A Sense of Security, as if Protected—LX570

Lexus, with "Amazing" as its key concept, provides enjoyment in both cultural activities and driving. In January 2016, it offered an opportunity to enjoy driving on snow in Hokkaido through an event titled "Lexus Amazing Snow Experience."

The event, advertised as "Learn and enjoy driving with coaching from professional drivers. Experience this adult "play" in the extraordinary world of ice and snow through a snow driving lesson," was held at the snow-covered Tokachi Speedway.

Many Lexus owners enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. With SUVs in its lineup and the recent release of the LX570, a true off-road 4WD vehicle, Lexus is well-positioned to address interest in snow performance.

LX 570

At the Tokachi Speedway, in addition to the aforementioned LX, Lexus had prepared SUVs like the "RX" and "NX," as well as sports models from the "GS F" and "RC" series. While the GS F and RC F are cars that best suit a (non-snowy) circuit, Lexus's decision to have them driven on snow is truly intriguing.

Let me explain the special courses driven. The first, named "Snow Mountain," consisted of hill climbs, slalom, jumps, and moguls. The second was the "Time Trial on the Snow Track," a special course where participants competed to achieve a time close to a target. The third was an ice track called "Ice Skating."

We drove the LX570 on the "Snow Mountain." It is equipped with Crawl Control, which can be considered a low-speed cruise control for off-road use. This system automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed. While there was an expectation that it would be safe to let the vehicle descend the slope with automatic braking, the steep 40-degree incline made it quite thrilling. The slope was so steep that the driver could only see the sky ahead. The next moment, as the vehicle pointed downwards, there was a sensation of falling headlong.

However, the vehicle descended the slope stably, crunching through the snow. With an approach angle of 25 degrees, it could navigate without the nose digging in and could escape. While initially thrilling, once experienced, it instills immense confidence in the car.

The LX570 boasts a maximum climbing ability of 45 degrees and a maximum stable inclination angle of 44 degrees along the slope. With its perimeter frame, a staple of off-road 4WD vehicles, the LX570 has long suspension travel, ensuring the tires rarely lose contact with the ground even on bumpy surfaces. Furthermore, it suppresses unpleasant jolts from the road, allowing the driver to concentrate on precise steering. This also contributes to its high off-road capability.

The LX, a large vehicle measuring 5 meters in length and 1.9 meters in height, can accommodate 7 passengers. The spacious, high-riding driver's seat provides a sense of security, as if being protected. It's understandable why it's popular among female drivers.

Enjoyable Anywhere with Peace of Mind—RC F

The second part of the "Lexus Amazing Snow Experience" was the "Time Trial on the Snow Track." This course was designed to assess line tracing ability through acceleration, braking, and steering on a slippery snow surface. We drove the RX, which underwent a full model change in October 2015.

The RX's 4WD system is designed to ensure stable driving, and with studded tires, it offers high stability on snowy roads. However, if you press the accelerator too hard, the vehicle may deviate from its intended lane. Using the brake pedal in conjunction with the accelerator makes it easy to regain composure.

Fumio Nattunuma, who participated in the 2006 Monte Carlo Rally, the premier event of the World Rally Championship, with a Lancer Evolution IX and achieved victory, was present that day. There was also a fun side event where we chased the GS F, driven by Nattunuma, in the RX. On one hand, a powerful rear-wheel-drive car; on the other, the RX. Even with studded tires, the RX clearly had an advantage in handling stability, and it was fascinating to understand how crucial the inherent driving characteristics of a vehicle are.

RX

The third event, "Ice Skating," was conducted with the GS F, RC200t, and RC F. The objective was to assess the car's controllability on a low-mu surface, meaning a very slippery road. While the coefficient of friction on a dry asphalt road is around 0.8, it drops to 0.6 to 0.4 when wet, 0.35 to 0.2 in snow, and 0.2 to 0.1 on icy surfaces.

On the packed snow course, the RC200t was the most stable. Its output of 180 kW (245 ps) and maximum torque of 350 Nm, available from 1650 rpm, are not excessive. Its cornering control is good, and even when accelerating hard on a straight, the vehicle's attitude is disturbed only momentarily.

RC F

RC200t

We also drove the powerful RC F on the same course. This is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a 5-liter V8 engine producing a maximum output of 351 kW (477 ps) and a maximum torque of 530 Nm, available from 4800 rpm. Contrary to expectations, its behavior was stable, much like the RC200t. Although the torque is greater, causing a larger deviation in behavior when the accelerator is pressed compared to the 200t, it quickly stabilizes and returns to its lane.

Given its sporty styling and exhilarating acceleration on-road, I had expected the RC F to be somewhat of a handful. However, what left a lasting impression was its all-around capability, allowing it to be driven reliably and with peace of mind in any location, enjoyable for a wide range of drivers.

What was surprising was the GS F, which was also tested at Fuji Speedway.

The Most Fun, and Required the Most Careful Driving—GS F

In a sense, the Lexus GS F was the most fun and required the most careful driving during the "Lexus Amazing Snow Experience." This is a sporty four-door sedan that was launched in Japan in November 2015. Perhaps "sporty" is an understatement; it is ultra-sporty.

Its 5-liter V8 engine, with a maximum output of 351 kW (477 ps) and maximum torque of 530 Nm, is shared with the RC F. It is also rear-wheel drive, and its power, speed, and handling on the circuit were highly praised in previous test drives.

GS F

On the packed snow, where the friction coefficient drops from about 0.8 on dry asphalt to around 0.35 to 0.2, driving the GS requires the driver to first master power control—how much pressure to apply with the right foot. If you try to accelerate too much, the rear wheels powerfully propel the car, and the front wheels, losing grip, allow the car's attitude to change.

The GS F's attitude changes significantly, which could be disconcerting for inexperienced drivers. If you start to drift off course, you can adjust the power by using the brake pedal. This, in a way, is very enjoyable. It serves as a reminder that sports cars are meant to be enjoyed like sports.

On the icy surface, where the coefficient of friction drops to 0.1, even starting in second gear in snow mode, the tires slip, and the car doesn't move as intended. However, when attempting a drift, the GS F's ample torque drives the rear wheels, and the car immediately enters a turning mode. By using counter-steer and throttle control, the vehicle's attitude is maintained. While the practicality of such driving is debatable, it offered a glimpse into the GS F's enjoyable, sports-car-like handling.

The "Lexus Amazing Snow Experience" also had a paid participation option for the general public, with participants selected from applicants at a ratio of about 4:1. For a full day, participants could experience the same courses and learn driving techniques from professional drivers such as Fumio Nattunuma, Masahiko Kageyama, Hisami Sato, Takuto Iguchi, Naoya Gamo, Kōin Matsui, Juichi Wakisaka, Morio Nitta, Hideo Fukuyama, and Jun Mitsuhashi. Those who were selected were truly fortunate.