Lexus has only been around since 1983, but that hasn’t stopped them from creating some amazing vehicles. Not many years after their debut, Lexus became one of the best-selling luxury car manufacturers in America. Most every affluent neighborhood in America soon had Lexus vehicles in the driveway. They were fuel-efficient, comfortable, safe, and reliable as well. During those years, they weren’t explicitly known for creating fast, performance vehicles, but the company set out to change that. You’ll be amazed at some of the fastest Lexus cars ever made.
Most people assume that the Lexus LFA super is the fastest Lexus ever made, but they are wrong. Let’s take a look at what topped the charts as well as some honorable mentions worth owning.
1. LFA Nürburgring Performance Package (Fastest Lexus)
Of all the Lexus LFAs built (which was only 500), there were only 50 of them with the Nürburgring Performance Package. Horsepower isn’t all that got added to this supercar. It also has a carbon fiber front spoiler, fixed rear wing, and dive planes. The mesh-style wheels come with grippy tires, plus there’s a stiff, adjustable suspension. To shift even faster, this car comes with a recalibrated gearbox.
One of these beauties went on auction not that long ago and sold for $445,000. The 2012 supercar only had 1,600 miles on the odometer. That’s less than 300 miles each year! We imagine this car made one new customer very happy.
2. LFA
This car also featured a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer body. They went into production at the end of 2010 and sold for $375,000. Then, Lexus released a circuit-tuned model in 2012 that came with a price tag of $445,000. That made it one of the most expensive Japanese road vehicles ever. Production came to an end in 2012 after they produced 500 cars.
Lexus made a statement in 2016 that they had no plans to revive their LFA. Instead, they want it to remain an icon for many years to come. In the future, they might consider creating another supercar, but it seems they are content to let this high-powered machine’s legacy live on. As speed-enthusiasts it’s the consumers the lose out as Lexus did a great job at creating a supercar and we’re confident they could’ve built another high-quality machine that would impress.
3. LC 500
This grand-tourer has serious sex appeal and in 2017, almost 2,500 of these vehicles were sold in the United States. There’s also an optional Sport package available that includes a carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof, speed-activated rear-wing, plus 21-inch forged aluminum wheels.
In addition to extreme speeds, the company also supplies many safety features standard through their Lexus Safety System +. This suite comes with a Pre-Collisions System and Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Intelligent High Beams. As an added safety measure, the Lexus LC 500 utilizes a pop-up hood after a front impact occurs with a pedestrian. This elevates the hood to prevent personal injury.
All of the LC 500 models are produced at Toyota’s Motomachi facility, which is also where the LFA is built. They’ve even reconfigured the factory just to accommodate the LC. Many of the same craftsmen who worked to create the LFA continue to produce the LC. In total, each member of the assembly team spends about 20 minutes doing their part. Then, the final quality check occurs in a silent glass-walled inspection booth.
4. RC F
The F is the high-performance line of the RC and was unveiled during the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Then, it began to show up at dealerships in November of that year as a 2015 model. This high-powered vehicle features a 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 engine that produces 467 horsepower. It’s paired with Toyota’s AA80E eight-speed transmission, Brembo four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution.
They are still in production but had their best sales year in 2015. This RC F is equipped with Torque Vectoring Differential that has three operating modes: Track, Slalom, or Standard. It also has a coil-spring independent suspension in the rear and front, gas-filled shock absorbers, ball-joined stabilizer bars, and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.
With the Aerodynamic Package, customers also receive tuning of the underbody, an active rear spoiler, intakes located in the grille, plus aero stabilizing fins, and front fender vents. The Carbon Fiber Package comes with a clear coated carbon fiber roof, carbon fiber engine board, and an active rear spoiler.
5. GS F
It comes equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 467 horsepower. With power like this, it’s capable of hitting 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. This engine is slightly old-school since it isn’t turbocharged.
The differences between the GS F and the regular-model GS starts with the returned steering. This offers impressive control, a comfortable ride, and minimum body roll. It also comes with a long list of safety features and driver aids standard. Considering most competitors charge for many of these features, this is a perk. Even Edmunds picked the GS F as one of their Best Sport Sedans of the year.
Some of the safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, and Lane Keeping Assist. In addition, the first ten years of ownership comes with the Enform Safety Connect plus Enform Service Connect.
6. IS F
The drive behind the wheel of an IS F is spicy and sporty, to say the least. It offers inspiring performances and features an aggressive style. Early models had a harsh suspension, but several revisions fixed that and made the ride more comfortable.
Not only is it one of the fastest Lexus vehicles ever made, but standard features also abounded. It came with 19-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights, a sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, eight-way power heated leather front sport seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. There was also Bluetooth and a 13-speaker audio system included as well as iPod integration.
7. LS 460
The first models hit the United States in 2006 with base prices starting just over $60,000. Because of options, average prices ended up being around $80,000. This put Lexus on the same playing field as Jaguar, BMW, and Audi.
In 2010, they revised the model to feature a new front and rear fascia, wheel designs, and side mirror turn signals. It also included some new technology like automatic high beams and a self-repairing clear coat. The fifth-generation was released in 2017 and it’s the first sedan from the automaker to have the six-sided window design. It also comes with a panoramic moonroof. The LS has always been produced at Toyota’s Tahara factory in Japan. It’s been the sole production site since the inauguration.
8. LS 600h
The downside of this hybrid was the fuel efficiency. No one could mistake it for a Prius with the 20 mpg rating. Lexus compared their LS 600 h to other models with a more powerful V12. It also did wow consumers with the super ultra-low-emission-vehicle rating which made it a better option compared to the standard LS model.
9. IS 350 F Sport
New models come with an F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, high-friction brake pads, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Power Steering, 18-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels, and six-speed automatic transmission plus paddle shifters.
10. RC 350 F Sport
New models of this car start at just $43,570, so it’s a budget-friendly Lexus vehicle. Despite the low price, it comes complete with superior interior craftsmanship, a comfortable ride quality, and smooth power delivered from its V6 engine. Because it’s a coupe, the backseat is small, but it’s hard to expect too much from a budget-priced Lexus. In fact, if you look at the used car market, it’s possible to find this fastest Lexus under 20k.
Final Thoughts
To date, we’ve determined that the fastest Lexus is the LFA Nürburgring Performance Package. While most people will never have the opportunity to see this car in real life, it’s important to consider purchasing one of the other fastest Lexus cars.
Whether you want a coupe or the fastest Lexus sedan, there’s a model out there that’s right for you. With several of these vehicles still in production, you could opt to buy one new or look through the used cars near you to find an older model. Either way, you are sure to turn heads in the stylish, luxury brand that offers a nice combination of speed and class.
The best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to own one of these, especially when you find one used. Of course, they’ll never be the cheapest on the market, but it does save you some cash to go used.
Which of the fastest Lexus models we listed excites you the most? Let us know in the comments.
