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2574-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to the S position.
Changing the shift range allows restri ction of the highest shift range, pre-
venting unnecessary upshifting and en abling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
Also, by controlling the transmission so that engine speed is higher when
compared with normal driving, acceleration response is improved.
The shift range can be selected by the shift lever or operating the “-” and
“+” paddle shift switches (if equipped).
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to
S8, will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is
automatically set to S4, S5, S6 or S7
according to vehicle speed.
■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 8 levels of accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.
●A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine speed
will also increase.
●If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 5, the shift range may automati-
cally range up in accordance with the vehicle’s speed.
Selecting shift ranges in S mode
1
2
Page 296 of 676
2964-5. Using the driving support systems
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
Pressing the button changes the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance as fol-
lows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance is set
automatically to long mode when the
power switch is turned to ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead of you, the
preceding vehicle mark will also be
displayed.
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown cor-
respond to a vehicle speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance increases/decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.
Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Preceding
vehicle mark
1
2
3
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 50 m (160 ft.)
MediumApproximately 40 m (130 ft.)
ShortApproximately 30 m (100 ft.)
Page 310 of 676

3104-5. Using the driving support systems
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
Pressing the button changes the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance as fol-
lows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance is set
automatically to long mode when the
power switch is turned to ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead of you, the
preceding vehicle mark will also be
displayed.
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown cor-
respond to a vehicle speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance increases/decreases in accorda nce with vehicle speed. When the
vehicle is stopped by system control, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance will
be about 3 m (10 ft.) to 5 m (16 ft.) regardless of the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance setting.
Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Preceding
vehicle mark
Type A
Type B1
2
3
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 50 m (160 ft.)
MediumApproximately 40 m (130 ft.)
ShortApproximately 30 m (100 ft.)
Page 313 of 676

3134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 120 m (400 ft.) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-
vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suitable following
distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill
slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle
distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically decel-
erates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the
system applies the brakes. The system will respond to changes in the speed of the
vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance set by the
driver. A warning tone warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently
to prevent your vehicle from closing in on the vehicle ahead. When the vehicle
ahead of you stops, your vehicle will also stop. After the vehicle ahead starts off,
pushing the cruise control lever up or depressing the accelerator pedal will
resume follow-up cruising.
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
2
Page 331 of 676

3314-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
●When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, previous rainfall, standing
water, etc.
●When the vehicle experiences strong up-and-down motion such as when driving
on an extremely rough road or on a seam in the pavement
●When headlight brightness at nighttime is reduced due to dirt on the lenses, or
when the headlights are misaligned
●When driving with a strong crosswind
●When driving on winding roads or roads that are uneven
●When driving on rough or unpaved roads
■When changing the tires
Depending on the tires used, such as snow tires, etc., sufficient performance may not
be maintainable.
■Warning messages for LKA
Warning messages are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform the driver
of the need for caution while driving. ( P. 563)
CAUTION
■Before using the LKA system
Do not rely solely on the LKA system. The LKA system does not drive the vehicle
automatically, nor does it reduce the amount of care you need to take. As such, the
driver must always assume full responsibility for understanding his/her
surroundings, for operating the steering wheel to correct the driving line, and for
driving safely.
Inappropriate or negligent driving could lead to an accident.
■To avoid operating the LKA by mistake
Switch the LKA off using the LKA switch when not in use.
Page 335 of 676

3354-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system. Suit-
able for when powerful acceleration is desirable.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driv ing mode select switch is turned to
the right, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in the multi-information display,
and the Hybrid System Indicator changes to the tachometer. ( P. 115)
• SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performance and driving stability by simul-
taneously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the
hybrid system. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mo de select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
■Operation of the air conditioni ng system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air
conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency ( P. 399). To improve air condition-
ing performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after driving
in sport mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display
When the driving mode is changed, the selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. ( P. 396)
4
Page 338 of 676

3384-5. Using the driving support systems
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driv ing on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline or slippery slope
◆VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering)
Adjusts the wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed
and steering wheel movement
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be
aware, however, that these system s are supplementary and should not
be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
Page 344 of 676

3444-5. Using the driving support systems
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn tires on
a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may 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, especially in the following situa-
tions:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRC 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 when
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause
an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRC/VSC 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 vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn
the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.