Introduced for the 2016 model year, the GS F is the most recent addition to the five-passenger GS sedan family. Clearly the most intense member of the quartet of GS models, it belongs to the “F” group of super-performance offshoots of regular production models, which began with the LFA supercar and continued with the recently-launched RC F.
Lexus has described the V8-powered GS F as “aggressive-yet-elegant” in exterior design. Toyota’s luxury division also notes that handling qualities were developed on some of the world’s most challenging race courses, including the legendary Nürburgring in Germany.
Lexus also offers a GS 200t with a turbo four-cylinder engine, as well as the V6-powered GS 350 and hybrid GS 450h.
What's New for 2017
A linear adaptive variable suspension system has been added to the GS F equipment list. New painted forged wheels are standard. Two items have joined the option list: a head-up display and hand-polished forged wheels.
Choosing Your Lexus GS F
Stepping up considerably in power from the regular GS 350, with its 311-horsepower V6, the GS F packs a high-revving 5-liter V8 that whips up 467 horsepower, as well as 389 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission is an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shifters, and the engine features a 7300-rpm redline. Active Sound Control synthesizes original sounds, creating a three-dimensional effect within the cabin.
As expected, gas mileage is not a high point, estimated at 16 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway (19 mpg combined). Lexus claims 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.5 seconds.
Up front, the fascia features race-inspired air intakes and triple-beam headlights. Brembo brakes have large calipers. A carbon-fiber rear spoiler and quad exhaust diffuser are standard. So is a Torque Vectoring differential. Drive Mode Select includes a Sport mode. Extended front and rear overhangs make the GS F a little longer and wider than other GS models, and it sits lower to the ground.
The standard Lexus Safety System + includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features include Intuitive Parking Assist, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Standard equipment includes a rearview camera/monitor with dynamic grid lines, a 12-speaker 299-watt audio system, Bluetooth, puddle lamps, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, heated/ventilated power front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power tilt/telescopic steering column, pushbutton start, S-Flow energy-saving airflow control, satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free, and 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Electrochromic heated, automatic-dimming outside mirrors include a memory. LED daytime running lights, brake lights, and taillamps are standard. The multi-information display includes such data as lap times, G-force, and rear wing position. Navigation includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
A GS F can be driven home for $84,915 (destination charge included). Options include Mark Levinson surround sound with 17 speakers, a head-up display, and orange brake calipers.
Inevitably, most GS sedan buyers will be content with one of the less-intense versions, with four-cylinder or V6 power. Enthusiasts, on the other hand, have this authentic high-performance variant to consider, though the sticker price obviously limits its appeal. Lexus might seem like an ordinary luxury-car maker to most folks, but a number of hardened performance fans have been taking an interest in the brand for years.