Why is Lexus called the Highway Lightning?

[Khloe]

Lexus is called the Highway Lightning due to its high speed. Taking the Lexus RC as an example, here are the specific details of the Lexus RC: 1. Exterior: The Lexus RC has a length, width, and height of 4705mm, 1840mm, and 1395mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2730mm. It adopts a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. 2. Performance: The 2.0T version of the engine delivers a maximum output power of 180 kW, a maximum torque of 350 N·m, a top speed of 230 km/h, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds, and a combined fuel consumption of 7.5L/100km as announced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

[Edward]

I've seen many people online jokingly call the Lexus ES the 'highway lightning,' which actually refers to its extremely smooth acceleration rather than speed. Having driven for decades and tried various models, I can say the ES's throttle response is steady, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of over 8 seconds. On the highway, it's never restless—like lightning, elegant but fleeting, an ironic twist. It actually shares the Toyota Camry's platform, optimized for comfort and safety. The suspension is soft, smoothing out bumps without jolts, and fuel efficiency is well-controlled. It's perfect for steady drivers like us who prioritize reliability over speed. Long drives don't feel tiring, and while it's not quick off the line, its reliability is top-notch.

[LeNolan]

Bro, the 'Highway Lightning' meme is blowing up in car forums, specifically targeting the Lexus ES series! It's because the power output is sluggish, the throttle isn't aggressive, and while the start is steady, acceleration is draggy—0-100 km/h takes 7-10 seconds, completely the opposite of 'lightning.' Lexus prioritizes comfort in its design, sharing a platform with the Camry, with softly tuned suspension and top-notch sound insulation, making high-speed cruising as smooth as gliding. I've driven it a few times—you have to hit the gas early when overtaking, with zero push-back feeling. This setup is perfect for city driving and long trips, quiet and fuel-efficient, but young folks looking for thrilling speed should look elsewhere. Lexus is all about luxury and relaxation.

[LaLawson]

From a mechanical structure perspective, the nickname 'Highway Lightning' is a humorous moniker given by car enthusiasts to the Lexus ES. The engine delivers linear power output but lacks explosive force, similar to V6 or hybrid systems paired with CVT transmissions. Prioritizing fuel economy results in sluggish acceleration response, while the soft suspension leads to body roll during cornering, lacking the agility of sports cars. In real-world driving, the 0-100 km/h acceleration takes 8-9 seconds, with slow initial speed making highway overtaking challenging. On the positive side, NVH control is top-tier, offering a quiet cabin and stable braking performance. With years of repair experience, I recommend regular maintenance checks on the suspension and electronic control modules to maintain this smoothness. Essentially, it's an economical solution sharing Toyota's platform, prioritizing reliability and durability above all.