Lexus
GS F
The
Lexus GS F performance sedan - based on the popular GS - is armed with a potent
467 horsepower, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 and
excellent handling developed on the most demanding race circuits, including the
legendary Nürburgring.
Its
elegant-yet-aggressive styling effectively characterizes the essence of Lexus'
performance-oriented "F" brand, highlighted by bold front fascia with
race-inspired functional air inlets, triple-beam headlamps, low-slung wide
stance, large brake calipers, carbon-fiber rear spoiler and quad exhaust rear
diffuser. While it's more than capable of taking on a twisty mountain road, the
Lexus GS F is still a sedan that's ideal for everyday use. It seats five
comfortably in a luxuriously appointed cabin filled with high-tech amenities
and advanced safety technologies, including standard Lexus Safety System +.
The
Lexus GS F offers enthusiasts the best of all worlds: it's a car that will
provide thrills and excitement on challenging switchbacks, all the while offering
occupants unprecedented style and comfort.
The
heart of the exciting new Lexus GS F is undoubtedly its naturally aspirated
5.0-liter V8, which has been finely tuned to deliver excellent power and
responsiveness. The engine's reciprocating assembly targets lower mass with the
help of lightweight forged connecting rods and titanium intake and exhaust
valves, allowing it to reach a 7,300-rpm redline. Free-breathing 32-valve
cylinder heads take full advantage of this engine's reduced internal friction,
and aggressive valvetrain. The working angle and lift of the camshaft have been
designed to achieve ample torque production for continuous acceleration
throughout the rev range. Add to the mix optimized intake and exhaust
manifolds, and the seamless operation of a high-performance-tuned Variable
Valve Timing (VVT-iE) that delivers optimal power in all situations, and the
result is an engine that delivers 467 horsepower at 7.100 rpm
and 530 Nm of torque at 4.800-5.600 rpm, allowing for
accelaration times of 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The
Lexus 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.
In
addition to producing plenty of power, the GS F's V8 is also remarkably
efficient, thanks in part to the tuning of its high-pressure D-4S direct
injection system (Direct injection 4-stroke gasoline engine Superior version),
which allows the engine to operate with a very high compression ratio of
12.3:1. Another important factor in maximizing power and efficiency in a
high-performance engine is to include a precision-engineered exhaust system.
The cross section area of the exhaust gas passage of the Lexus GS F has been
increased, while joint sections of the exhaust system have been enlarged to
help reduce backflow pressure. Additionally, to help enhance the sound quality
of the exhaust note, a high-function baffle has been placed near the exhaust
tips that utilize stainless steel wool as well as glass wool to help achieve a
more baritone exhaust note. The exhaust tip design is aesthetically pleasing
thanks to the implementation of a stylish baffle end cap structure integrated
into the low-slung bumper section that envelops it, giving the setup a very
tidy-yet-aggressive appearance at the rear of the vehicle.
Recognizing
that sound is a key ingredient of the "F" brand formula, Lexus
engineers have taken the auditory experience of the GS F to a new level with
the inclusion of Active Sound Control (ASC). ASC electronically synthesizes and
assists the sound to the engine and the exhaust note in response to accelerator
and shift lever operations, then disperses a sonic note via the speakers
installed at the front and the rear of the cabin. When engaged, the sound
output from the front speaker rises along with the engine speed to emphasize
the high tone of the air intake as well as the mechanical sounds from the
engine itself. Simultaneously, the rear speaker delivers a strong low-frequency
sound that emphasizes the powerful exhaust note coming from the rear of the
vehicle. The front and rear speakers operate during SPORT S+ mode, while only
the rear speakers function when driving in SPORT S mode; ASC is automatically
turned off when driving in NORMAL or ECO mode. When there is a sudden change in
engine rpm—such as when a gear shift takes place—the ASC system will
instantaneously respond in kind to further elevate the dynamic driving
experience. The driver can manually turn the ASC system on or off with a switch
located on the driver's side of the instrument panel. The V8 engine adopts
Atkinson cycle to enhance fuel efficiency at cruising speeds and Otto cycle for
higher performance levels when accelerating.
Special
features of GS F's vehicle control systems include a newly adopted vertical G
sensor in the ABS control, to help ensure optimized brake force. In addition,
Lexus has extended the VDIM co-operative control function, allowing the VDIM to
delegate two brake control functions to the Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD)
control - drive-force distribution and yaw moment control. VDIM controls the
torque transfer co-operatively with the TVD, for more seamless control of
driving and turning.
The
interior of the GS F tastefully melds superior craftsmanship and affluence with
world-class ergonomics and functionality. But as a performance premium sedan,
designers made sure to place special emphasis upon creating a driver-centric
cockpit.
This
pilot-focused design theme is characterized by the information display/gauges
positioned directly in front of the driver. Close attention has been paid to
important details such as the size and thickness of fonts and indicators for
easy recognition by the driver. The center analog Thin Film Transistor (TFT)
tachometer has a large diameter with silver ornamentation. Of particular note,
the look and information displayed within the center meter changes in accordance
with each Drive Mode selected (see "Driving Dynamics" section for
more info). A standard color Heads-Up Display (HUD) allows the driver to see
pertinent info such as speed, tachometer/read indicator and gear shift display
conveniently without taking his/her eyes off the road ahead.
In
pursuit of outstanding comfort and ergonomics as well as instilling the proper
"F" atmosphere, the GS F adopts "F"-exclusive sport seats
with Smooth Leather seating surfaces for the front and the rear, with high
backs in the front seats. The bucket-type front seats provide optimum support
and comfort, thanks to pronounced bolstering for the thighs, hips and lumbar
sections, as well as an ergonomically enhanced design for the shoulder section.
What's more, the sewing pattern and stitching on the front seats have been
placed so that it closely mimics the skeletal and musculature of the human body
for the highest degree of comfort and stability, while greatly reducing fatigue
on long drives. The rear seats utilize the same ergonomically-enhanced
sewing/stitching pattern while also including exclusively designed headrests
that mimic the seatback design of the front buckets.
Along
with the seating, the performance theme is carried over to the exclusive
"F"-badged multifunction three-spoke steering wheel with short-stroke
gearshift paddle shifters, shift knob and foot pedals.
