Lexus fans that admire the RC F but simply can’t live with a coupe have just had their prayers answered. The Japanese firm has revealed a new GS F performance sedan, which will be introduced at next week’s Detroit Auto Show before going on sale later in the year as a 2016 model.
Lexus recently announced that it was about to unleash a “track-ready” car destined to sit alongside the RC F in the brand’s growing stable of “F brand high-performance models.” Now we can confirm the car is in fact the long-awaited GS F, which helps fill the void now that the IS F, Lexus’ previous performance sedan, is no longer on sale.
Power in the GS F comes from the same naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 found in the RC F, and output is unchanged at 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet. Suffice it to say, the GS F will have a hard time keeping up with rivals like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, both of which have around 100 hp more to play with. Meanwhile, Cadillac’s new CTS-V, which also debuts in Detroit, shouldn’t even have to break a sweat to outgun the Lexus thanks to its own 640-hp rating.
Where Lexus hopes the GS F stands apart is in ride and handling. Drive goes to the rear wheels only, via an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. A torque vectoring differential with three levels of adjustment—Standard, Slalom and Track—is also fitted to the car, helping in regards to handling. The chassis also gets a number of structural reinforcements to boost rigidity and the suspension has been honed on some of the world’s best race tracks, including the Nürburgring.
The stock wheels are a 19-inch set, shod with 255/35 tires in the front and 275/35 in the rear. The curb weight measures in at 4,034 lbs, which is somewhat hefty but better than that of some rivals. The new CTS-V, for example, weighs 4,145 lbs.
Interestingly, the headlights on the GS F are different to those on the regular GS range. The design features three individual clusters in the main headlight unit plus a separate ‘L’ swoosh daytime running light. Other visual tweaks include the stacked exhaust tips at the rear, aggressive front bumper and flared fenders.
More details on the 2016 Lexus GS F should be released following the car’s debut at the Detroit Auto Show in a week’s time. You can access the rest of our show coverage by visiting our dedicated hub.