Wednesday 14th January 2015

Lexus GS F - Detroit 2015

Full details on the new 473hp Lexus super saloon following its Detroit debut

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There will be plenty to distract showgoers at Detroit when doors open to the public. But if they look past the obvious attractions and to the big blue sedan (sorry, it is America) at the Lexus stand they should find plenty to like.

Blue the colour for Detroit show cars in 2015

Although the GS F was already confirmed with some spec info recently, further interesting details have been announced by Lexus. We're promised "'custom firm suspension" honed at Fuji (of course, this is a Lexus 'F' model) and, inevitably, at the Nurburgring. The 19-inch wheels are forged with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres (255/35s at the front, 275/35s begins) as standard fitment. The front discs are 15-inch (380mm) diameter and, fear not, the orange calipers are optional.

Obviously there had to be reference to the 1,830kg kerbweight. Lexus claims that "carrying over 300 pounds [130kg or so] less than key German competitors, the GS F offers a near sports car level of nimbleness... These features help provided near-neutral handling balance." Funnily enough the GS F's key stats are spookily similar to the E39 M5 with the respective torque figures within 20lb ft, the kerbweights close, even the rear tyres exactly the same section. Promising... Enough to make up for 'just' 473hp and 389lb ft from the RC F's normally aspirated V8? We'll have to see.

'Robust' noise promised from exhausts

Of course where the GS will differ to the old BMW is with the styling inside and out. As is the fast Lexus way, this is not subtle. The spindle grille is there for aero benefit though. Apparently. The front wing air outlets are unique to the F flagship, as is the carbon spoiler. The four exhaust pipes "powerfully suggest that the car is meant to be driven hard."

There's apparently a "robust" exhaust note emitted from those pipes too which can be enjoyed by all five passengers. Engage Sport S+ mode (the most aggressive of the four driving modes) and the Active Sound Control audio feed engine loudspeaker whatsit also works on the rear speakers (!). Your mother-in-law will love it. Other points of note inside include an LFA-style instrument display, a smattering of Alcantara and some fancy new seats.

We are still no closer to knowing a launch date or UK price yet though, they are due later in 2015. Worth the wait? Sounds like it could be!

 

[corcoran]

-WE NEED A COOL GRILL SHAPE!

-TRAPEZOID?

- CANT. AUDI HAVE IT.

- KIDNEY BEAN?

- CANT. MERCEDES HAVE IT.

- DOUBLE KIDNEY BEAN?

- CANT. BMW HAVE IT.

- PINCHED TRAPEZOID!?

- EXCELLENT IDEA.

• months later*

- DEAR GOD WHAT HAVE WE DONE?

[corcoran]

The IS250/IS220 was exactly the same - like they just used the mirrors of the RX for a lol..

British Beef said:

E39 M5 has really nice wing mirrors, better proportions and a manual box.

The wing mirrors of this thing look like they have been lifted from a transit van - totally out of keeping with the rest of overstyling going on everywhere else in this car.

Are the stacked exhausts tips only - with a single pipe feeding them?

What does this engine redline at?