Such an old topic. This "debate" has been around since I can remember.
I once had a Buick Wagon (remember them) and it ran fine on lower octane unless the car was full (of kids) on a long trip. It would ping, so I would use a higher octane. All the technical explanations are grest, but it is quite simple, the higher the octane the faster the "burn". Nothing more or less. No more power, no more pep, just a faster burn.
Contrary to what I have read here, there is no warranty issue related to octane, not in my manual and I doubt it is in yours.
If you are experiencing pinging move to a higher octane. But for most, the increase in octane is simply a feel good issue. If you feel it makes a difference then spend the extra money and buy it. That's why the Lexus sells in the first place. That logo does not make it run better than another Toyota or BMW, but many of us fee that it does.
