2016 Lexus GS F

2016 Lexus GS F

2016 Lexus GS F

Lexus revealed the new generation 2016 Lexus GS F high-performance sedan, which is going to have its world debut in a few days at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new Lexus GS F (2016) aims to be a serious competitor for the M5 Bimmer. However, its 467 hp engine is not going to cause any problems to the 560 hp of the M5. According to Lexus' official specifications, the 2016 GS F is powered by a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that puts out 467 hp (473 PS) at 7,100 rpm and 389 lb.-ft. (527 Nm) of torque between 4,800 rpm and 5,600 rpm. Lexus did not disclose the top speed of the 2016 GS F, nor its 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time yet. The engine of the 2015 Lexus GS F is going to be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Lexus equips the new GS F (2015) with a Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) that offers three operating modes: standard, slalom and track. In comparison to the standard GS, the 2016 GS F comes with a stiffer body and a sportier suspension.

2016 Lexus GS F: Can Stretching the RC F Make a Better Sports Car? [Review]

2016 Lexus GS F Blue

Lexus launched the 2015 RC F sports coupe more than a year ago. Now, it’s time for the car to grow two more doors and become the 2016 Lexus GS F. The heart of Lexus’ latest sports luxury sedan is the same 467 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 as in the coupe. Can the bigger sedan be a better sports car than the coupe?

Traditionally, the coupe version of a performance sedan is more focused on the track experience and also costs more. This is not the case with the GS F. The sports sedan stickers $7,700 over a comparably equipped RC F coupe. The GS F is nearly an all inclusive proposition. You get all the goodies standard. The only notable option is the Mark Levinson audio system.

2016 Lexus GS F Orange In beach

The RC F is still rated at slightly more racier 4.4 seconds 0-60 MPG time and 170 MPH top speed. The RC F does weigh 76 pounds less than the sedan. So what’s the big deal with the GS F?

The GS F wheelbase is 4.7 inches longer and it carries the 4,034 pounds of curb weight in a more balanced fashion when compared to the RC F. The sedan has a 53/47 front to rear weight distribution. The longer wheelbase and better distribution of weight help the sedan be more confidence inspiring at the track. It does not change direction as quickly as the RC F, but the overall character is more compliant and allows drivers of various skill levels be more comfortable at higher speeds.

2016 Lexus GS F First Ride

The electrically assisted power steering strikes a good compromise between comfort and feedback. It does not transmit all the nuances of the road, but it also did not leave me wanting a heavier feel. The Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) and adjustable traction control systems offer the driver freedom to get a tiny-bit sideways in the corners. Hooray!

How many GS F customers take their cars to the race track on a regular basis? I do not have an answer, but that number is likely small. If you do exercise your GS F at the track, please let me know in the comments below.

Thankfully, the GS F can make for a satisfying daily driver. The V8 sounds is tuned on the quieter side of the sports car spectrum, but it’s still there to put a smile on your face. The suspension will not beat you up around town. The GS F is still a Lexus in the traditional sense, but it is injected with a healthy dose of performance enhancers. Oh yea, it has four doors and you can easily bring four (or five in a pinch) people along for the ride.

A professional racer may be able to extract a little extra speed from the RC F coupe at the track, but I felt more confident in the GS F after driving both the sedan and coupe back to back. If you are into luxury and sport, and have a family to worry about – then the GS F could be right up your alley.