2012 Lexus LFA engine

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2-4. Using other driving systems
■Hill-start assist control operation conditions
●The vehicle rolls backward.
●A forward gear is selected.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
■Automatic reactivation of the VSC/TRAC systems
If the VSC/TRAC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automatically
reactivate them.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and hill-start
assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment if the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins
to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of
these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not
indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating when there is frequent steering in put over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The EPS system should
return to normal within 10 minutes.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRAC or hill-start assist control system.
Contact your Lexus dealer.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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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.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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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.

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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.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
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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.

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2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away
the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front
of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may
have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and driv e at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
■Tire grip at low temperatures
The tires fitted to the LFA are designed for dry road conditions. As such, tire grip on
cold, snowy and/or icy roads will be reduced compared to standard tires.
Be sure to use snow tires on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a speed
appropriate for road and weather conditions.
■Engine starting restrictions
In order to protect the engine, the engine may not start when the engine coolant
temperature or engine oil temperature is below -13 F (-25C). In that case, a
buzzer will sound and “Temp low Engine cannot be started” will be shown on the
meter. ( P. 3 2 7 )
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
NOTICE
■Driving with tire chains
Do not fit tire chains. Tire chains may da mage the vehicle body and suspension, and
adversely affect driving performance.
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
Dinghy towing
The LFA can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing: Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
Select Neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position.
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices have been
turned off.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before driving
the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Contact
the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recommended
equipment.
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