The 2016 Lexus GS F–this is it and it’s finally here to take on the BMW M5…sort of
After all these years of Lexus GS, the luxury branch of Japan’s auto giant just revealed their first ever crack at competing against high-performance midsize luxury sedans like the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but only sort of.
Other than the usual array of sporty upgrades like significantly more aggressive chassis, steering and suspension tuning, aggressively aerodynamic bodywork, and lots of luxurious touches, the 2016 Lexus GS F comes with the RC F’s current naturally-aspirated 5.0L V8 with 467hp and 389 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic with manual-shifting modes.
And that’s exactly why the Lexus GS F is sort of a BMW M5 competitor, because it’s down on power by quite a bit. Just for comparative purposes, the BMW M5 is rated at around 560-575hp, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG produces 550hp in non S form, and the all-new 2016 Cadillac CTS-V smashes them all to bits with a whopping 640hp figure. And just by magazine-racing and comparing numbers, the Lexus GS F doesn’t appear to even stand a chance against the competition.
But either way, we hope Lexus came up with some genius moves to make the GS F the lightest of them all to compensate for the deficit in power. Either way, a high-performance GS is here and is it the one we’ve been waiting for? Only time will tell.
Check out the rather brief press release below.
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Lexus Announces the Latest Addition to the Daunting ‘F’ Performance Line: the GS F Sedan
January 06, 2015
TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2015) – Lexus is yet again showing its sporty disposition and rumbling into Detroit. The luxury vehicle manufacturer has announced the much-anticipated GS F performance sedan, which combines a refined four-door package with the speed and agility of a premium sports car, will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 8:40 a.m. EST in the Lexus display at Cobo Center in Detroit. The GS F will be the latest vehicle to join Lexus’ high-performance “F” line that already includes the RC F coupe. Although the GS 350 F SPORT shares the same platform as the new GS F, they should not be confused. The GS F will have enhancements throughout, including to its engine. Under the hood will be a responsive, naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces a remarkable 467 hp (473 PS )* at 7,100 rpm and peak torque of 389 lb.-ft. (527 Nm)* at 4,800-5,600 rpm. This sophisticated engine uses both Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximize power and efficiency in given situations. Befitting the nature of this high performance sedan, the engine will be mated to a lightning quick eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shifting capabilities. Lexus’ innovative Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), also found in the RC F, will be part of a long line of standard equipment that’ll make the GS F’s handling stand out from the crowd. The TVD features three operating modes:
- Standard (default) provides a balance of agility and firmness;
- Slalom emphasizes nimble steering response and agility; and
- Track emphasizes control during high-speed circuit driving.
The GS F unibody will also feature structural reinforcements and suspension exclusively designed to optimize this super sedan’s handling envelope without detracting from its ride quality. Drivers will appreciate the GS F’s handling and smoothness on the open highway as well as the sedan’s ability to devour challenging roads, whether they’re winding up the side of a mountain or at a racetrack. The new GS F will offer drivers a very balanced sedan with genuine dual personality, equally adept at trimming lap times and the commute back home. Preliminary Specifications*
Overall length 4,915 mm 193.5 in. Overall width 1,845 mm 72.6 in. Overall height 1,440 mm 56.7in. Wheelbase 2,850 mm 112.2 in. Tread (Fr/Rr) 1,555 mm/1,560 mm 61.2in./61.4 in. Curb Weight 1,830 kg 4,034 lb. Wheels 19’’×9J (Fr)
19’’×10J (Rr)– Tires 255/35R19(Fr)
275/35R19(Rr)– *All specifications are for the U.S. market###
– By: Chris Chin
