Nobody really expects Lexus to come up with a rival for the likes of BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG. But they have gone ahead and done it, if just to show the world they are capable enough to do it. So here’s the 2016 Lexus GS F and it’s an interesting proposition with a 467 horsepower V8 engine.
The latest addition to Lexus’s F family is also one of the last living naturally aspirated V8 super saloon. It has the same sweet sounding 5.0 liter unit you find in the IS F and RC F. And as is the case with those cars, the sheer weight of the thing hinders the engine from shining. 2016 Lexus GS F, by the car maker’s own admission, is a sports sedan designed more everyday use than track sessions and stuff like that.
The V8 engine in the new Lexus GS F comes with an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission and features a new Active Sound Control (ASC) which synthesizes the original sound through acoustic design. You also get a torque vectoring differential and Drive Mode Select control offering NORMAL, ECO, SPORT S, SPORT S+ modes. There is also double wishbone suspension and Brembo brakes. But as mentioned, none of this great features make the GS F a real sporty machine.
One of the aspects of the 2016 Lexus GS F which is good enough to make you consider it over the M5 or E63 is the unique looks. It is so ugly, it actually looks kinda cool! That 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, they all give the GS F an aggressive, purposeful look. And you get the usual high-quality, well-appointed Lexus interior with all the safety and convenience features you’ll ever need.