Is it correct that US LS600' are restricted to 130 mph
08-24-17, 08:02 PM
#31
What I want to know is why so many Mercedes (non AMG), BMW 3 Series, Audi A3's and A4's and I am sure others are likewise limited to 130. I know with MB and others you can pay extra (the German way!) to raise the top speed, but a large number of luxury cars are indeed limited to 130.
Most of this is theoretical as unless you live in Montana (was lucky enough to drive across the state back when the speed limit as "Reasonable and Prudent during the day and 65 at night), but this was right after graduating college and was in my friends Jetta Trek Edition. No doubt the bike rack did us no favors...
Most of this is theoretical as unless you live in Montana (was lucky enough to drive across the state back when the speed limit as "Reasonable and Prudent during the day and 65 at night), but this was right after graduating college and was in my friends Jetta Trek Edition. No doubt the bike rack did us no favors...
This is why most Porsches, AMG Mercs, M series BMWs etc are limited to 155 (which is the German 'gentlemens' agreement). They consume too much fuel to qualify so there's really no point.
Also a 130mph limit means you can specify lower rated (and cheaper) OEM tires. Not everybody needs or wants tires that are rated for Autobahn speeds in the US.
Ironically my MB 560 SEL is probably the fastest car i own despite it being older than either Lexus. In it's salad days the 560 topped out at about 145; even today I'm guessing it would get close to 140.
That being said most cars fudge a little on the speed limiter; which is funny considering it's probably all super accurate digital. I've heard of cars 'limited' to 130 going 5-15 mph over the limit.
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Junglequac (08-25-17)
08-25-17, 01:42 AM
#32
Interesting read, I've gotten my GS460 to the end of the speedometer (165) I would have thought the LS would do the same. Needless to say I will probably never go close to that fast again in my life.
08-25-17, 05:30 AM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Lukas99GS
Interesting read, I've gotten my GS460 to the end of the speedometer (165) I would have thought the LS would do the same. Needless to say I will probably never go close to that fast again in my life.
08-25-17, 06:16 AM
#34
Lead Lap
In order to get the ULEV certification the car can't have a TS faster than 128 MPH. I don't know if the LEV certifications also have a limiter. This is why the LS430 (which I believe was the first LS to get it) is slower than the LS400.
This is why most Porsches, AMG Mercs, M series BMWs etc are limited to 155 (which is the German 'gentlemens' agreement). They consume too much fuel to qualify so there's really no point.
Also a 130mph limit means you can specify lower rated (and cheaper) OEM tires. Not everybody needs or wants tires that are rated for Autobahn speeds in the US.
Ironically my MB 560 SEL is probably the fastest car i own despite it being older than either Lexus. In it's salad days the 560 topped out at about 145; even today I'm guessing it would get close to 140.
That being said most cars fudge a little on the speed limiter; which is funny considering it's probably all super accurate digital. I've heard of cars 'limited' to 130 going 5-15 mph over the limit.
This is why most Porsches, AMG Mercs, M series BMWs etc are limited to 155 (which is the German 'gentlemens' agreement). They consume too much fuel to qualify so there's really no point.
Also a 130mph limit means you can specify lower rated (and cheaper) OEM tires. Not everybody needs or wants tires that are rated for Autobahn speeds in the US.
Ironically my MB 560 SEL is probably the fastest car i own despite it being older than either Lexus. In it's salad days the 560 topped out at about 145; even today I'm guessing it would get close to 140.
That being said most cars fudge a little on the speed limiter; which is funny considering it's probably all super accurate digital. I've heard of cars 'limited' to 130 going 5-15 mph over the limit.
Not that I ever drive anywhere near 130, but nice the have the ability to do so especially with a car with 380 hp...
08-25-17, 06:50 AM
#35
I took my LS460 to 144mph with a HKS Supercharger. I'm not sure if the HKS FCON ECU allowed it to bypass the limiter or not. Trying to get to 155 mph next time. And yes, even at 144mph, the car still ride smooth...well built piece of machine we have here.
08-25-17, 10:04 PM
#36
08-26-17, 06:23 AM
#37
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Lukas99GS
I live in the US, and have gone above 130 a handful of times, I suppose it's possible that the previous owner did something with the ECU but I don't think that's the case.
08-26-17, 10:55 AM
#38
Lead Lap
For the 99% or so of us, 130 MPH is beyond our wildest dreams living in populated areas. However, for those living in Montana, North Dakota and so forth, it might make more sense to be able to drive flat out.
I still want to know what was changed in the ROW 460's that permit the 155 top speed. Makes sense from the vantage that the Germans have a gentlemen's agreement not to exceed 155 MPH. They have seemed to slacked on that with the special high speed packages that cost a bloody fortune.
I still want to know what was changed in the ROW 460's that permit the 155 top speed. Makes sense from the vantage that the Germans have a gentlemen's agreement not to exceed 155 MPH. They have seemed to slacked on that with the special high speed packages that cost a bloody fortune.
08-26-17, 12:30 PM
#39
Most of this is theoretical as unless you live in Montana (was lucky enough to drive across the state back when the speed limit as "Reasonable and Prudent during the day and 65 at night), but this was right after graduating college and was in my friends Jetta Trek Edition. No doubt the bike rack did us no favors...
(thanks, I got a kick over that story)
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