(October 17, 2015) MADRID, Spain — The new Lexus GS F performance sedan — based on the popular GS — is armed with a potent 467 horsepower, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 together with excellent handling developed on the most demanding race circuits, including the legendary Nürburgring.

Its elegant-yet-aggressive styling effectively characterizes the essence of Lexus’ performance-oriented “F” brand, highlighted by bold front fascia with race-inspired functional air inlets, triple-beam headlamps, low-slung wide stance, large brake calipers, carbon-fiber rear spoiler and quad exhaust rear diffuser.

While it’s more than capable of taking on a twisty mountain road, the GS F is still a sedan that’s ideal for everyday use. It seats five comfortably in a luxuriously appointed cabin filled with high-tech amenities and advanced safety technologies, including standard Lexus Safety System +.

The GS F offers enthusiasts the best of all worlds: it’s a car that will provide thrills and excitement on challenging switchbacks, all the while offering occupants unprecedented style and comfort.

The performance version of the GS will go on sale in the U.S. in December with a starting price of $85,380. Zero to 60 time has been estimated at 4.6 seconds.

“As Lexus’ “F” brand vehicles continue to evolve and grow in number, it is important that these models offer differentiated and unique driving characteristics in their segments. The GS F is a very capable performance sedan that offers excitement behind the wheel in all facets of performance driving. It’s something that’s fun to drive no matter who is driving or where it’s being driven. The sedan embraces the virtues of sound, response and limitless power feel to support Lexus’ “F” brand identity of a performance car,” said Yukihiko Yaguchi, emeritus chief engineer of the GS F.     

The heart of the new GS F is undoubtedly its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, which has been finely tuned to deliver excellent power and responsiveness. The engine’s reciprocating assembly targets lower mass with the help of lightweight forged connecting rods and titanium intake and exhaust valves, allowing it to reach a 7,300-rpm redline. Free-breathing 32-valve cylinder heads take full advantage of this engine’s reduced internal friction, and aggressive valvetrain.

The working angle and lift of the camshaft have been designed to achieve ample torque production for continuous acceleration throughout the rev range. Add to the mix optimized intake and exhaust manifolds, and the seamless operation of a high-performance-tuned Variable Valve Timing (VVT-iE) that delivers optimal power in all situations, and the result is an engine that delivers 467 horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. of torque.

In addition to producing plenty of power, the GS F’s V8 is also remarkably efficient, thanks in part to the tuning of its high-pressure D-4S direct injection system (Direct injection 4-stroke gasoline engine Superior version), which allows the engine to operate with a very high compression ratio of 12.3:1. Another important factor in maximizing power and efficiency in a high-performance engine is to include a precision-engineered exhaust system.

The cross section area of the exhaust gas passage of the GS F has been increased, while joint sections of the exhaust system have been enlarged to help reduce backflow pressure. Additionally, to help enhance the sound quality of the exhaust note, a high-function baffle has been placed near the exhaust tips that utilize stainless steel wool as well as glass wool to help achieve a more baritone exhaust note. The exhaust tip design is aesthetically pleasing thanks to the implementation of a stylish baffle end cap structure integrated into the low-slung bumper section that envelops it, giving the setup a very tidy-yet-aggressive appearance at the rear of the vehicle.

Recognizing that sound is a key ingredient of the “F” brand formula, Lexus engineers have taken the auditory experience of the GS F to a new level with the inclusion of Active Sound Control (ASC).

“The GS F’s V8 delivers the high level of performance worthy of the “F” model. Painstaking tuning to the VVT-iE, the adoption of a high static compression ratio and the Atkinson cycle have resulted in fuel economy that is beyond the usual range of a large-capacity 5-liter engine, particularly during high-speed cruising. Furthermore, with control that includes idling speed in response to air conditioner load, the GS F boasts practical fuel economy comparable with vehicles equipped with idling stop systems during urban driving,” Yaguchi said.
 
The GS F’s V8 comes mated to an equally efficient gearbox: the 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission that offers smooth shift feel, excellent drivability, linear acceleration and exceptional fuel economy under all driving conditions.

Remarkably lightweight and compact, thanks to a die-cast aluminum case and internal components including the clutch hub and drum sun gear, the transmission’s operation and fuel efficiency are enhanced due to the inclusion of a high-efficiency oil pump and an ultra-compact high-pressure large flow volume solenoid that have been designed to reduce frictional and mechanical losses.

In configuring gear ratios, the first gear has been tuned to provide excellent response from a standstill. Conversely, the middle close-gear ratios have been selected for their combination of fuel efficiency as well as the ability to briskly accelerate at intermediate speeds. At the far end of the transmission spectrum, the eighth and final top gear is an optimal ratio for enhanced fuel economy at high speed.