Lexus ES XV20 (third generation)

The third generation Lexus ES, XV20, designated MCV20, premiered in September 1996 for the 1997 model year and was an evolution of the earlier VCV10 design. Chief engineer Kosaku oversaw development from 1992 to 1996 alongside the XV20 series Camry programme, under the project code 416T. In mid 1993 an exterior design concept by Hiroshi Okamoto was approved, and it was frozen for production in January 1994 and patented on 9 November 1994 at the Japanese patent office under number 0796802. The new cars had a body that was 30 percent stiffer, a more rakish profile and sharper lines, reflector headlights instead of projector headlights and a more upscale-feeling interior.