The Lexus “F” brand was created to change the perception of Lexus from the old man’s car to a luxury sports car with true track capabilities. The 2016 Lexus GS F is the latest entry built to offer an F brand performance experience with an emphasis on a fun, easy-to-drive character, and also has the attitude to perform on the track with gusto.
“It’s meant to be a fast road car, but capable on the track,” says Yukihiko Yaguchi, Lexus Chief Engineer and mastermind behind the newest F cars.
The GS F combines over-the-top styling with performance pieces that hint at the sedan’s devilish nature. The hood, fenders, and front mesh grille are all unique to the GS F. If you happen to be following this Japanese sedan on steroids, the quad exhaust pipes, carbon fiber rear spoiler, and rear diffuser give away the car’s performance intent.
Inside touches special to the GS F are aluminum covered pedals, sport seats covered in perforated leather embossed with the Lexus “F”, and Alcantara trim on the dash, center armrest, and door panels. The high dashboard and low seating position may be bothersome for shorter drivers, but the leather F-spec bucket seats do an excellent job of offering good lateral support and being comfortable.
The normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 is basically the same engine used in the RC F, but each GS F engine has been balanced individually for better efficiency and super-smooth power delivery. Torque is wimpy compared to competitors such as the Mercedes-AMG E63, BMW M5, or Audi S7/RS7, so don’t expect to be pushed back into the seat when mashing the “go” pedal.
Straight-line performance and acceleration are underwhelming, but this luxury sports sedan really begins to shine when the road gets twisty and the car is switched into Sport or Sport+ mode. The GS F is stable and tight under hard cornering, and there is plenty of steering feedback.
The trick to the sport sedan’s finesse in the corners is due to the Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) — an option on the RC F, but standard equipment on the GS F. TVD and two electro-mechanical clutch packs work seamlessly with the drivetrain to manage both under- and oversteer, and control rear-wheel torque without using the brakes. Combine this with enhanced body stiffness, sophisticated suspension hardware, and sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires wrapped around 19-inch forged alloy wheels, drivers should be prepared to be impressed with agility and poise that is engaging as any car in its class.
Large Brembo brakes — setup with six- and four-piston calipers, and slotted rotors – do a great job of scrubbing the speed off the 4,000-pound sedan.
Drivers have a choice of four modes — Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport S+. As you progress into Sport S/S+ modes, the steering becomes heavier, throttle response is quicker, traction and stability controls interfere less, and the 8-speed automatic transmission holds the revs longer before shifting, plus it downshifts during hard braking. Transmission performance is smooth and responsive, but it isn’t as brisk or fast as its dual-clutch competitors unless the car is in Sport S/S+ modes.
When the GS F settles into the right gear, the fireworks start and 4.5 seconds is all that is needed to zip from zero to 60 mph. Keep pushing forward and the sports sedan — honed on the famous Fuji Speedway circuit and perfected on the legendary Nürburgring — will hit an electronically limited top speed of 168 mph.
On the TFLcar scale of:- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
The 2016 Lexus GS F earns a “Buy It!” rating. Comparing specs on paper won’t win anyone over, but the drive experience is rewarding and the interior is up to Lexus’ high standards of luxury. Considering It may not be as powerful as the reigning German class competitors, the inspired driver confidence and significant cost savings that are thousands less will have you thinking seriously about a car that delivers on Lexus’ promise of both luxury and performance.
Only 2,000 GS F sports sedans will be for sale in the U.S.
| 2016 LEXUS GS F | |
| MSRP | $84,440 |
| Price as tested | $87,470 |
| Engine | 5.0L DOHC VVT-iE V8 |
| Power (bhp) | 467 @ 7,100 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 389 @ 4,800 – 5,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic |
| Drivetrain layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Curb weight | 4,034 lbs |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy (mpg) | 16 city / 24 highway / 18 observed |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 4.5 seconds (manufacturer results) |
| Top track speed | 168 mph (manufacturer estimates, electronically limited) |
| Acceleration 1/4 mile | 12.8 seconds (manufacturer results) |
The all-new V8 powered Lexus GS F promises to make the brand a player in the mid-size high performance luxury sedan game. Watch the 2016 Lexus GS F debut at the Detroit auto show.
