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When faced with the proposition of buying a sports car, Lexus isn't generally a badge most gearheads would turn to. Those seeking a dose of Japanese wizardry tend to lean towards something like the brilliant Nissan 370Z. But a deep dive into the Lexus store cupboard will unveil a few heroes.
Lexus is best known for its superb luxury barges. The incredible LS 400 sedan ripped up the rule book, firmly putting its German competitors in their place. Yet, it is their fine selection of sports cars that demand further attention.
A higher class of sports cars, Lexus offerings are finely crafted machines. Usually exuding the same level of comfort as their executive counterparts. But with a sharper, keener edge. Often overlooked by gearheads, here are 10 things most people forgot About Lexus' sports cars.
10 Sportier Than You May Think
More renowned for luxury cars, Lexus also does sporty rather well. They just don't shout about it as much as some manufacturers. Over the years Lexus has served up several under-the-radar performance cars. They are muscular vehicles with excellent handling.
The recent Lexus IS 500 F is one such car. A comfortable executive sedan with a good dose of power. At its heart, a 472hp 5.0-liter V8 purrs away. That gives this smooth sedan power to hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Through the corners, it grips, pulls, and goes.
9 Worst Sports Car Ever
Lexus didn't get off to the best start with their sports cars. On paper, the second-generation SC430 looked awesome. Lavishly appointed throughout. It had a burly 4.3-liter V8 pumping out 290hp. It could hit 60mph in 6.2 seconds. Not only that, but it also had an impressive folding metal roof.
The reception was mixed. Some praised its ability to waft around. Others criticized its dire handling. The SC430 has often been voted the worst performance car ever made. Ultimately let down by its ability to be a sports car. Driven hard, it becomes a complete mess.
8 The IS430 Project
The first generation Lexus IS was a brilliant car. Its rear-wheel drive setup made it handle wonderfully. The only thing it lacked was serious firepower. So, to truly showcase the platform, Lexus shoehorned one of their V8s under the hood. Creating a BMW M3 beater.
With a 4.3-liter V8 providing the fireworks, power was clocked at 340hp. To harness this power, a 6-speed Getrag gearbox was installed. Tein coil-overs ensured handling was on point. Said to hit 60mph in just 5 seconds, the IS430 was brutally fast. Only 1 was ever made.
7 The Track Edition RC F
The Lexus RC F might not be as sophisticated as some rivals, but it's still a great car. It relies on old-school dynamics. This means 470hp sent to the rear wheels. That's 389 lb/ft of torque to tame. Crisp, finely honed, and precise. The RC F Track Edition is a powerhouse.
Lighter than the standard road car by 176 pounds, it'll hit 60mph in 3.9 seconds. Keep the throttle pinned at it, will top out at 168mph. Highly agile, the RC F Track Edition hunts down apexes and slays them. It's massively entertaining. Impressively built, and a car worth experiencing.
6 A Clever Hybrid One
Lexus has been leading the Hybrid charge for decades. So it makes sense that they would put this technology into their sports cars. A fine blend of performance and frugality. This is not some quirky concept. It's something that the LC 500 H delivers by the bucket load.
A combined 3.5-liter V6 Hybrid drivetrain dishes out 345hp in total. This equates to a rapid 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds. On the combined cycle, it can muster an impressive 40mpg. It drives well, handles well, and covers all bases. A perfect package that looks great.
5 The Impressive V10 Supercar
The Lexus LFA is phenomenal. Its 4.8-liter 553hp V10 engine propels the car to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds. Flat out, it will storm to 203mph. It took 9 years to get the LFA from the drawing board to the tarmac. And it was well worth the wait. As Lexus created a beast.
The first Lexus supercar, the LFA firmly hit the mark. Its carbon fiber construction, a raft of technology, and bespoke engine set the scene on fire. Devastatingly fast and supremely agile, it's an incredible car. It is also a Lexus, which means it has very high levels of reliability.
4 Some Hide Their Credentials
Despite the sedan being in a sales nosedive, there are still diehard buyers out there. People who shun an SUV in favor of low-slung, four-door practicality. And for those who want the best, then the Lexus GS F is right there at the top. A seductive super sedan, in stealth mode.
The Lexus GS F doesn't scream attitude. It's a sophisticated, subtle design. But a quick jab of the loud pedal reveals the truth. Lurking beneath the hood is a 471hp 5.0-liter V8. This allows for a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. All in comfort.
3 Interiors To Die For
Dropping into the driver's seat of a Lexus is an event. High-quality materials, exciting designs, and ergonomic layouts await. Everything the hand falls on feels fantastic. Switches are beautifully weighted. The controls weighted perfectly. Everything just drips with finesse.
Lexus sports cars come loaded with technology. From digitally selectable modes that enhance driving, up to top-end stereos. Owners are spoiled for choice. Option equipment is generous. Appealing gizmos are plentiful. Lexus has it nailed down when it comes to interiors.
2 Tempting Concepts And Tasty Racers
Showcasing the company's first Hydrogen engine, the ROV is a great-looking concept. Short for Recreational Off-highway Vehicle. Its 1.0-liter engine is almost zero emission. Exposed suspension, chunky tires, and roll-cage all add to the appeal. Let's hope Lexus start to sell it.
Built for racing the RC F GT3 is a no-holds-barred animal. A 5.4-liter V8 generates an output of over 500hp. Clad in carbon bodywork it weighs just 2,866 pounds. Exuberant aerodynamics produce enormous levels of downforce. It's a Lexus, but not as many might think of one.
1 Go A Little Retro
Marketed as a grand tourer rather than a sports car, the first generation SC still has plenty of appeal. Once equipped with a 290hp 4.0-liter V8 the SC400 could hit 60mph in 6.1 seconds. That still makes for a fast coupe today. And is plenty sporty enough for most people.
Named the SportCross, the IS300 wagon is a great daily driver. Offering sedan comfort, wagon hauling space, and sports car feel. Under the hood is a peach of an engine. A 3.0-liter straight six developing 211hp. That allows for a 0-60mph dash time of 7.3 seconds.