Which Lexus model is the fastest?
The fastest Lexus model ever built is the LFA, a limited-production hypercar capable of about 202 mph with a 0–60 mph time of around 3.6 seconds.
In the current lineup, the fastest production model is the LC 500, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 and capable of roughly 4.4 seconds from 0 to 60 mph with a top speed around 168 mph. This article reviews Lexus’s speed records across history and the present day.
Historical speed record: the Lexus LFA
The LFA, produced from 2010 to 2012, stands as Lexus’s pinnacle of raw performance. It was built to deliver track-capable speed with a hand-built V10 engine and precision-tuned aerodynamics.
Specs at a glance (road-going version):
- Engine: 4.8-liter V10
- Power: ~553 horsepower
- 0–60 mph: ~3.6 seconds
- Top speed: ~202 mph
- Production: Limited to roughly 500 road cars, plus Nürburgring Edition variants
Beyond the numbers, the LFA embodied Lexus’s ambition to blend luxury with extreme performance. Its rarity and cost have solidified its status as a collector’s icon rather than a mass-market speed machine.
Fastest production Lexus today: LC 500
For the modern era, Lexus’s speed crown in the production lineup goes to the LC 500, a grand tourer that pairs luxury refinement with a potent naturally aspirated V8.
Key figures for the LC 500 (road car):
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8
- Power: around 471 horsepower
- 0–60 mph: about 4.4 seconds
- Top speed: ~168 mph (electronically limited)
- Notes: Part of the LC family, with a design focus on grand-touring performance and refined ride
While the LC 500 remains the top performer in Lexus’s current production range, the LC 500h hybrid offers a different character—strong efficiency with a smoother acceleration profile, but it does not match the V8’s straight-line speed.
Other high-performance Lexus models worth noting
Several models in Lexus’s lineup deliver strong performance and track-ready dynamics, even if they don’t surpass the LFA or LC 500 on outright speed.
- RC F: a high-performance variant with a naturally aspirated V8 and competitive 0–60 mph times, tailored for engaging driving dynamics
- RC F Track Edition: a lighter, more aggressive variant focused on track use and handling
- LC Convertible: shares LC 500 performance characteristics with added open-air experience
These models illustrate Lexus’s approach to performance: delivering high-speed capability within a luxury package that emphasizes ride comfort, control, and everyday usability rather than chasing top-end numbers alone.
Summary
In succinct terms, the Lexus LFA holds the title for the fastest Lexus model ever produced, with a top speed near 202 mph and a 0–60 mph time around 3.6 seconds. Among models currently in production, the LC 500 is the speed leader, offering about 471 horsepower, 0–60 mph in roughly 4.4 seconds, and a top speed around 168 mph. Lexus balances speed with luxury and reliability across its range, while the LFA remains a rare testament to the brand’s engineering ambitions.
