Lexus GS F adds to the Lexus performance stable
Lexus is continuing to widen its high performance portfolio with the launch of the V8 powered GS F, the first GS mid-sized sedan to wear the F badging.
It joins the RC F coupe which is powered by the same, 351 kW 5.0-litre V8 engine under the bonnet.
The GS F’s elegant and aggressive styling characterises the personality of Lexus performance orientated F brand. This is exemplified by the bold spindle grille and low slung wide stance, race-inspired functional front air inlets in the front spoiler to cool the brakes and engine oil with outlets behind the front wheel arches, Brembo large front and rear brakes, subtle carbon fibre rear spoiler and the rear diffuser with quad exhaust outlets.
The GS F is based on the GS sports sedan, which is also available as the hybrid GS 300h, GS 450h and the V6 powered GS 350.
The GS F will seat five in a luxuriously appointed and crafted cabin filled with advanced technology features.
The GS F, as with other F branded models, offers a unique driving experience in its segment of the market, and adds further breadth to the Lexus performance brand positioning haloed by the LFA.
“It takes the GS model range to a whole new level of performance,” said Spencer Morris, General Manager of Product for Lexus New Zealand.
“It’s an ideal addition to Lexus’ range of high performance F models – our second in little more than 12 months.”
Mr Morris said there was available performance for all drivers, the unique sound of the naturally aspirated V8 and a range of luxury and convenience features typical of any Lexus.
The GS F has a driver focused cabin with unique instruments, leather covered steering wheel, alloy sports pedals and carbon fibre trim. There is a combination of Alcantara and leather upholstery, satellite navigation and 17 speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system with a 12.3” high resolution display. Lexus engineers have taken the auditory experience of the GS F to a new level with the inclusion of an active sound control system to enhance the intake and exhaust notes of the V8 engine.
The GS F’s V8 comes mated to an equally efficient gearbox: the 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission that offers smooth shift feel, excellent drivability, linear acceleration and exceptional fuel economy under all driving conditions. Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) enhances traction control for extraordinary levels of handling and performance in all conditions
A comprehensive safety package includes 10 air bags and a myriad of driver assist active safety features including the Lexus Safety System+.
Among the standard features are an alarm siren and ultrasonic break-in sensor, 19” forged alloy wheels with low profile 255 (front) and 275 (rear) by 35R19 tyres, smart access system and start button, rain sensing wipers, LED headlights and rear combination lights, automatic three zone air conditioning, eight way power adjustable front seats with heating and cooling for the front seats, and heating for the outer rear seats and reverse camera with active backing guidelines.
It is available in eight colours – White Nova, Basalt Mica, Sonic Silver, Titanium, Graphite Black, Burgundy, Lava and Cobalt with a choice of three interior colours, Black, Moonstone and Flare Red.
Lexus GS range gains improvements for 2016
Engineered for performance and style, the Lexus GS range has been upgraded to include revised exterior styling, advanced multi-media technology and the addition of Lexus Safety System+ for 2016.
The mid-size luxury sports sedan range continues with three hybrid models; the GS 300h Limited, the GS 450h Limited and F Sport, and two V6 petrol engine GS 350’s available in Limited and F Sport grades complete with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, Lexus continues to expand its performance portfolio with the GS range debuting a GS F model with a 5.0-litre V8 engine for those seeking even more performance.
“The 2016 GS gets the more comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ package that is being progressively added to the whole Lexus range,” said Spencer Morris, the General Manager of Product for Lexus New Zealand.
The interior now has a 17 speaker Mark Levinson premium DVD audio package with a Clari-Fi audio enhancement and Satellite Navigation installed, and a 12.3” display with full-screen map capabilities, while the colour multi-information display increases to 4.2”.
There is now a colour head-up display to assist the driving experience through projecting critical information such as speed, navigation, cruise control and safety warnings onto the windshield without drawing your attention from the road.
The Lexus Safety System+ now featured across the entire GS range adds automatic high beam, lane departure alert with sway warning and lane keep assist to the already comprehensive list of safety components including the pre-crash safety system and all-speed dynamic radar cruise control.
Other intelligent features such as hill-start assist control, rain sensing front wipers with washer function, self-restoring exterior paint and a powered rear shade make for a more simple day-to-day GS experience and allow more attention to be spent on assertive performance.
The CUSTOMIZE drive mode available on the GS 350 and GS 450h F Sport models enables the powertrain, chassis and air conditioning to be adjusted to your driving preference, or alternatively choose from the fixed settings available in the NORMAL, ECO, SPORT S and SPORT S+ drive modes.
The GS 350 models are powered by an improved 3.5-litre V6 engine which now uses both Otto and Atkinson cycles in addition to revised intake and exhaust valves to produce 232kW and 380Nm with a combined fuel economy of 9.3L/100km and 216g/km of CO2 emissions.
There is no going back for Lexus with the now signature spindle grille. On the 2016 GS it is bolder and more aggressive than ever sharpened by the new LED headlights and separate LED daytime running lights which are housed by the protruding front bumper.
The lower body panel moulding line has been lowered 20mm to emphasise a lower centre of gravity. There is a revised rear bumper with new LED combination lights and new wheel designs across the range with five-spoke 18” alloys for Limited models and 10-spoke 19” alloys for F Sport.
Six new exterior colours bring the palette offering up to 10 including Graphite Black available across the range while Sonic Quartz, Deep Metallic Bronze and Deep Blue are available for Limited models and Burgundy and Cobalt exclusive to F Sport models.
The GS 300h Limited has a combined cycle output from its 2.5-litre four cylinder engine and electric generator of 164kWs, while the 450h produces 254kWs from the generator and 3.5-litre V6 engine. The GS 300h has a combined fuel economy of just 5.2L/100kms and 121 g/km of CO2 emissions. The GS 450h is rated at 6.3L/100kms and 147 g/km of CO2.
Revised coil springs are fitted to all models and under body aerodynamics have been improved by positioning the bottom edge of the front bumper 10mm further forward.
The GS body has been strengthened and stiffened with 188 more spot welds, 22.5 more metres of body adhesive and the door surrounds have an extra 132 laser screw welding points compared to the current model. The cabin also includes new door trim switches; a new leather covered multi-function steering wheel, new instrumentation, background lighting and revised ornamentation.
Heated exterior mirrors, smart entry and start with key card, LED front fog lights, reversing camera with backing monitor and sensors, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, leather upholstery and leather covered steering wheel and gear lever are also standard.
The GS 350 Limited and GS 350 F Sport have a front suspension performance rod across the bottom of the engine bay to improve handling and steering response. The GS 350 F Sport, GS 450h Limited and GS 450h F Sport have Adaptive Variable Suspension.
The F Sport models gain an adaptive front lighting system which automatically swivels the headlamp beam right and left to cover the curves in the road. The system has been advanced from previous systems to swivel both headlamps, not just one, to prevent glare from oncoming vehicles to ensure visibility when cornering. F Sport models now include the unique 8” colour TFT combination meter as seen in models like the IS F Sport.
The F Sport models also add a five mode drive select, Naguri-style aluminium ornamentation, 16 way power adjustment of the driver’s F Sport seat, manual rear doors, F Sport pedals, steering wheel and unique alloy wheels, automatic high beam LED headlights and a distinctly F Sport mesh spindle grille for ample sports appeal.
The 2016 Lexus GS range goes on sale at:
GS 300h Limited $114,900
GS 350 Limited $124,900
GS 350 F Sport $131,900
GS 450h Limited $140,900
GS 450h F Sport $148,900
GS F $174,900
