What is the top speed of the SC400?
The Lexus SC400’s top speed is typically cited around 140 mph (about 225 km/h), with some tests and markets showing figures up to roughly 150 mph (around 240 km/h) under favorable conditions.
Performance context for the SC400
The SC400 is a front‑engine grand tourer powered by a 4.0-liter V8, paired with an automatic transmission. Its top speed sits within the performance envelope of a luxury GT rather than a pure sports car, prioritizing smooth highway cruising and long-distance comfort alongside strong, practical speed.
Engine and drivetrain
The car uses a 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8, producing roughly 260–290 horsepower depending on year and emissions tuning, and a 4‑speed automatic. Weight and aerodynamics influence the top speed more than peak horsepower alone, meaning real-world velocity can vary with load, tires, and conditions.
Top speed figures by market and year
There isn’t a single universal top speed figure for every SC400. Numbers vary by market, model year, tire choice, and condition. The following ranges reflect commonly reported values from owners, reviews, and manufacturer notes.
- Typically around 137–140 mph (220–225 km/h) for many US‑market SC400s with stock equipment.
- Up to about 145–150 mph (232–240 km/h) in some tests or favorable conditions and certain markets.
- European/Japanese market variants and later year updates sometimes listed near 148–150 mph (238–240 km/h) depending on the exact configuration.
- Real-world results can vary due to weather, altitude, tire wear, and vehicle condition.
In practice, the SC400’s top speed is influenced more by electronic restrictions, gearing, and aerodynamics than by peak horsepower alone, yielding a comfortable high-speed cruising capability rather than a track‑focused speed run.
Additional performance considerations
Beyond top speed, enthusiasts often note the SC400’s lane‑changing stability, highway acceleration, and refinement at speed as defining traits. While not a dedicated sports car, its V8 has the grunt to sustain confident highway overtakes and long-distance cruising with a smooth, composed ride.
Summary
Summary: The SC400 typically tops out in the low to mid 140s mph, with some markets and conditions pushing toward the upper 140s or around 150 mph. Exact figures depend on year, market, equipment, and vehicle condition. For precise numbers, refer to the specific vehicle’s documentation and tested measurements for that model year.
