Is the SC400 fast?
Yes—by its era, the Lexus SC400 delivers brisk performance, but it isn’t a modern speed machine. Typical 0–60 times sit around the mid-to-high six seconds, and top speed is roughly 150 mph with electronic limiting.
Designed as a refined grand tourer, the SC400 emphasizes smooth, linear power, long-distance comfort, and quiet highway speed over outright track prowess. Below is a closer look at what makes the SC400 fast, how that performance translates in real life, and how it compared with its peers at the time.
What is the SC400?
The SC400 is Lexus’s first-generation grand-tourer coupe, produced from 1991 through 2000 as the two-seat sibling to the LS sedan. It uses a front-engine, rear-drive layout and a 4.0-liter V8 (the 1UZ-FE) that aims for smooth, broad torque rather than high-rev speed. Transmission was exclusively a four-speed automatic, and the car emphasizes refinement, ride comfort, and long-distance stability.
Performance snapshot
Here are the key performance numbers and specifications most commonly cited for U.S. market SC400s. Values vary slightly by year and market, but the following gives a representative range:
- Engine: 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE)
- Power: about 250 horsepower in early models; later years saw around 260–275 hp in some revisions or markets
- Torque: roughly 260–275 lb-ft
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic only
- 0–60 mph: approximately 6.5–7.0 seconds
- Top speed: around 149 mph (electronically limited)
- Curb weight: typically around 3,900–4,000 pounds
Taken together, these figures place the SC400 in the fast-but-refined category of late-1990s luxury GTs. It accelerates with a steady, linear punch rather than abrupt bursts, and it cruises confidently on the highway rather than begging for track days.
Real-world driving impressions
On the road, the SC400’s power is palpable, especially in midrange thanks to its broad torque curve. The four-speed automatic shifts smoothly and with minimal hesitation, which supports relaxed highway overtakes but doesn’t chase quick, sporty gear changes. The car’s substantial weight gives it a planted feel at speed and excellent stability, though it can feel less nimble in tight corners than lighter sport coupes. Overall, it provides a refined, comfortable, and quiet ride with enough go to keep up with everyday traffic and long-distance cruising.
Context in its era
During the 1990s, luxury GTs aimed to blend performance with comfort. The SC400 sat among capable peers like the Infiniti Q45, certain BMW 8-series variants, and Mercedes SL models. Lexus emphasized a smooth, quiet cockpit and effortless power delivery, which appealed to buyers prioritizing long-hour comfort over outright raw speed. In that context, the SC400 was fast enough for confident highway driving, but it wasn’t the top-tier performer in a performance-obsessed segment.
Summary
The SC400 delivers respectable speed for a 1990s grand tourer: solid 0–60 acceleration, highway-ready top-end performance, and a refined, comfortable ride. It isn’t a modern supercar or a dedicated sports car, but its combination of smooth V8 power, rear-drive balance, and Lexus build quality makes it feel quicker than many of its contemporaries in daily driving, while still prioritizing refinement and reliability over extreme performance.
If you’re evaluating whether the SC400 is “fast” today, it depends on the benchmark. By 1990s luxury standards, it’s competently quick. By 2020s performance metrics, it’s more of a refined grand tourer with steady, dependable pace than a speed-focused machine.
Is the Lexus SC 400 a fast car?
The SC400 weighs 246 pounds less than the sedan. It puts the power multiplied by its shorter first-gear and final-drive ratios to good use. The coupe soars from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds compared with 7.9 for the sedan. The coupe clears the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds at 93 mph, versus the sedan's 15.9 at 90 mph.
What is the top speed of a Lexus SC400?
Performance
- 0-60 Time. 7.4 seconds.
- Top Speed. 172 mph (277 km/h)
- PWR. 12.69 lb./bhp.
What's the fastest Lexus model?
The Lexus LC 500, Lexus RC F and the all-new 2023 Lexus IS 500 F are the three fastest cars Lexus provides. Which one would you consider the performance car of your dreams?
Is the Lexus LS400 fast?
Yes, the LS 400 is fast enough to be considered a performance luxury car, but its speed depends on the model year, with later models being quicker. The original models were fast for their time, with a top speed of around 155155155 mph, while later models with more horsepower (like the 2000 model) could do 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in 6.46.46.4 seconds.
This video demonstrates the acceleration of a 1995 Lexus LS400: 53sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Mar 23, 2024
Early models (1989-1994)
- Horsepower: Approximately 250250250 horsepower.
- 0−600 minus 600−60 mph: Around 7.87.87.8 seconds.
- Top speed: Approximately 155155155 mph.
Later models (1998-2000)
- Horsepower: Around 290290290 horsepower.
- 0−600 minus 600−60 mph: As quick as 6.46.46.4 seconds.
- Top speed: Over 155155155 mph.
What makes it fast?
- Engine: The LS 400 uses a 4.04.04.0-liter V8 engine that provides strong acceleration and is known for being smooth and reliable.
- Aerodynamics: The car has a low drag coefficient, which allows it to achieve high speeds with less effort.
- Weight: It has a relatively light curb weight for a luxury car, which helps with acceleration.
Overall, the Lexus LS 400 is a fast car for its time and still feels quick today. While not a sports car, its acceleration is sufficient for merging with traffic or passing other vehicles on the highway.
