2016 Lexus GS F: Locked and Loaded [Review]

For some time now auto enthusiasts have wondered when Lexus would produce a high-performance version of its GS mid-size sedan. After all, big horsepower luxury sports sedans are all the rage these days, and the GS actually has an outstanding chassis on which to build upon. All that would be needed is a more powerful powertrain and some fine-tuning.

With the GS F, Lexus has done exactly that, although in a way that is actually quite unconventional, at least for 2016. Unlike the big German bruisers packing turbocharged engines and 500+ horsepower, the GS F sticks with a naturally aspirated engine and the same V8 found in the RC F coupe.

The GS F also stays with RWD but features a trick torque vectoring rear differential (TVD) that eliminates both understeer and oversteer. It really comes alive going hard into a corner where the TVD transfers all the power to the inside wheel, thereby improving turn-in. Once your foot is back on the throttle, it seamlessly shifts power to the outside tire to prevent oversteer and enables maximum grip.

In the never-ending under-the-hood arms race we’re currently experiencing, the GS F definitely seems under-equipped, as the 5.0-liter V8 only musters 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft torque. But every time I wound the engine up to its 7,100 rpm power peak, I couldn’t help but agree with those who argue that the switch to turbochargers has been a mistake.

This is a honey of engine that is brilliantly responsive and simply sounds fantastic. Sure, part of that has to do with some artificial enhancements Lexus pipes in engine and exhaust sound through a dedicated set of speakers — which can be switched off — but either way, you’ll have a big grin every time you decide to dip into the throttle.

Plus, it’s not like the GS F isn’t quick. Lexus claims a 4.5 second 0-60 time, which seems about right. Push past 4,000 rpm and acceleration gains the kind of urgency that is simply not present in the big turbo motors that produce their power down low.

The 8-speed automatic transmission also has to be one of the best automatics available in a performance car, rivaling dual-clutch boxes in shifting speed, yet retaining the daily drivability of a standard automatic.

In another slightly unusual move, the suspension is not adjustable. Although definitely firm enough for aggressive driving, there is enough balance to prevent excessive harshness, and even over fairly rough pavement, the GS F remains composed. One of the benefits of this setup is that the GS F feels quite light on its feet, without the excess weight and artificially numb feeling that has crept into much of the competition — where everything is adjustable but nothing really feels quite right.

Although it’s unlikely many owners will take theirs to the track, a few laps around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca proved that the GS F wouldn’t be out of place doing hot laps on the weekend. The car is easy to get used to, and with the driving mode set to track, there is a high but approachable level of speed. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires offer tenacious traction — but push it a bit too hard and the worst you’ll get is mild understeer. You’d have to really do something silly with the throttle to go flying sideways off the track.

Accomplished drivers would probably find the GS F to be too safe and a bit slow, but for the rest of us, Lexus has produced a competent track toy that also happens to be an excellent mid-size luxury sedan. Only 2,000 examples will be sold the U.S. with a starting price of $85,390. Seems a bit steep, especially given that you can buy much more powerful sedans, like the Cadillac CTS-V, for similar money but it comes fully loaded with few available options.

The all-new V8 powered Lexus GS F promises to make the brand a player in the mid-size high-performance luxury sedan game. Watch the 2016 Lexus GS F debut at the Detroit auto show.

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