Mark, Author at Maynards Garage

Bentley Motors’ Extraordinary Journeys

by Mark | Jan 26, 2024 | 0 comments

‘Sustainable, seasonal, and locally sourced produce will be served to guests throughout the programme of culinary experiences. Nature, history, arts and culture, well-being, and relaxation will all form a part of the trip.’

3 Bentley cars on a mountains road in england

Five days of grand touring from Bentley Motors in Crewe, Cheshire, England, to The Macallan Estate in Scotland. (Photography by Bentley Motors)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Whether a bucket list item, a fantasy road trip, or a curated Extraordinary Journey of Discovery, I had to share this release from Bentley Motors for its third annual exclusive driving experience.

The program spans five days and four nights, on two 2024 dates:

• Aug. 19-23
• Sept. 2-6

Fortunately, there is enough time to plan for the adventure if you need to move some investments around. The cost per person (double occupancy) is £14,950 or $18,993.98 in U.S. dollars and includes using a Bentley.

The exclusive road trip is limited to just five couples per group.

“Sustainable, seasonal, and locally sourced produce will be served to guests throughout the programme of culinary experiences. Nature, history, arts and culture, wellbeing, and relaxation will all form a part of the trip.”

And, of course, the Bentley Event team will provide full concierge service, looking after guests’ every need along the way.

The route begins at the home of Bentley Motors in Crewe, Cheshire (the Pyms Lane site), and finishes at The Macallan Estate in Scotland’s protected Speyside region.

All departure arrangements, flights, and insurance are not included. However, the package includes all accommodations, food, drinks, and activities throughout the five-day programs.

Tickets may be purchased here.

The official release is below, lightly edited for length.

Bentley announces 2024 dates for Extraordinary Journeys UK

CREWE, ENGLAND — Bentley Motors invites you to join an Extraordinary Journey of discovery. Now in its third year, the Extraordinary Journeys U.K. has seen guests from across the world come together to enjoy the grand touring of some of the most stunning British landscapes. Bentley’s guests can connect with like-minded people, switch off from the stress of their daily lives, and enjoy the itinerary that Bentley Motors has curated for them.

The once-in-a-lifetime road trip experiences offer the chance to drive a Bentley through stunning British landscapes, including the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Cairngorms. The breathtakingly scenic route begins at the home of Bentley Motors in Crewe, Cheshire, and finishes at The Macallan Estate in Scotland’s protected Speyside region.

Caren Jochner, Global Head of Brand Experience at Bentley, commented:

“Bentley’s prestige and quality credentials as a maker of luxury cars are undisputed and we are always looking at ways to widen Bentley’s appeal beyond automotive, giving new audiences relevant opportunities to experience the Bentley brand and explore new places. The Extraordinary Journeys series is a demonstration of this – bringing our passion for discovery into a series of adventures for both new and existing Bentley customers.”

A lovely dinner setting at the Macallan estate

Sustainable, seasonal, and locally sourced produce will be served throughout the program of culinary experiences.

Sustainable, seasonal, and locally sourced produce will be served throughout the programme of culinary experiences. Nature, history, arts and culture, well-being, and relaxation will all form a part of the trip.

The unforgettable driving programme spans five days of epic, scenic driving, with four nights in unique, luxury accommodations, creating the ultimate Extraordinary Journey.

Guests can access private and exclusive experiences, which can only be offered by Bentley, including a dinner within the Bentley factory.

Guests will be provided with a private car to travel from Cheshire to Scotland, a chance to drive a Bentley perhaps for the first time, or for existing customers to experience new models in a unique driving-led experience. The Bentley Event team will provide full concierge service, looking after guests’ every need along the way.

Touring the Bentley woodshop in Crewe.

BENTLEY MOTORS ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day One

Arriving in Cheshire, guests from around the world will be greeted by the Bentley team at the brand’s flagship CW1 House showroom in Crewe. A private lunch will be served before guests are transferred to the heart of Bentley: the factory. Following a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and meet our colleagues along the production line, an intimate, private dinner will take place in the factory, each ingredient sourced within a 26-mile radius.

Day Two

Guests will drive in convoy in Bentley’s latest models – the Continental GT, the Flying Spur and the Bentayga – toward the Peak District National Park. Passing idyllic chocolate-box villages and world-famous market towns, guests will then venture north into the “Dark Peak” region. The final destination for the day is set within the Yorkshire Dales where Georgian country house hotel Grantley Hall will play home for the evening, offering lovingly home-grown and locally-sourced seasonal produce for dinner.

Bentley cars parked along quaint english cottages

Four nights in unique, luxury accommodations.

Day Three

Day three starts with an option to balance the mind, body, and soul by starting the day with a choice of wellness activities in the natural setting of Grantley Hall. After breakfast, the convoy continues into the North Pennines and the Northumberland National Park, offering some of the world’s most spectacular roads. The journey continues through rolling hills, passing spellbinding abbeys, awe-inspiring stately homes, and castles before arriving at The Treehouses at Lanrick. A hidden gem, offering true escapism within a secluded woodland setting, bordering the Trossachs National Park, this truly green accommodation does not compromise on luxury. As night falls, the group will gather to meet their chef for the evening, the renowned Nick Nairn. An al fresco dinner with local, seasonal produce under the stars.

Day Four

Heading northeast toward Great Britain’s largest National Park, The Cairngorms, guests will stop for refreshments at the peerless Fife Arms in Braemar, a 200-year-old Scottish lodge. A pioneer in recycling and upcycling, the hotel is home to a collection of more than 16,000 antiques, curios, and artworks – from Picasso, Freud, and Bruegel to watercolors by H.M. Queen Victoria and HRH Prince Charles.

The journey will then continue to The Macallan Estate, set in 485 acres of Speyside countryside and home to the brand’s award-winning distillery, designed by internationally acclaimed architects to promote sustainability. The unforgettable immersive experience will feature a meal in the breathtaking surroundings, tutored tasting, and private distillery experience. The final destination in our journey celebrates the partnership between Bentley and The Macallan, sharing an insight into the process, production, people, and passion that make their single malt whisky so special. A farewell for guests will culminate in a private, specially curated dining experience at the Elchies Brasserie, followed by a nightcap where this memorable evening comes to a close.

Tasting whiskey at the MacAllan estate in Scotland

Sampling the single malt Macallan scotch.

Day Five

After a final breakfast, chauffeurs will transfer guests to Aberdeen or Inverness International Airport to travel home. Alternatively, the Caledonian Sleeper from Inverness can be arranged, offering the iconic railway journey to London.

Go here for more information.

Subaru BRZ tS Review

by Mark | Jan 25, 2024 | 0 comments

The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS — tuned by STI — is the new pinnacle trim level, sold only with a six-speed manual transmission

A front three quarter low view of the Subaru BTZ ts

Subaru applied a couple of significant STI chassis upgrades to create the 2024 BRZ tS — tuned by STI — for a starting and well-equipped price of $36,465. (Photography by Subaru or as credited)

Iknew before upshifting to third gear that the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is a special car. First, it is the steering, how it takes just a jink to change course, and how controlled the wheel rolls through the hands. Close-ratio gear engagement slots with bolt-action. Then, the quickness of the throttle blip and the eager punch of the boxer four-cylinder has a 7,000-rpm redline. And then there is that all-knowing enthusiast’s smile when exercising a rascal.

This latest chapter in the legacy of the Subaru BRZ is the tS — tuned by STI. The pinnacle trim level is sold only with a six-speed manual transmission, and the same rear-wheel drive and a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter engine as the other two BRZ trim levels, Limited and Premium.

Hallmarks of the BRZ tS include an STI-tuned suspension and Brembo braking. And for the first time, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is now standard with a manual transmission.

A view of the driver area showing the shifter and manual hand brake.

The 2024 BRZ tS driver area is hands-on and heads-up.

Subaru BRZ Overview

Since the first BRZ launched in 2012 as a 2013 model, it garnered rave reviews, but most critics wanted more power. The first-generation BRZ was basically a badge-engineered model of the Scion FR-S. And when the Scion brand died in 2016, Toyota adopted it as the 86, or “eight-six” to purists; now designated GR86. (In 2008, Toyota bought 16.5 percent of Fuji Heavy Industries, which includes the Subaru automotive brand.)

With its 200-hp, 2.0-liter engine (205-hp for automatic-equipped models), the first BRZ was a tepid performer that looked faster than it was.

That all changed with the redesigned and re-engineered second-generation 2022 BRZ. Subaru introduced the 2.4-liter engine — the gear-changer that transformed the BRZ from a “sporty” car to a sports car.

Moving the BRZ to the Subaru Global Platform gave the car a 50-percent boost in twisting stiffness. Stiffer is better for more responsive turn-in and throttle steering control.

With the redesign, the new body was made lighter by an aluminum roof, front fenders, and hood. With the reduced body weight, the center of gravity is now lower than the first-gen model, Subaru says — putting the BRZ on par with hyper-cars.

A view of the front sport seats with blue trim

Front sport seats hold the driver without intruding on entry or exit.

BRZ tS Roots

In 2013, a Subaru STI enhanced BRZ tS — Subaru Tecnica International — debuted in Japan. According to Wikipedia, the Japanese market BRZ tS also had an optional GT package of Recaro seats, black BBS wheels, and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. In 2015, Subaru released another 300 BRZ tS models.

In 2018, the BRZ tS came to the U.S. with a limited run of 500 cars. This run had a selection of STI-tuned suspension upgrades but with the same 205-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

A Subaru BRZ has always been irreverent fun to drive, but today, the 228-hp 2024 BRZ tS is the best version yet, with power, balance, and grit. But could there be more factory modifications to come? Could there be a more advanced BRZ? Subaru won’t say, but there are many more Subie STI performance parts available for most Subaru models in these online wishbooks: Subaru.com and STI.jp.

A view through the trunk into the BRZ cabin

6.3 cubic feet of space, expandable by folding the back seat. (Mark Maynard)

2024 Subaru BRZ Pricing

2024 Subaru BRZ models are sold in three trim levels: Premium ($31,315), Limited ($33,815), and tS ($36,465). The BRZ tS builds on the features of the Limited model. Starting prices are for manual-equipped cars and include the $1,120 freight charge from Gunma, Japan.

Gentle driver, start the engine.

There are seven no-cost paint colors. The Premium and Limited models have interiors of black and red Ultrasuede and leather. (Premium and Limited models have the choice of a six-speed automatic transmission, $950). The tS interior is black with blue Ultrasuede and leather.

No packages are offered for any BRZ model, but there is a range of accessories. A tempting accessory is the STI aluminum and leather shift knob, but it is pricey at $215.

BRZ Features

Torsen limited-slip differential.
Keyless access with push-button start.
LED headlights (low and high beam) with automatic height adjustment.
Vehicle stability control with Track Mode.
Incline start assist.
Center console storage box with dual USB-A input and charge ports and auxiliary input jack.

Upgrades to the BRZ tS include:

Heated power side mirrors.
Upgraded audio system with a two-channel amplifier and two additional speakers.
Blind-spot detection with lane keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
Steering responsive headlights.
Starlink Safety and Security.

The metal and rubber clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals

Get a grip.

A more complete list of BRZ equipment is highlighted in the specs box below.

Get current Subaru BRZ pricing here.

And look for special Subaru offers here.

According to Automotive News, there are at least two more years of life in this generation of BRZ. It is not due for a freshening until 2026, along with the Toyota GR86.

tS Strong

The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS builds on everything enthusiasts loved about this generation BRZ but with a little more edge.

Hitachi dampers, STI-tuned front and rear. These specialized shock absorbers help wring out the BRZ’s light weight, low center of gravity, and 53/47 front/rear weight balance.

18-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and gold Brembo brake calipers.

Brembo brakes. This high-performance braking system, with electric vacuum pump assist, improves stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel. The Brembos upsize the stock BRZ brake system with 12.8-inch vented rotors front, and 12.4-inch vented rotors rear. Stock BRZ brakes have 11.6-inch vented front discs with dual-piston floating calipers. Stock rear rotors are 11.4-inch ventilated disc, single-piston floating calipers.

The Brembo system includes:

Gold-painted four-piston front calipers.
Gold-painted two-piston rear calipers.
Larger pads and rotors.

18-inch wheel and tire package. The wheels in a dark gray finish are an inch taller than the base BRZ and are mounted with 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, which have a lower profile than the base BRZ, 215/45. Michelin categorizes the Pilot Sport 4 as a summer performance tire, but I felt confident pushing the BRZ on wet roads. The corner-holding Michelins have a soft treadwear rating of 320 and a tread warranty of 30,000 miles, max. Replacement tires are not ridiculously expensive at about $265 each.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It is now standard equipment on any Subaru model with manual transmission for the first time. The advanced safety system includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert. Standard BRZ safety features include:

Seven air bags.
Blind-spot detection with lane change assist.
Rear cross-traffic alert.
High beam assist.
Hill-start assist.

Subaru BRZ Styling

The tidy coupe design cuts through the air with a low and wide stance. The front mug is set off by large functional air intakes and a low grille capped by prominent fender arches that allow just enough room for suspension points.

Other exterior cues that identify the BRZ tS:

tS badging in the front grille and on the rear decklid;
Side mirrors (power and foldable) and roof-mounted shark fin antenna in a Crystal Black Silica finish.
Gold Brembo brake calipers.

BRZ Interior Function

Settle into the cockpit, and you will notice functional roominess for a subcompact coupe. Headroom of 37 inches will be limiting to some, but a 6-foot-6 friend had no problem getting comfortable behind the wheel. Sightlines are surprisingly open for such a low and swoopy body style.

Inside, the BRZ tS cabin is wrapped in black upholstery with tS-only contrasting blue stitching on the front seat bolsters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter boot, and parking brake boot. There is no wireless phone charging, but the center console box has dual USB-A input, charge ports, and an auxiliary input jack.

The 2+2 space is tight but helpful when needed. (Mark Maynard)

Front sport seats have a blue leather stripe down the upper center of the seatback and on the seat cushion. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has redundant audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth controls. Subaru applies suede-like Brin Naub along the gauge hood (instrument panel visor) and door trim. The red starter button is emblazoned with the STI logo, and the customizable 7-inch digital instrument cluster has red tS elements.

Back seat space is a mere suggestion. Technically, there are 29.9 inches of legroom, but that becomes zero-inches with any occupant in the front seats. But fold the seatback, and there is about 5 feet in length for sports gear.

2024 BRZ tS Powertrain

The 2024 BRZ tS is powered by a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter (naturally aspirated) Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine. The FA24 engine has direct and port injection and horizontally opposed “boxer” cylinders. Engine torque of 184 foot-pounds peaks at 3,700 rpm, easily manipulated with the accelerator.

The close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is light, which eases leg and foot stress when commuting — not that most buyers of this car would rack up distance commutes on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. The transmission includes a Track Mode for reduced traction control, and a TCS Off switch.

A low curb weight of 2,850 pounds makes the most of 228 horsepower. Compared to the first-gen model, the 2024 BRZ with manual transmission is just 88 pounds heavier.

At speed on the highway, the BRZ is a maelstrom of sounds. There is a rush of road noise and wind noise. But this is a sports car, and the rage of sounds can be forgiven. Tach it up, and revs in the higher rpms start speaking in enthusiast’s tongues.

The BRZ tS has fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 mpg combined, using the required premium fuel. I worked up to at least 29 mpg on the highway.

An open hood view of the 228 horsepower 2.4-liter FA24 “boxer” four-cylinder engine.

Subaru’s 228-horsepower 2.4-liter FA24 “boxer” four-cylinder engine.

Why Buy the Subaru BRZ tS?

You could spend twice as much, or even 3 times as much, for a sports car and not enjoy it more than owning the BRZ tS. And maintenance costs will be far less than any European competitor.

Unlike some high-strung performance coupes, the BRZ is an everyday driver that does not extract a pound of muscle pain upon entry or exit. It is an engineering asset that the car’s front chin is not prone to scraping at every dip or driveway. And the turning circle is a tidy 35.4 feet.

The BRZ has honest integrity and simplicity that are not convoluted with electronic interventions. It is built for fun, and the BRZ lets it rip with precision.

Large fenders and a wide track flow into dual exhausts for a low and wide stance.

Subaru BRZ tS Specifications

Body style: subcompact 2+2 coupe; aluminum hood, front fenders, and roof; rear-wheel drive

Engine: 228-hp FA24 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with direct and port injection and horizontally opposed “boxer” cylinders; 184 lb.-ft. torque at 3,700 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual with Torsen limited-slip differential; vehicle stability control with Track Mode and traction control off switch

Fuel economy: 20/27/22 mpg city/hwy/combined manual transmission; premium fuel required

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons

Trunk space: 6.3 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 37/41.5 inches

Rear head/leg room: 33.5/29.9 inches

Length/wheelbase: 167.9/101.4 inches

Width/height: 69.9/51.6 inches

Minimum road clearance: 5.1 inches

Curb weight: 2,850 pounds

Turning circle: 35.4 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Keyless entry-locking with push-button start, leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed upholstery with blue contrast stitching, STI-design 7-inch LCD configurable digital gauge cluster with Normal and Track modes and red metallic accents, Starlink 8-inch multimedia plus digital screen, 8-speaker audio system, power (heated) side mirrors, leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel (with integrated cruise, Bluetooth, display, and audio controls), manual tilt-telescoping steering column, welcome lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, glove box with 12-volt power outlet, sun visors with covered vanity mirrors, bottle holder in door panels, LED steering responsive headlights, trunk spoiler, Crystal Black Silica-finished side mirrors

Safety features include: 7 air bags (front, seat-mounted front-seat side pelvis/torso, side curtain, driver’s knee bag), blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, hill-start assist

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking system, lane departure, sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel discs with electric vacuum pump assist; 12.9-inch vented discs with 4-piston front Brembo calipers; rear, 12.4-inch vented discs with Brembo 2-piston calipers; brake assist

Steering: electric power assist quick-ratio rack and pinion

Tires-wheels: 18-inch 215/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance (w/tire-repair kit); dark gray metallic finish wheels 18 inch by 7.5-inch wide

Suspension: 4-wheel independent. Front, Hitachi MacPherson-type dampers with coil springs, lower L-arms, stabilizer bar, strut tower brace, and anti-dive geometry; rear, Hitachi double-wishbone dampers with coil springs, stabilizer bar, and anti-lift geometry

PRICING

Base price: $36,465, including $1,120 freight charge; price as tested $36,465

Options on test vehicle: none

Where assembled: Gunma, Japan

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain.

Curtiss Robin

by Mark | Jan 20, 2024 | 0 comments

During the ‘Golden Age of Flight,’ the Curtiss Robin made history for several endurance stunts, including a ‘wrong way’ record

A black and white photo of a Curtiss Robin monoplane at rest on a runway

The 1928 Curtiss Robin debuted innovative features and was known as a reliable workhorse aircraft, setting several endurance records and stunts. (Photo from the Paul S. Maynard archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Curtiss Robin looks spartan, but this high-wing monoplane gained popularity for its innovative features and remarkable performance.

This workhorse Robin, in production from 1928 to 1930, was one of the first commercially successful light aircraft, debuting several aviation firsts. Among the Robin’s innovations was a retractable landing gear, one of the first aircraft to be so equipped in the Golden Age of Flight. The Robin was also one of the first to be powered by a radial engine.

Along the way, the Curtiss Robin set more than one aviation record, including a “wrong way” record.

According to a report at the National Air and Space Museum, the Curtiss Robin was a departure by the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Co. into the emerging civilian market of the late 1920s.

“This three-seat monoplane flew in the spring of 1928 with a 90-hp Curtiss OX-5, the engine that had powered Curtiss JN-4 Jenny trainers in World War I. Robins offered flight characteristics as straightforward as their appealing lines and modest performance. A distinctive feature was side cockpit windows that ran almost to the floor.”

Constructed of a wooden wing and steel tubing fuselage, the Curtiss Robin had an enclosed cabin that set it apart from other aircraft of its era. The cabin accommodated two passengers seated side-by-side behind the pilot. The cabin’s enclosed structure provided protection against the elements.

The Robin was produced in St. Louis, Mo., in association with the Robertson Aircraft Corp. The fixed-base operation ran the contract air mail route between St. Louis and Chicago.

Famous Robin Stunts

According to the Museum Of Flight, the Robin was a practical airplane, but best remembered for unusual endurance flights.

In 1930, Dale ‘Red’ Jackson performed more than 400 consecutive slow rolls in his Robin.
In 1929, Dale Jackson and Forrest O’Brine spent nearly 17 days circling over St. Louis. But that record was surpassed in 1935 by the brothers Fred and Al Key, who flew their Robin for more than 27 continuous days. Fuel was delivered from another Robin via hose; mail, food, oil, and spare parts came via container on a rope.
One of aviation’s most endearing records was set in a Curtiss Robin by Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan. He allegedly set off from New York for California in July 1938 and touched down in Ireland 28 hours later, claiming that he had accidentally read his compass backward. The plucky pilot — who had been denied official permission to fly the Atlantic — thus earned his nickname.

The ‘Newsboy’ Robin

From September 1929 to May 1930, a Robin C-2 was used to deliver the McCook, Neb., Daily Gazette to rural Nebraska and Kansas communities. Dubbed “The Newsboy,” the airplane flew a nonstop route of 380 miles daily, dropping bundles of newspapers out of a hole in the bottom of the fuselage from 500 feet to local carriers. The Robin C-2 was powered by a Curtiss R-600 Challenger, a six-cylinder, double-row, air-cooled, radial engine.

1932 CURTISS ROBIN SPECIFICATIONS

Mission: Pilot plus 2 passengers

Wingspan: 41 feet

Length: 25 feet 9 inches

Engine: Curtiss 90-hp OX-5 V-8 water-cooled piston engine

Maximum speed: 99.7 mph

Range: 785 miles cruising; 580 miles at full throttle

Source: Wikipedia; “Curtiss Robin 1932 – Specifications,” Aviation Heritage Foundation

This is another image from my dad, Paul Smith Maynard, who worked as an engineer in aviation for four decades. Dad began his career in about 1943 after graduating from West Virginia University. He started with Curtiss-Wright Corp., a pioneer in making flying machines. He went on to work at North American Aviation and Rockwell International.

1949 Willys Jeep Station Wagon

by Mark | Jan 16, 2024 | 0 comments

A black and white image of a 1949 Willys Jeep station wagon.

The 4WD Willys Jeep Wagon is often considered the first production SUV. (Stellantis archive)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Willys Jeep Station Wagon, Jeep Utility Wagon, and Jeep Panel Delivery were produced by Willys and Kaiser Jeep in the United States from 1946 to 1964, according to Wikipedia. Production in Argentina and Brazil continued until 1970 and 1977 respectively. They were the first mass-market all-steel station wagons designed and built as a passenger vehicle.

“After the 1949 introduction of a four-wheel drive option, the 2WD was sold as “Station Wagon,” while the 4WD was marketed as “Utility Wagon.” The 4WD Willys Jeep Wagon is often considered the first production sport utility vehicle.

“With over 300,000 wagons and their variants built in the U.S., the Willys Jeep Station Wagon was one of Willys’ most successful post-World War II models.

1947 color Jeep station wagon print advertisement

A 1947 print ad for the Jeep Station Wagon. (Stellantis archives)

“The Jeep Wagon was designed in the mid-1940s by industrial designer Brooks Stevens. Willys did not make their own bodies; car bodies were in high demand, and Willys was known to have limited finances. Brooks, therefore, designed bodies that could be built by sheet-metal fabricators who normally made parts for household appliances.

“The steel body was efficient to mass-produce, easier to maintain and safer than the real wood-bodied station wagon versions at the time.

“Within the first two years of the Jeep Wagon’s production, the only manufacturer in the United States with a station wagon that was comparable in price was Crosley, which introduced an all-steel wagon in 1947.

“The Jeep Wagon was the first Willys product with independent front suspension. Barney Roos, Willys’ chief engineer, developed a system based on a transverse seven-leaf spring. The system, called “Planadyne” by Willys, was similar in concept to the “planar” suspension Roos had developed for Studebaker in the mid-1930s.”

60-hp ‘Go-Devil’ Flathead

KaiserWillys.com reports that the Willys Station was initially fitted with the L-134 “Go-Devil” four-cylinder engine (the same engine first used in the CJ Series). The 134.2 cubic-inch flathead inline engine produced just 60 hp with a one-barrel carburetor.

Because the wagon’s seats were removable (except the driver’s seat), cargo space was optimized post-war, creating more appeal for the more suburban consumer.

Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury Review

by Mark | Jan 15, 2024 | 0 comments

The 2024 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury is luxurious, but its true beauty is outstanding fuel economy: 43 mpg city

A Moonbeam Beige 2024 Lexus ES 300h is parked in front of an old barn

The 2024 Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury is the most expensive of the five hybrid trim levels, starting at $53,480. (Photography by Lexus or as credited)

As America has fled to sport-utility vehicles, many motorists have forgotten the simple pleasures of a well-done, four-door sedan. Automotive marketers believe their buyers are young and athletic trendsetters who want everything all at once. They disdain wagons and prefer SUVs to fit their lifestyle, even if they only use them as a station wagon. Buyers are teased with speed-line images of sporty-ish SUVS or adventure-tempting trail runners. Blacked-out trim, low-profile tires on black wheels, and dual exhaust tips deliver an outward message that this driver just rolled out of a pricey cologne advertisement.

Toyota’s luxury division Lexus has made the SUV transition, too. It now offers just three sedan body styles (IS, ES, and LS) — and 14 choices of sport utility vehicles, from subcompact to full size, with powertrains of gasoline, gasoline-electric hybrid, or plug-in hybrid.

There is still a heartbeat in the sedan segment, and the midsize Lexus ES has been the brand’s best-selling sedan for 15 years. Toyota has filled the ES lineup with 14 trim levels! Buyers can choose gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains, four-cylinder, or V-6 with starting prices from about $44,000 to $53,000, with some offering all-wheel drive.

Some popularity of the Lexus ES is its size-to-luxury factor. And any sedan will cost thousands less than a comparably sized SUV and get better fuel economy.

Front headroom of 37.4 inches with the moonroof should be acceptable to most 6-foot-plus drivers. (Mark Maynard)

Sedan vs. SUV

Motorists favor the raised ride height in an SUV but not so much the leg up to climb aboard. And then there’s the stiffer suspension to balance the weight and, with it, the jiggle, jarring, and head waggle of awkward road dips and transitions. Marketers refer to the rougher ride quality as “sporty,” and who doesn’t want to be considered sporty?

There is a confident swagger to sedans that has been bypassed in the rush to an SUV. However, not all midsize sedans are created equal. The Lexus ES is especially enjoyable because it is not extremely low riding and has unobscured sightlines for the driver. Other makers lowered their sedans to help nurse aerodynamics for fuel economy ratings but, in so doing, lost interest from buyers who complained of restricted headroom.

The big incentive for the 2024 Lexus ES 300h is its fuel economy: 43 mpg city, 44 highway, and 44 mpg combined on 87 octane. Fill its 13.2-gallon tank and hit the road for a possible 580 miles. Using Eco mode, I saw 44.5 mpg consistently while driving on the highway at 65 to 70 mph. Careful drivers might eke out a few more mpgs. Compare your vehicle at FuelEconomy.gov.

With that mileage, the ES 300h is a comfortable half-step into the electrified vehicle space.

The steering wheel and driver area of the Lexus ES

Open sightlines and hands-on control, with a 14-way power driver seat. (Mark Maynard)

Lexus ES In the U.S.

Now in its seventh generation, the Lexus ES had its U.S. debut in 1989. It is the second vehicle in the Lexus lineup and is based on the Toyota Camry. The second-generation ES ran from 1991 to 1994, with updates for 1995 and 1996. The third generation came out in 1996 for the 1997 model year, with a refresh for model year 2000. The fourth generation ran from 2001 to 2006, followed by the fifth generation for the 2007 model year, with a midcycle facelift in 2010. The sixth generation, 2012 through 2018, was moved to the architecture of the full-size Toyota Avalon, which had a roomier cabin. Also added was the hybrid ES 300h.

The seventh generation of the midsize sedan will be redesigned in 2025. It will then transition to the Lexus Interactive infotainment system and new driver-assistance and safety technology. The F Sport trim and all-wheel drive were also added for the seventh-gen model.

2024 Lexus ES Pricing

Powertrain choices for the 2024 Lexus ES are:

203-horsepower 2.5-liter four cylinder;
302-hp 3.5-liter V-6;
215-hp gasoline-electric hybrid.

Four-cylinder Lexus ES 250 gas models have starting prices that range from $43,190 to $47,775, including all-wheel drive.

Lexus ES 350 gas models range from $43,190 (same as the entry ES 250) to $49,650 for the ES 350 F Sport Handling.

There are five trims of the ES 300h (hybrid), all front-wheel drive and ranging in price from $44,590 to $50,885 for the ES 300h F Sport Handling. The 300h F Sport is fully youth-enized with such style features as 19-inch gloss-black wheels, black grille, thumping 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, and more advanced technologies, such as Intuitive Parking Assist and an option for Adaptive Variable Suspension. (Toyota does excellent engineering for smoothness in its AVS).

Today’s tester, a Lexus ES 300h Ultra Luxury, is the most expensive of the three Ultra Luxury hybrid trim levels. Its pricing starts at $53,480, including the $1,150 freight charge from Georgetown, Ky. This trim level has just three factory option packages: the 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson audio system ($1,080), triple-beam LED headlights ($1.215), and SmartAccess card key ($100). But there are many accessory choices, ranging from trunk and floor liners ($130-$190) to a dash cam ($375-$550), and around 20 Kurgo pet accessories.

Lexus warranty coverages are extensive, including 8 years or 100,000 miles for the hybrid system. Coverage includes the hybrid control module, hybrid battery control module, and inverter with converter. The hybrid battery has coverage of 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Check current Lexus pricing here. And check here for purchase or lease offers.

The 215-hp gasoline-electric powertrain in the Lexus ES 300h.

Powertrain and Performance

The gasoline-electric powertrain in the Lexus ES 300h integrates a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle, D-4S direct-injected four-cylinder engine with a 259-volt lithium-ion battery pack of 70 cells and a high-output, permanent-magnet, electric-drive motor. (D-4S uses direct and port fuel injection for a more complete and clean fuel burn. Here’s a D-4S explainer.)

Lexus says that total horsepower of 215 hp and maximum torque of 163 foot-pounds at 3,600 rpm is sufficient to launch the ES 300h to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. There might be quicker midsize sedans, but the ES 300h does not feel power starved — except in Eco mode around town — and the acceleration uptake between 45 to 55 mph is sharp for freeway merging.

With a curb weight of 4,740 pounds, or closer to 5,000 pounds with a passenger or two, most owners will not object to 8.1 seconds, especially with 44 mpg.

An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, e-CVT, simulates six gear shifts with complete smoothness.

a right front wheel and the grand touring tire

Bridgestone Turanza EL 440 grand touring tires.

ES 300h Ride and Handling

Close the door, shut out the noise of life, and just enjoy the drive.

The steel-spring suspension and the tester’s Adaptive Variable Suspension heft the curb weight without dive or wallow. Performance through sweeping exit arcs is controlled and confident — refreshing for a hybrid sedan. Four-wheel power discs have generously sized 12-inch ventilated rotors at the front and 11.1-inch solid rear rotors.

The tester’s 18-inch Bridgestone Turanza EL 440 grand touring all-season tires were not as quiet as I would have expected of a Lexus. The tires felt hard across seams in the road and uneven pavement. When replacing these Bridgestones, consider the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S or Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus Elect. Bridgestone Turanza replacements run about $300 a piece, while the Michelin Primacy Tour and Pirelli P Zero are around $250. Check Tire Rack.com for details.

Driver Assistance Finesse

Toyota and Lexus are leaders in their technologies for semi-autonomous driver assistance systems.

The package of technologies in the Lexus ES 300h — Lexus Safety System-plus 2.5 — gives consistent lane centering and holds true in cornering. However, when driving into sunlight, the system gets confused when the highway markings are obscured by glare or washout. In such situations, the car might follow dark lines on the concrete surface or struggle to determine the lane. These situations are common to all such semi-autonomous systems by all makers, so driving in assist mode must always be with both hands on the wheel. And the Toyota-Lexus system will only tolerate one-handed driving for a short period before firing off a warning.

10-way power adjustable front passenger seat in the ES Ultra Luxury

10-way power adjustable front passenger seat. (Mark Maynard)

ES Interior Function

There are large car proportions to the interior of the Lexus ES. The entry height is comfortable without a duck-and-drop maneuver. Headroom of 37.4 inches, with the sunroof, should be acceptable for tall but not overly tall drivers.

Sightlines are uncompromised over the shoulder and at the side mirrors, which are offset from the body (not attached to the windshield pillar), providing a snip more visibility and reduced wind noise.

And there is no fussy joystick controller to access cabin controls. Instead, a broad dash-top touchscreen is easily viewed in all light conditions.

Ultra luxury in the ES 300h is defined more by the long list of conveniences and technologies than a pampering experience. But the cabin has all the amenities for long-term rewards, such as heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and semi-aniline perforated leather upholstery. The materials used in the cabin are modern and contemporary with appealing textures, such as the stylized gray wood trim, though some Toyota-grade plastics with rough edges can be seen in lower areas, such as door panel pockets.

The front seats have hours-long support, with a 14-way power driver seat with a seat-cushion extender. The passenger seat is 10-way power adjustable with lumbar support.

Back-seat legroom is long at 39.3 inches, and it is not cramped when tall people are up front. Rear seatbacks are at a comfortable angle, which also helps with headroom, 37.4 inches.

Trunk space of 13.9 cubic feet is typical of a midsize sedan, but the seatback does not fold to expand capacity. However, there is a ski passthrough.

Trunk space of 13.9 cubic feet is typical of a midsize sedan, but the back seat does not fold to expand capacity, but there is a ski passthrough. Tire-changing tools are neatly held under the trunk floor, with the temporary spare below. (Mark Maynard photos)

Why Buy the 2024 Lexus ES 300h?

I like chrome trim on a car, and I cannot lie. But I like high fuel economy and luxury.

My Ultra Luxury ES 300h tester came in the elegant paint hue of Moonbeam Beige, but I call it gold. Vapor Chrome wheels pulled all the styling elements together for a classy-looking experience.

Hybrid warranty coverage provides long-term security. After 8 years, this owner will be ready for the next new Lexus ES hybrid.

If the 2024 pricing is too steep, the same model from 2020-2023 is a good alternative. Shop dealership websites for the Certified Preowned Lexus ES 300h.

The Lexus ES has been the best-selling Lexus sedan for more than 15 years.

2024 Lexus ES 300h Specifications

Body style: midsize, 4-door, 5-seat, front-wheel drive sedan; welded-steel unibody

Engine: 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle, D-4S direct-injected 4 cylinder; 16-valve DOHC with VVT-iE; 163 lb.ft. torque at 3,600 rpm

Hybrid drive: high-output, permanent-magnet, electric-drive motor with EV mode

Total system power: 215 hp

Hybrid battery: 259-volt lithium ion with 70 cells

Battery power: 29.1/39 kW/hp

Transmission: e-CVT with paddle shifters

Fuel economy: 43/44/44 mpg city/hwy/combined

0-60 mph acceleration: 8.1 seconds