Lexus takes on the performance barons of Germany with GS F

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica

(August 14, 2016) Lexus is the latest auto manufacturer to throw itself into the rarified segment of high-performance luxury sedans. Notable warhorses in this class include the 605-horsepower Audi RS7, the 557-horsepower Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63, the 640-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V, and, arguably the best known and class leader of the assemblage, the 575-horsepower BMW M5.

The new Lexus GS F is long, low, and wide, with a commanding, authoritative presence that backs up the pose. It has a a 467-horsepower, 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V-8 engine with variable valve timing; an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission, torque vectoring rear differential and 389 lb.-ft of torque. Of course, rear-wheel drive is a prerequisite for the class. It gets from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and completes the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds.

Assisting the already mellifluous auditory exhaust notes is the Lexus Active Sound Control (ASC), which augments the engine sounds through the front and rear speakers, especially under full acceleration. It does this by collecting actual induction and exhaust sounds from the vehicle, digitizing and enhancing them, then pumping the sound into the cabin.



If the 5.0-liter V-8 is the heart of the GS F, then we must deem the vehicle’s Drive Mode Select (DMS) software system the brains behind it all. The DMS enables enhanced driving performance by allowing the driver to choose the appropriate mode to match their preferred driving style by way of a rotary dial on the center console. Selections include Normal, Eco, Sport S, and Sport S+.

Normal delivers the smoothest, most balanced ride quality and drivetrain performance. Eco helps to enhance fuel efficiency with alterations to the heating/cooling capacity and airflow of the climate control system. Sport S delivers more powerful acceleration characteristics, and Sport S+ makes available maximum performance potential of the vehicle.

The torque vectoring differential (TVD) mentioned above transfers torque between the right and left tires, with the ideal amount based upon factors such as throttle input, braking, yaw rate, longitudinal and lateral G-force, and other pertinent parameters. The TVD allows the driver to choose among three distinct settings via a switch on the center console. Standard delivers a high level of control and agility for ideal vehicle behavior; Slalom adds additional emphasis on steering response, giving the vehicle a more agile character. Track helps provide added handling when driving at higher speed, allowing the driver to accelerate with confidence.

The GS F is shod with 255/35R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires mounted on hand-polished 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Huge Brembo (love the bright orange calipers) ventilated disc brakes bring the vehicle to a perfected halt.

The first thing you notice about the GS F is its design. Love it or hate it, the up front styling, with its massive and aggressive mesh spindle grille with a pair of dramatically wide and tall air inlets beneath the headlights is the personification of Lexus’ products.  These air openings funnel massive amounts of air into specially designed ducting inside the grille to maximize brake cooling.

The grille also features a new lower molding, made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) that provides downforce to the front of the car. Wide front fender flares with large air outlets allow excess airflow to escape down the sides of the vehicle, while broad fenders and sculpted rocker panels provide visual muscle, hinting at the car’s sporty nature.

The rear of the vehicle continues with the same aggressive design as the front, highlighted by the “F” brand’s trademark quad exhaust tips. There’s also a carbon fiber spoiler mounted on the trunk lid and, a rear diffuser beneath the rear bumper.

Finally, the car will be offered in eight less-than-subtle colors, including Matador Red, Molten Pearl (orange) and, Ultrasonic Blue. Our Ultra White test vehicle was equipped with high-grade red leather “F” sport seats and the leather wrapped “F”-badged three-spoke steering wheel. The door panels, center stack, pedals and headliner are a pleasing mix of Alcantra leather, carbon trim and brushed metal pedals and switchgear.

Inside, the design execution is nothing short of exceptional, starting with a pair of the most comfortable bucket seats in recent memory. The dash is an excellent execution of analog and digital gauges, including the large digital tachometer and a pallet of easy to read information.

Overall, it would be too easy to dismiss the Lexus brand as a newcomer to this segment, given the legendary reputation of its competitors. But after spending a week in and out of the GS F, it’s a very close match to its competitors. And with a base price of $84,440 with the only option being the 835-watt Mark Levinson Audio system at $1,380, you’ll not be left to shell out big bucks for endless upgrade options as you would with competitors.

Still, we don’t see BMW, Audi or Mercedes owners dumping their vehicles for the Lexus, but the fact they are only planning to produce 2,000 a year is acknowledgment enough.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $84,440
Price as Tested: $86,875
Seating: 4
Engine: 5.0-Liter V8
Horsepower: 467 hp
Fuel Economy: 16/24 – City/Highway

Fab Features

No pretender here….this is the real deal
Active Sound Control
Strikingly handsome inside and out