Because this year's ES include quite an old powertrain released and found in other models since 2006 (and 2007 for the ES). Does anyone know if Toyota will update the powertrain engine in the mid generation refresh?

Does anyone know if Toyota is developing or has a newer V6 traverse (front wheel) drive engine in the pipeline? With a larger displacement - say a 3.8 liter engine.

 

I would imagine that is pretty likely...

 

No new engine for this generation ES. Updates will include direct injection but an 8 speed transmission will debut first.

 

No new engine maybe, but those are significant powertrain upgrades.

 

I would really like to see this engine go to
300hp. I am a buyer without hesitation
at that level. Yes, I know everyone
else would too!

 

Here's a question for you...why?

 

You didn't quote me so I'm not sure if
you are asking me or op.
I would like a more powerful engine
for Dallas traffic. It is terrible here and if you can't
move when you need to, you can get in real
trouble. The engine will make the difference for me
between a GS or an ES.

 

270 hp is pretty damn quick, faster than most cars on the road. If performance is that big of a deal than the GS would be a better fit for some.

 

Absolutely, this car doesn't need more power, its got plenty of passing and acceleration power (i mean...its early to mid 6 seconds to 60), no issues in the Metro DC area (far worse than Dallas). LOTS of pull.

You gotta remember this is a FWD car, too much power and you start worrying about torque steer.

Buy a GS.

 

Granted, fwd would be difficult. No arm wrestle here. I never said it was under powered.
Not putting the car down. Would just like to see an upgrade like the op was asking.

 

But an engine upgrade doesn't necessarily need to mean more horsepower.

 

IMO for the ES to have 300 hp it would really need to have AWD (unlikely at this point) or that power would be wasted on FWD. As mentioned, most tests of the ES350 show 0-60 times of 6.2 - 6.5 seconds which is more than class competitive. Lexus usually understates the times in their materials.

 

OP asked about more displacement, I agreed. He said 3.8L.
I think 3.5L. like the GS. Engine upgrades have meant more
HP since the ES 250. Just logical thinking. Why the attack?

 

Its not an attack at all, its just a discussion. My question still stands, why more displacement? For the sake of more displacement? The engine is already 3.5L, has been since 2007.

I just don't understand why people want bigger, and more when there isn't any benefit. If the car performs well, which it does...who cares what size the engine is or what the hp is? I'd rather see a new transmission with lower final drive ratios for better fuel economy and smoother shifts to something that is bigger, heavier and overpowered on an already front heavy FWD car.

What are we going to have 20 years from now, an ES700?

 

Ok. As a discussion question, does it just end here and this car
falls out of vogue as all the other cars go on with upgrades? So technology
ends here and there's no reason to search for anything better? People
should be happy with this model and thats it?