Report: Lexus is still adament about a GS-based BMW M5 competitor

We all know that Lexus hasn’t exactly been the last word in performance. Well, actually, they’ve almost been the antithesis of performance. However, when the second generation Lexus GS and the IS300 were introduced, they were both subtle representations that the top Japanese brass could build a car with performance in mind.

More recently, Lexus also introduced their F version of the current IS and their halo car, the LFA to further prove that Lexus can make performance cars. And rightfully so since nearly every form of competition from Germany has some level of commendable driving pleasure. But we all know that it’s a slow process and Lexus is hard at work to reinvigorate their brand image.

To be truthful, I wouldn’t doubt that despite these efforts, enthusiasts and automobile gurus are still skeptical, especially since Lexus introduced the all-new GS without a V8 option. But to confuse things even more, word is that Lexus is discreetly plotting to build a V10-powered GS to compete with the new F10 BMW M5.

The rumor that Lexus would introduce an M5-competitor has been floating around for quite a while. Additionally, this “GS-F” could potentially take form when the new GS comes around—and it already has. That said, Lexus has reportedly moved a step closer to making this rumor true by talking about the idea some more.

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Click here for our original post on the 2013 Lexus GS F Sport Package.

This past week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Lexus insiders have supposedly said that they’d love to do a “GS-F” to compete with the industry standard from Munich. Ideally, they also said that the GS-F would be powered by a scaled down version of the LF-A’s 4.8L V10—most likely as a 4.6L V10 producing around 450hp.

But despite these words, Lexus’s message is still a mixed bag. For instance, Lexus confirmed that they’ll be offering a hybrid version of the GS in favor of a four-cylinder diesel version. But at the same time, Lexus’s European vice president Andy Pfeiffenberger said that Lexus no longer wants to be considered a “vanilla brand, offering bland looks and conventional powertrains,” which still contradicts Lexus’s actions of choosing a hybrid powertrain over a diesel. And that’s because a diesel, despite its low-revving and humdrum characteristic, can still prove to be more engaging than a hybrid powertrain. Just look at the diesel offerings from Germany.

“We’ve been vanilla long enough,” Pfeiffenberger concluded. “If some buyers don’t like the new GS’s design, that means we’re doing the right thing. The re-starts of Lexus as a strong brand in the marketplace is kicking off with this car.”

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCar