Lexus shows its wild side with the new GS F
Lexus is seriously flexing its muscle by adding yet another model to its high-performance ‘F’ Line.
Cue the all-new GS F sports sedan. Sadly not destined for our shores anytime soon, we will however shortly be on the receiving end of the storming RC F (similarly engined) which blasts its way onto our roads within the next few months.
But back to the GS F… Based on the premium, mid-sized GS, this ballistic sedan breaks new ground for Lexus as the largest vehicle ever offered with an F badge.
Powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 producing a robust 348 kW and a positively brawny 527 Nm of torque, the GS F doesn’t sacrifice fuel efficiency on the power altar thanks to the innovative use of Atkinson cycle fuel delivery (borrowed from our Hybrid models) during narrower throttle openings.
The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shifting capabilities and three modes: Normal, Sport S and Sport S+.
The vehicle’s handling was honed at the Fuji circuit in Japan as well as Germany’s famed Nürburgring. Demonstrating that the GS F is more than just power dressing, it features structural reinforcements and an exclusively designed suspension system to match the car’s enhanced output, along with larger tyres (255/35-19 front, and 275/35-19 rear). There’s also an upgraded braking system complete with bright orange callipers.
Lexus’ Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), also found in the RC F, features three operating modes: Standard (default), providing a balance of agility and firmness; Slalom, emphasising nimble steering response and agility; and Track, which enhances stability during high-speed circuit driving.
And, proving that it’s got the show to match the go, the GS F is decked out in distinctive sports livery including an enlarged and more pronounced version of Lexus’ trademark ‘spindle’ grille, with a distinctive mesh pattern and oversized gaping air vents.
Slimline headlights with the signature Lexus L-shaped daytime running lamps complete the car’s elegant yet dynamic face.
In profile the GS F sits noticeably lower and wider than other GS models, combining with its front fender air outlets and 19-inch alloy wheels to make it instantly recognisable as an F model.
Indoors, the GS F cabin gains an F steering wheel and a new programmable electronic instrument cluster that can be configured between four different displays depending on preferred driving style: Normal, Eco, Sport S and Sport S+.
Custom front and rear seats provide the vehicle’s occupants with more lateral support.
GS F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi said vehicles with the ‘F’ designation were created to generate a positive feeling behind the wheel for all drivers.
“With the GS F we wanted to make a special car that not only would exceed the expectations of the most discerning driving enthusiast, but also something that all people can enjoy,” Yaguchi said.
“In that way, the GS F embraces the virtues of sound, response and power, the cornerstones of the Lexus ‘F’ brand.”
