Toyota wanted to grow its product line to include elegant and dignified vehicles. In 1989, the Japanese auto manufacturer introduced a luxury division under the name of Lexus. Now a well-regarded leader in the automotive industry, the company has a reputation for quality and reliability in all the products it offers. 

Lexus takes a unique approach to ergonomic design, with the human element at the core of its experience. Every aspect of the vehicle receives fine-tuned attention with the comfort of the driver in mind. Each amenity is perfectly placed for maximum efficiency, making Lexus one of the best-selling luxury brands on the market today.

The Active Sport Exhaust system is an example of how far the luxury carmaker will go to ensure driver satisfaction. Understanding human emotions, the design team has created a visceral experience that taps into the driver’s psyche to create an optimum feeling of accelerated joy.

The idea behind the technology

Lexus offers an extensive lineup of sedans and crossovers that perfectly blend high performance with emotional design.

The manufacturer of the all-new 2021 Lexus LC 500 set out to create an engine sound that is not only thrilling to hear, but according to its website, that scientifically evokes human emotion.

The design team found the brain responds to 400-Hz note frequencies as a sense of composure. When exposed to 800-Hz notes, feelings of elation take over.

With this knowledge in hand, Lexus created a “visceral symphony” by tuning the intake and exhaust sounds down to a fraction of a millimeter. The fine-tuning transformed the naturally occurring sounds into notes that fell into the frequency range that stimulates human response.

Engine sounds are channeled through the cabin to elicit a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure. As the vehicle accelerates, sound travels from the front to the rear of the cabin via the interior speakers.

Of course, the sounds mean nothing without dynamic performance. The driver can feel the power in his hands of the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that puts out 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of peak torque.

The Lexus LC 500 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, hitting a 7,300 rpm redline, creating the sound of a pure adrenaline rush.

Active Sport Exhaust system

The energetic V8 engine combined with the Active Sport Exhaust system creates a charismatic feeling of powerful acceleration and non-stop output for driving enthusiasts. According to Lexus, special sound-control valves produce vibrant engine sounds found in the innovative exhaust system.

Activated when the vehicle starts, the valves automatically adjust based on what the car is doing. Whether it is standing still or at full throttle, the valves can manipulate the exhaust sounds to create an intense experience.

Drivers can also adjust the level of sound they want coming through the vehicle from the exhaust system. The Drive Mode Selector system easily adjusts the volume from a mellow rumble to a fast-revving V8 roar.

Another feature found in most Lexus vehicles is Active Sound Control. Similar to the technology used in noise-canceling headphones, the system can eliminate undesirable wavelengths. What’s left behind is a pleasantly balanced soundtrack of engine sounds. The driver and passengers can have an audible conversation, even with the top down in the new convertible. 

How Lexus is making driving a more connected experience

The full-throated engine sound put out through the Active Sport Exhaust system evokes an inspiring sense of power. Lexus is leading the way in developing innovative features for superior luxury driving experiences.

Now more than ever, drivers of the all-new 2021 Lexus LC 500 feel directly connected to their vehicles. The 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission helps the V8 performance of the 5.0-liter energetic engine come alive.

Not only does the LC 500 look and run great, but it sounds even better with the Active Sport Exhaust system.