Woody1

No flames please and I don't recommend exceeding the speed limits especially during busy times, but I have come close to testing the limits of my GS. Conditions were: dry, three to five lane lighted highway, few entrances/exits, few/no obstruction(s) of view of access road and beyond.

One evening after dinner out at Eagle Mountain Lake a few friends and I were on our way back into town...about a 15-20min drive. The road was clear with only a handful of others...mostly made up of our own group. (We all met out there so everyone was in there own car.) My friends and I were traveling at a comfortable 80mph when a Rustang decided to jump in line with us. He made his way up alongside me and the race was on! The first pull was side by side and ran from about 75mph up to about 120mph. No contest. The GS comfortably pulled ahead. Second try was a little more fun. Again we started from about 80mph, but this time the Rustang slipped in behind me. I guess he'd been watching NASCAR and figured drafting might help. It did and he was able to keep up all the way to 140-145mph. Around 140mph he decided it was time to pass, but the little pony that could just couldn't. Once he pulled out from behind me the drag was too much and he fell back in miserable defeat.

I've driven at speeds close to or over 160mph (in different vehicles) and am familiar with the sense of stability at or near those speeds. Overall, given the stock form of the GS minus the Borlas, the car was stable. It's not a car that I would "cruise" at the 125-130mph mark, but just beyond it seems to "hunker down" (for lack of a better description) and hold the road nicely at or near the top speed of 145+.

LexusRules

so your saying 100-110 feels almost the same as 140-150? because of downforce?

JBrady

Very interesting observation on the stability change from 125+- to 140+. Aerodynamics are key to high speed stability. Looks like Lexus has done its high speed homework. High speed in a Lexus is SO much safer than going 120mph in a late 60s big block muscle car on bias ply tires and ****ty little brakes...of course that didn't stop me

Woody1

Sasha,

Ohhh nooo...to me every 5-10mph past 110-120mph seems exponentially faster, but that’s just me. I'm not a racecar driver and I don't drive those speeds on a regular basis so I expect to feel some anxiety at those speeds. I'm also a lot older now and have a lot more to live for.

Not to sound like an old man here, but you can't take enough precautions when driving over 100mph. Always check your tire pressure, look for any unusual tire wear, make sure no under panels have worked loose etc. Even with every precaution taken you still take a chance in loosing control and "buying the farm" as they say. Maybe it was your fault or maybe it wasn’t…you still pay the price. We all have done it (for the most part), but it's never smart to drive triple digits on public highways unless the roadway is clear (closed) and setup for an event for such speeds.

Have fun and always be aware of your surroundings.

Brian S

I'm surprised some of you don't get to 100mph that often. In summer driving, I hit 100mph quite a bit during passing. It's so easy. Move to the left, hit the pedal, look down, and BOOM, I'm doing over 100. It takes no time at all.

Brian

GlobeCLK

iTrader: (5)

I thought the GS300's H-rated tires are suppose to last only up to 130mph, so going any faster can blow the tires right?

The Ikon

i've been 146mph in my SC4 rolling on Z rated nitto extreme tires... with a few hi-po mods. the car was fast, stable and solid thanks to its design and that wing provided just enough down force.

the coupe was/is a perfect blend of power and luxury in a package the exudes seduction... Lexus original, one and only sports car...

i'm still curious to see whether or not the car is capable of going 10 mph faster!!! what do you all think??? any SC4 owners with similiar results post them on the SC forum...

The Ikon

JBrady

Ikon, yours is a 250hp+mods 92 model correct? I don't have the stats for the SC but Car & Driver lists the 250hp 90-92 LS400 with a top speed, aero limited, at 150mph. The 93-94 cars with wider less aero tires, dropped 5 to 145mph (other changes?). The 95-97 models with 260hp have a 156mph aero limited top speed. The 98+models with 290hp are computer limited to 150mph.

Your mods should make you car slightly faster than stock. The wider tires would increase drag but the extra power should give a slight edge. Your car probably isn't computer limited. Keep us posted on any updates. I am leaning towards an early SC400 for a toy. If so I would build out the engine with high compression, detonation resistant pistons and head mods. I can see a REAL 400rwhp naturally aspirated and 600-700rwhp with turbos or supercharger.

JBrady

GlobeCLK, H speed rating as you stated is 130mph. This is for SUBSTAINED running. It is an issue of heat buildup. Interestingly, Z rated tires have harder rubber than V rated tires and generally have LESS grip. If your don't plan on driving over 150mph for extended periods and want the best traction and handling, V rated may be a better choice.

If in excellent shape I would be confortable for a quick blast to 150mph on H rated tires. When I was young, late 70's, my buddies and I would drive at top speed for miles on ****TY bias ply tires. Tires are tough BUT as pointed out above if you loose one at speed you will be in trouble. Always check your tires and car before driving at high speed. BTW, 70mph is HIGH SPEED. Loosing a tire at 70, crossing into oncomming 70mph traffic and having a head on is like hitting a stationary object (parked car) at 140mph!!! Driving on a deserted road at 140mph is SAFER than driving 70 on an undivided highway, in traffic, with MAY POPs for tires.

Dazz5627

When I had my 99 TL, I raced a 300zx and I topped out at 146. Just got my GS last Sat. Breakin her in before I start pushing it. I love the autobahns in Texas. So roomy......

QBranchCars

I'm not an advocate of extreme speeds on public roads, but I have driven my GS past 120 once on Hwy 5 here in Northern Cal. On the track, it's another story. I frequent Thunderhill often, and I can get my GS past 100 on the long straight before I have to brake for the turn. FYI, our cars are fast, but Porsche 996 turbos and Supra turbos can go up to 120 on the same stretch before braking.

JBrady

Dazz, are you saying your Acura TL topped out at 146mph? Modified? Different car?

ThemisN

You gotta be kidding me. I know people have gone faster than me...but ill post it anyway....i did 130 a couple of times in a row, up and down Rt 17N and S in mahwah, nj. Its a good thing when you can get away with it, i guess lol. In an area where I have NOT known the cops, my top is 120. That was by the Goethalls bridge goin into NY from Eliz. NJ

KKelly

Calvin,

You are the first GS owner I have heard of that goes to Thunderhill? What organization did you go with?

I usually hit about 115mph before I brake for turn one. I did hit 120mph once but I was trying to see if I could before I had to brake. All it really did was make me have to brake much harder. I was running R compound tires which really helps you exiting 15 on to the straight. My friend who turns 2:10's at Thunderhill also showed me a very good line in 14 and 15 that really helped.

KKelly

I have had a friend with a 380hp M5 do 155mph on 505. He said it is REALLY fast. Once you drive on these roadracing tracks and then realize that racecars are at 140mph+ where we are at 100mph it makes you really appreciate how good these guys are. There were Porsches (full race of course) in December at Thunderhill in the 12 Hour Enduro that were passing cars on the inside going into turn one at 135mph+ and then entering one offline, IN THE DARK!! Yikes!!