The 2016 Lexus GS F is Japan's answer to the luxury car industry. And when Toyota decided to enter into that luxury car segment, the Circle F was the Lexus code for respect. Of the 15 F Sports models unveiled by Lexus, only three earned the distinction of a stand-alone F badge: the feisty IS F compact sedan introduced for 2008, the limited-edition LFA two-seat supercar for 2012, and the recent RC F coupe.
Now Lexus has decided to expand its family with the introduction of the new 2016 Lexus GS F sports sedan with an expected December release date as a 2016 model.
With its 467-hp 5.0-liter V-8, upgraded brakes, and tuned suspension, the GS F puts Lexus back in the performance sports sedan melee. The engine carries over from the RC F coupe, along with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. Robust 15-inch front rotors are squeezed by six-piston calipers and lurk behind 19-inch wheels shod by Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The exterior looks the part of a true executive express, while the interior has grippy seats and lots of carbon-fiber trim.
According to Car and Driver the new 2016 Lexus GS F is basically a redesigned RC F "with two more doors, a real back seat, and fresh design ahead of the mainstream GS sedan's A-pillars." But while the Lexus GS F competitors, including the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4MATIC are offering boosted engines for additional power and efficiency, engineers at Lexus are sticking with the technology they know best. And that is to aim for a sharper throttle response that allows for better power generation with rpm and a feral shriek at the 7300-rpm redline.
Car and Driver writes, "Do not leap to the conclusion that the Lexus 32-valve V-8 is old-school. In fact, it boasts two features not found elsewhere. It squirts fuel into the intake ports and/or the combustion chambers, to ensure proper mixing of the ingredients throughout the full range of throttle positions and engine rpm. And, thanks to its versatile cam phasing (variable-valve-timing) equipment, the GS F's engine can exploit Atkinson-cycle operation during light loads for a claimed 14-percent gain in efficiency, then run on the conventional Otto cycle when maximum power and torque are desired."
Best Auto noted that the new 2016 Lexus GS F will be sporting a much larger engine than the average GS or GS 350 F models. The GS F's 5.0 litre V8 engine is capable of producing 467 horsepower and 389 pound feet of torque. The all-wheel drive option comes with Torque Vectoring Differential, each capable of delivering the same amount of power. The GS F engine will be sporting an eight speed automatic transmission.
Toyota has not released any information about the price of the 2016 Lexus GS F, but observers said the price will range around $75,000. Here are the prices of its competitors: Cadillac CTS-V, Price: $70,895; Audi S6, Price: $76,425; Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4MATIC, Price: $94,525 - $104,125; and BMW M5, Price: $94,595
Car and Driver describes the 2016 Lexus GS F as a "midsize luxury sedan, and combination of power and comfort promise a lot of more." Its $75,000 price range is very reasonable for its class.
