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.
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.
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.
2016 Lexus GS F Specs:
- MSRP: $85,380
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8 32-valve wit VVT-iE
- Power: 467Â bhp @ 7,100 rpm
- Torque: 389 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission:Â 8-speed automatic with manual mode
- Drivetrain layout:Â RWD
- Curb weight: 4,034 lbs.
- EPA-estimated fuel economy (city/highway/combined mpg):Â 16/24/19
- Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 sec (according to manufacturer)
- Top Speed: 168 mph (according to manufacturer)
We will have the 2016 Lexus GS F first drive video review soon. In the meantime, enjoy this comparison that features the Lexus RC F.
