather) has the same unit that puts out the same hp as the current Highlander, the ESh may put out the same hp as the ES350.

I'm hoping it's the 4 cylinder but do note that it is producing 187hp which may have some image issues concerning the Lexus brand. It'll be wise to bump it up to 200hp at least.

 

Just got this information. I think this will answer a few questions Hybrid ES in 2009 check out the link below
http://thepassionatepursuit.com/2007...-upscale-only/