A Driving Program for Car Enthusiasts

Driving on winding roads in distant lands I've never visited. What kind of view awaits beyond this corner—. While gripping the steering wheel and pressing the accelerator, drivers encounter moments of pure exhilaration. Faster, further. Any car lover surely wishes for this.




However, in reality, it's surprisingly difficult to plan an ideal driving route in an unfamiliar place. I once planned a long drive with friends from Tokyo to Ise Jingu, but we had no time to savor the journey as we had hoped, and ended up rushing against the clock – a bitter experience. While unexpected detours can be part of the fun, for a "premium adult journey," one would prefer a more sophisticated and elegant approach.



For such travelers, there is good news: "LEXUS AMAZING EXPERIENCE." This is a new, experience-based program from Lexus, centered around "Tourism" and "Sport Driving," designed to stimulate the playful spirit of adults with intelligence and curiosity. OPENERS editorial staff recently participated in a special plan held for the media. We would like to share our experience.



Our journey began with a flight to Kumamoto, our starting point, before proceeding to Oita and Fukuoka. Upon arriving at the hotel, a lineup of the latest Lexus models awaited us for the tour. The next morning, I received the key to an "LS600h F SPORT" and started the engine.

Engine Sounds Echoing on a Private Circuit

Our first destination was the "Oita Autopolis," a premier international A-class circuit that hosts events like SUPER GT and Super Formula. The drive there took about an hour, passing through the beautiful, verdant winding roads of "Milk Road."LexusWhile getting accustomed to the car's characteristics in Lexus's flagship model, we savored its world-class appeal.



The private circuit rental is one of the highlights of this tour. Here, we could drive to our heart's content and fully unleash the performance of Lexus vehicles. The cars provided were the new "IS", the racing machine "IS F CCS-R" based on the "IS F", and the super sports car "LFA", announced in 2010 and produced in a limited run of only 500 units. With this lineup, how could any car enthusiast not be thrilled? I certainly was.




The first car I drove on the circuit was the new "IS350 F SPORT." As it hadn't even been officially announced in Japan at the time of the interview, this was my first drive, and I was astonished by how exceptionally well-executed it was. It was simply fun to drive, beyond any logical explanation. The driving quality exceeded my expectations, allowing me to trace the intended racing line with precision. It's rare for a car to appeal so directly to the senses. It made me wonder, "Has Lexus always been this 'sporty' a brand?"



This was achieved through Lexus's latest proprietary high-tech features, including a newly adopted dedicated suspension, "NAVI・AI-AVS" which adjusts damper resistance, "LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling System)" that optimally controls the steering angle of all four wheels, and a sound generator that synchronizes with engine revs.



However, the exquisite tuning, which felt natural and never jarring to the driver, strongly conveyed that Lexus's car manufacturing has entered a new phase.

Truly "AMAZING"

Before the excitement from the new IS could fade, I moved on to the "IS F CCS-R." As expected of a racing car, it featured a full bucket seat and a three-point seatbelt, making me feel like a professional racing driver. Even though it's based on the IS F, it was a bit intimidating.



But once I started driving, the competitive spirit took over – that's just how men are. The approximately 300kg weight reduction from the production model was immense, and the powerful acceleration pressed me into the seat. Yet, strangely, it never instilled a sense of fear. As I gradually became familiar with the track layout, the urge to press the accelerator harder became irresistible.



The final car for our circuit driving session was the now-legendary supercar, the "LFA." I never imagined I'd have the chance to drive it here at Autopolis, but simply being able to drive this car makes the "LEXUS AMAZING EXPERIENCE" program worth the participation. This masterpiece, equipped with a 4.8-liter V10 engine derived from Toyota's F1 car and housed in a full carbon body,Lexusrepresents the pinnacle of Lexus engineering. Production has already ended, with only 500 units existing worldwide.

Stimulating the Adult Playful Spirit

The program at Autopolis wasn't limited to circuit driving. Events designed for fun and engagement were also prepared. One such event, called "G-Force Challenge," involved competing in a driving technique contest to complete a special course, similar to gymkhana, as quickly as possible with a car equipped with a G-force sensor. Naturally, excessive G-forces would trigger the sensor, resulting in penalties.



Actually driving it proved quite challenging. The desire to finish quickly conflicted with the need for careful throttle control and handling. A moment's carelessness, thinking "just a little more," proved costly, and I incurred significant penalties just before the finish line. In my frustration, I tried again, but still achieved only an average time. This game directly conveys the difficulty and enjoyment of driving, and it's guaranteed to get even grown adults heatedly exclaiming, "Let me try again!"




The final circuit program was a "Chicken Race," where participants accelerate and then brake sharply to stop within a designated area. Two cars start simultaneously on the home straight, and each driver brakes at their chosen point, aiming for the tightest possible line. The "G-Force Challenge" and this event are designed not just for fun, but also to allow participants to learn about vehicle dynamics and braking differences through experience, which is another appeal of the "LEXUS AMAZING EXPERIENCE."

That night, after a day filled with circuit driving, we stayed at "Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso," located at the foot of the Aso Kuju mountain range in the heart of Kyushu, with views of the five peaks of Mount Aso. Each room, designed in a modern Japanese style, featured an open-air bath to soothe the day's fatigue. Knowing there would be delicious food and hot springs, it's no surprise that even adults can't resist indulging, no matter how much they've played.

Endless Thrills, To Your Heart's Content

The next morning, we drove through the scenic "Aso Skyline" again, heading to our final destination: Toyota Motor Kyushu's Miyata plant. In Japan, Lexus vehicles are produced at the Miyata plant in Fukuoka and the Tahara plant in Aichi. The Miyata plant manufactures the "RX," "IS C," "LexusCTCT", "HS," and the overseas model "ES."



The "LEXUS AMAZING EXPERIENCE" offers a unique hospitality: driving freely through Kyushu in a Lexus, and finally witnessing the birth of a Lexus. The popularity of factory tours is understandable once you visit; they are genuinely interesting.



While it's true that many modern industrial products are automated by robots, Lexus's manufacturing process, which always involves human hands – skilled hands at that – is a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship. For car enthusiasts, the sense of wonder is surely amplified.




The tour concluded with a gala party at "With The Style Fukuoka," a hotel in Fukuoka city. Inside the building, designed with a West Coast urban resort concept, an LFA was displayed, creating a space that allowed guests to immerse themselves in the world of Lexus until the very end. Participants, smiling as they watched a digest movie of the two-day itinerary projected on a screen, reluctantly savored the end of their extraordinary journey.



Opinions varied among participants – some found the experience too intense, while others craved even more excitement. However, this was just one of the programs offered by "LEXUS AMAZING EXPERIENCE." They plan to expand their program offerings to meet diverse needs. The first "Aso, Kyushu Experience Tour" is scheduled for October.



Endless thrills, to your heart's content. Lexus will continue to deliver "AMAZING" experiences for adults seeking adventure.





"LEXUS AMAZING EXPERIENCE" Desk
Tel. 03-3865-5939 (Mon-Fri / 10:00-17:00)

http://lexus-lae.com