What is the top speed of the 1992 Lexus SC 400?
In stock form, the 1992 Lexus SC 400 could reach about 149 mph (240 km/h), electronically limited to balance performance with safety and tire ratings.
The 1992 SC 400 marked Lexus’s entry into a high-speed grand touring niche with a 4.0-liter V8 and a chassis tuned for comfort as well as acceleration. This article examines the official figures, how the top speed was achieved, and how market differences could affect the numbers.
Engineering that powers speed
The SC 400 relied on the 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8, producing roughly 250 horsepower and about 260 lb-ft of torque. In a car weighing around 3,800 pounds, that power translated into confident highway performance, with aero shaping and suspension tuning designed to deliver a refined high-speed experience. The top speed is largely governed by electronic limiting and by the stability of the tires and drivetrain at high velocities.
Official figures and testing
Manufacturers’ figures in the early 1990s often placed the SC 400’s top speed near the 149 mph mark, a ceiling commonly echoed in contemporary road tests. Independent evaluations from that era generally align with this figure, noting strong mid-range performance and a clean pull toward the governor as speeds approach the limit. Real-world results could vary slightly based on road conditions, tire condition, and altitude, but 149 mph remained the standard reference for stock US-market cars.
Performance context
Beyond the top speed, testers highlighted the SC 400’s balanced dynamics: a smooth V8 chorus, measured steering, and chassis stiffness that supported high-speed stability without sacrificing ride quality. While some enthusiasts have reported the potential for higher speeds under optimal conditions, the factory and most reputable tests converge on a limit around 149 mph.
Market variations and limitations
Differences by region and equipment could influence the practical top speed, but the overarching design intent for the SC 400 was a high-speed GT experience with a safety-oriented limiter. Buyers should consider tire ratings and local regulations when assessing performance potential beyond the stock specification.
What this means for enthusiasts
For collectors and drivers, the 1992 SC 400’s top speed of about 149 mph represents a snapshot of early-90s luxury performance—quick on the highway, comfortable for longer journeys, and emblematic of Lexus’s approach to blending refinement with capable performance.
Summary
The top speed of the 1992 Lexus SC 400 is commonly cited as 149 mph (240 km/h) in stock form, with an electronic limiter governing the run to the line. This figure reflects the car’s 4.0-liter V8, chassis balance, and safety considerations of the period, offering a high-speed performance profile that complemented its luxury GT character.
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 is the specs of the 1992 Lexus SC 400?
The 1992 Lexus SC400 is a rear-wheel-drive luxury coupe powered by a 4.0L V8 engine, which produced 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission and featured a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an estimated top speed of 150 mph. Key specifications include a curb weight of around 3,516 to 3,640 lbs, a 9.3 cu.ft. cargo capacity, and standard ABS brakes.
You can watch this video to learn about the engine and features of the 1992 Lexus SC400: 59sMark RodenYouTube · Mar 25, 2025
Performance and engine
- Engine: 4.0L V8 (1UZ-FE)
- Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5,600 RPM
- Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- 0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 mph (estimated)
Dimensions and weight
- Curb Weight: Approximately 3,516 - 3,640 lbs
- Overall Length: 191.1 inches
- Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
- Cargo Capacity: 9.3 cu.ft.
Other features
- Brakes: Four-wheel vented discs with 4-sensor, 3-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Fuel Economy: 16 MPG city / 20 MPG highway
- Interior: Leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and an available premium sound system
- Safety: Front airbags and 4-wheel ABS were standard
What is the top speed of the Lexus 400?
The LS 400's 0–100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) time was 8.5 seconds, and its top speed was 250 km/h (155 mph).
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.
