lexus LFA 2012 Owner's Manual / LEXUS 2012 LFA OWNERS MANUAL (OM77006U)

169
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively in some conditions
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively in some conditions
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist co ntrol. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively depending on the grad e of incline and on roads covered with
ice.
■If the slip indicator flashes while driving
The slip indicator flashes to indicate that ABS, VSC, TRAC or hill-start assist con-
trol is operating. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an accident.
Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the VSC/TRAC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to help ensure vehicl e stability and driving force by automati-
cally controlling the brakes and engine ou tput, do not turn the VSC/TRAC systems
off unless necessary.

170
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level. ( P. 366)
The ABS, VSC and TRAC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

171
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Active rear wing
The LFA is equipped with an active rear wing that operates automatically
while the vehicle is being driven. This active rear wing enhances aerodynamic
performance especially at high speeds, contributing to a more stable ride.
The active rear wing can be controlled using a switch while the vehicle is
stopped.
■ Manual operation
Up
Down
■Automatic operation
The active rear wing will activate automatically as follows according to the selected
driving mode (P. 1 0 4 ) :
mph (km/h)
Always observe the legal speed limit when driving on public roads.
■Manual operating conditions
The active rear wing can be operated manu ally when the vehicle is stopped and the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
Driving modeUpDown
AUTO 81 (130) 25 (40)
SPORT
NORMAL
WET 50 (80) 25 (40)

172
2-4. Using other driving systems
■Automatic retraction
Even if the active rear wing is raised manually, it will automatically retract when the
vehicle speed exceeds 16 mph (25 km/h).
(It will not rise again until the abov e mentioned trigger speed is reached.)
■When there is a malfunction in the system
“Failure of active rear wing” will be shown on the meter. ( P. 3 2 5 )
Avoid high speed driving and have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When manually operating the active rear wing
Observe the following precautions before operating the active rear wing. Failure to
do so may result in de ath or serious injury.
●Ensure that the surrounding area is free from any foreign objects that may come
into contact with or get caught by the active rear wing.
●If there is a risk that a foreign object may become jammed during operation, stop
operation immediately or raise the active re ar wing by pressing up on the switch.
●When there are people near the active rear
wing, make sure that there is no possibility
of their clothing, personal belongings or
body parts getting caught. Children espe-
cially should be warned not to touch the
active rear wing while it is being operated.

173
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
NOTICE
■To prevent system damage
●Do not apply pressure to the active rear wing when pushing or pulling the vehicle.
●Do not lean on the active rear wing.
●Do not attach any accessories or other foreign objects to the active rear wing.
●Do not modify or disassemble the active rear wing.
●Do not subject the active rear wing to severe impacts.
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not operate the active rear wing repe atedly while the engine is turned off.

174
2-4. Using other driving systems
Launch control
When set, launch control enables the vehicle to accelerate from a standing
start at 4000 rpm. Launch control uses overall optimized control that consid-
ers vehicle acceleration performance, st ability and clutch durability. (Do not
use launch control on public roads.)
■ Setting the system
Ensure that you are seated well ba ck in the driver’s seat with the
seat belt fastened.
Make sure that the passenger is al so seated well back with their seat
belt fastened.
Start the engine. Firmly depress the brake pedal with your left
foot and release the parking brake.
Continue to depress the brake pedal.
Select SPORT driving mode.
Select shift speed level 7.
Pull the “+” paddle shift switch to select 1st gear.
Pull the “-” paddle shift swit ch and hold it for 5 seconds.
“LAUNCH” will be displayed on the meter.
Release the “-” paddle shift switch.
Depress the accelerator pedal firmly.
Continue to depress the accelerato r pedal. The engine speed will be
automatically maintained at 4000 rpm. The vehicle is then ready for
launch.
Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle will launch forward.
Once the accelerator pedal is released completely, launch control will be
canceled and SPORT driving mode will be engaged.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
STEP8
STEP9

175
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Start-off acceleration
Start-off acceleration depends on how much the accelerator pedal is depressed.
■Usage restrictions
●Launch control cannot be set if the total mileage shown on the odometer is less
than 310 miles (500 km).
●Launch control cannot be set until the engine and transmission are fully warmed
up. Before using launch control, warm up the vehicle by driving it.
●Launch control cannot be set if there is a malfunction in the engine, transmis-
sion, drive control system or other relevant systems.
●As launch control places a significant load on the vehicle's mechanisms, it can-
not be used two or more times in succes sion. After using launch control, cruise
at a normal speed for approximately 10 minutes to allow vehicle mechanisms to
cool down.
●To protect the systems, the number of times that launch control can be used is
limited. To check how many times launch control has been used on your vehicle,
contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■Launch control precautions
●Do not use on public roads.
●Use only when road and ambient conditions are safe.
●Before use, ensure that no people or obstructions are nearby.
●Proper use of launch control requires a professional level of driving skill. When
driving, always check track conditions and the surrounding area.
NOTICE
■To prevent system damage
●Always follow the correct operation procedures as described in this manual.
●Only use launch control on dry, paved ro ad surfaces, as slippery or loose road
surfaces may cause damage to the vehicle's mechanisms.

176
2-5.Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possi-
ble.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● To maintain vehicle balance while driving, position luggage evenly
within the luggage compartment.
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the to tal weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of th e driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the av ailable amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400  750 (5150) = 650
lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may no t safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

177
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will betransferred to your vehicle. Consul t this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing.
Example based on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 1 person with the weight of 176 lb. (80 kg) is riding in your vehicle,
which has a total load capacity of 34 5 lb. (155 kg), the available amount
of cargo and luggage load capacity will be as follows:
345 lb. — 176 lb. = 169 lb. (155 kg —80 kg = 75 kg)
In this condition, if 1 more occupant wi th the weight of 154 lb. (70 kg) gets on,
the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced as follows:
169 lb. — 154 lb. = 15 lb. (75 kg — 70 kg = 5 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants increases,
the cargo and luggage load equaling the weight of the occupant who got
on later, by an amount. In other wo rds, if an increase in the number of
occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight
of occupants plus cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo
and luggage on your vehicle.

178
2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the lugga ge compartment whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passenger, caus-
ing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the passenger seat (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
•On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed for
passengers. The passenger should ride in th e seat with the seat belt properly fas-
tened. Otherwise, the passenger is much more likely to suffer death or serious
bodily injury, in the event of sudden br aking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight ra ting or the total vehicle weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less than the total
load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause dete-
rioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.