(TORONTO) - The 2007 Lexus ES 350 - the elegant sedan, featuring superior handling and contemporary luxury - makes its auto show debuts this month at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show on February 8 and the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto on February 15.

"For the fifth generation of our popular ES entry luxury model, our designers have infused the 2007 Lexus ES 350 with luxurious, comfortable amenities, smooth and quiet handling, along with responsive performance," explained Stuart Payne, Director for Lexus in Canada. "When it launches in April, the new ES 350 will be the fourth vehicle introduced by Lexus in just 14 months. It joins redesigned versions of our GS luxury sedan and IS sport sedan, and the new RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV, allowing us to offer Canadian drivers a complete lineup of luxury vehicles to choose from."

The new ES is the perfect partner for the IS 250 and IS 350, which went on sale in October. Together, the two models offer an entry-level luxury vehicle for everyone's taste. "The needle was buried firmly at the performance end of the meter with the IS 250 and IS 350. For the ES, we've emphasized the balance between the luxury of L-finesse - the Lexus exclusive design language - and the handling and performance that all Lexus owners demand," Payne continued. "That balance is expressed through a number of Lexus vehicle 'firsts', including available dual swivel Adaptive Front Lighting System headlamps and available all-glass roof."

ES 350 features a 3.5-litre, six-cylinder dual overhead cam, 24-valve engine featuring dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i), producing 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm.

An electronic throttle control system and six-speed automatic super electronically controlled transmission with overdrive and sequential multi-mode shifter deliver smooth, quiet acceleration for the front-wheel drive ES 350, which rides on 17" aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in P215/55R17 all season radials. Handling and control are enhanced with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and an Antilock Braking System (ABS) featuring Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

As the most recent expression of L-finesse, the ES 350 exhibits highly original style and quality, with long proportions emphasized by a set-back cabin, strong frame, and all-glass roof on the top trim level. The modern interior is elegant and comfortable, with sleek instrumentation and an available 14-speaker Mark Levinson Audio system.

"The ES 350 is the perfect luxury vehicle for young, style-conscious Canadians," Payne concluded. "Its combination of grace, elegance, performance and handling is the perfect introduction for many to a satisfying, life-long relationship between Canadian drivers and Lexus quality."

The 2007 Lexus ES 350 will remain on display for the duration of the Chicago Auto Show and Canadian International Auto Show. The 2007 ES 350 goes on sale in Canada in April. Pricing details will be released closer to the on-sale date.