Introduction
The 2016 Lexus GS F is a high-performance version of the automaker's midsize luxury sedan, and is not to be confused with the GS 350 F Sport. While that model does offer performance and styling enhancements to the standard GS 350, the new GS F is a completely different kind of vehicle.
Exterior Features
Shown here dipped in unique Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint, the new Lexus GS F looks the part of a performance sedan. It gets new front styling, complete with a more dramatic spindle-style grille, as well as functional air intakes and cooling ducts, special design detailing, and quad exhaust outlets similar to those of the now-cancelled Lexus IS F performance sedan. The Lexus GS F rides on staggered-width, split-spoke 19-in. aluminum wheels, fronting red painted brake calipers and wrapped in low-profile performance tires.
Interior Features
Inside, the Lexus GS F model's performance seats are hard to miss. Featuring a 2-tone design and substantial side bolsters, the seats feature stylized "pass-throughs" which, if functional, would accommodate a 5-point racing harness. Dynamic digital instrumentatio
n sets the GS F apart from the GS 350 F Sport, and this new performance model is offered with carbon fiber dashboard trim.
Optional Features
Among the upgrades that
Lexus is likely to offer for the GS F, LED headlights are confirmed. Interested parties can also expect heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, navigation system, Mark Levinson premium audio system, and various Lexus Enform services. Lexus is also likely to make its pre-collision autonomous braking technology available for the GS F, as well as a dynamic radar cruise control system, intuitive parking assist, and more.
Under the Hood
A 5.0-liter V-8 engine is installed beneath the Lexus GS F's hood. Rated to make 467 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 389 lb.-ft. of torque from 4,800 rpm to 5,600 rpm, the engine is unique in that it employs both Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles. The Otto cycle is used to maximize power at higher rpm, while the Atkinson cycle improves efficiency at lower rpm.
This engine drives the GS F's rear wheels through an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission. Lexus promises rapid gear changes with this transmission, executed manually using paddle shifters. The standard Drive Mode Select system offers the driver Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ powertrain modes.
A Rear Torque Vectoring Differential is also standard, dynamically distributing torque between the rear wheels throughout a corner or curve in order to proactively manage traction and stability. The driver can select between Standard, Slalom, and Track driving modes.
The fun doesn't stop there. Lexus structurally rein
forces the GS F model, upgrades the suspension, and installs Brembo brake calipers with slotted rotors and high-friction brake pads. The Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system gains a Sport Mode designed to provide a greater performance threshold before safety systems kick in.
Safety
Aside from the revised VDIM technology, expect the Lexus GS F to offer similar safety features to the GS 350 F Sport. That means a blind-spot warning system, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping-assist systems, Lexus Enform Safety Connect technology, and a dynamic radar cruise control system with a driver attention monitor and pre-collision autonomous braking capability.
Technology
Similarly, it is probable that the new GS F will be available with a navigation system, Mark Levinson premium audio system, head-up display, and a variety of Lexus Enform services.
