Lexus Announces New GS F Model Details
announcement, Lexus will reveal the all-new 2014 GS F mid-size luxury sports
sedan at the 2012 New York Auto Show along with the new ES model.
Wearing the brand’s “F” marque, the Lexus GS F provides drivers a thrilling experience unparalleled in the high performance luxury sedan category. Like other Lexus performance vehicles, the GS F was developed in secrecy at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan, and joins the IS-F and LFA in wearing the “F” badge as part of the brand’s high performance portfolio.
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The Lexus press conference to reveal the 2013 GS F will take place on Friday, April 6 at 1:30 p.m. EDT at the Jacob Javits Center, New York City. Following the press conference, media will have an opportunity to speak with the designers of the vehicle and race car driver, Scott Pruett will be on hand signing autographs and speaking about his role in testing the new vehicle with Lexus.
Building on the excitement of the fourth-generation GS 350, which was revealed at Pebble Beach last August, the GS F was designed to engage driving enthusiasts with factory engineering and the ability to take performance to an entirely new level. Unique to the GS F will be lightweight 19-inch staggered width wheels by BBS, track-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), thicker anti-roll bars, bushing changes, and Brembo front/rear brakes with high friction pads. Inside, the all-new performance model also features a heavily-bolstered power driver’s sport seat co-designed with Recaro and a unique aluminum and carbon-fiber interior design treatment.
“The all-new GS F will offer our customers a luxury sports sedan comfortable both at the track and on the highway” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The racing-inspired components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise.”
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
Building upon the IS-F’s proven power plant, the GS F package is exclusively powered by a performance-tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine teamed to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. The more aggressively tuned GS F engine produces 461 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 402 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine’s high specific output and high operating range (6,900 rpm redline) reflect the thorough attention to detail underlying the core engineering. The resulting performance character, while quite responsive in low-speed situations, provides a rush of power at higher engine speeds. Lexus credits a more advanced fuel delivery system and race-tuned exhaust, along with other minor internal changes for the jump in horsepower.
Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph can take just 4.4 seconds, and the transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan — including faster shifts, and downshift throttle blips. To meet updated economy guidelines, the GS F engine can operate using only 4 cylinders when in overdrive during highway driving in ECO mode. EPA testing for MPG is still underway.
The eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission combines the performance characteristics of an automated manual-type transmission with the smoothness and refinement of a planetary-type automatic transmission. As a result, the driver can choose between ultra-quick manual shifts for performance driving and smooth automatic shifts when convenience is the top priority.
Eight speeds allow gear ratios that maximize torque up to the tire-grip limitations in the lower ranges while optimizing efficiency. Intuitive powertrain control optimally smoothes out off-the-line response. The driver can select Normal, Sport or Snow driving modes with the flip of a switch. Artificial Intelligence-SHIFT (AI-SHIFT) complements the driver’s Sport switch selection by automatically adapting the shifting based on road conditions and driver input. The GS F transmission is also highly responsive to uphill/downhill driving, always selecting the best gear for power or engine braking.
The driver can shift manually using either the console shift or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Hydraulic-control technology allows the GS F’s eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission to perform on par with manual transmissions without sacrificing the smoothness of a torque-converter automatic. Paddle-shifting operation is allowed in either D or M modes, but shifts are quicker and more direct in M mode. In M mode, the transmission will hold each gear to the 6,900-rpm redline, and upshifts are executed in just one-tenth of a second. At higher engine speeds, downshifts are accompanied by automated and precise throttle blips to match engine rpm to vehicle speed.
Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
The new platform has been designed to be more rigid. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The GS F sits an inch lower on its suspension than the standard GS models, which lowers the center of gravity and helps provide a quicker handling response.
Spring and damper rates are increased, and larger-diameter stabilizer bars are used. The rear-suspension control arms are specific to the GS F to optimize geometry for the 19-inch wheels. In addition, the monotube shock absorbers use a larger-diameter piston rod. Subframe suspension mounts are stiffer than on other GS models to help reduce sway and enhance control under acceleration and braking. The engine mounts are also stiffer for a more direct feel. Special jounce stoppers on both the front and rear suspension come into play early in the compression stroke to help reduce the sway angle when cornering and to reduce dive when braking.
The GS F features all-new 19-inch forged-alloy wheels by BBS® with a distinct dark-gray finish and an asymmetrical 8-spoke design. The front wheels are 19 x 8.5J and 19 x 9.5J in the rear. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 were developed specifically for the 170-mph track capability of the Lexus GS F. High-rigidity hub unit bearings are engineered for rigorous, high g-force track driving. The direct-type tire pressure monitor system allows two sets of tires to be registered, giving the customer the benefit of a system with a set of track tires or winter tires. The multi-information display indicates the tire selector switch.
The GS F comes standard with a specially calibrated version of the newly developed Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS). This leading edge platform technology offers Lexus’ first integration of DRS; Electric Power Steering; and Variable Gear Ratio Steering. Monitoring vehicle spee
d, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. LDH helps to optimize the vehicle slip angle. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering. The GS F will offer the ability to selectively disable logic from LDH for track-day events. Combining input from a variety of sensors, LDH is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and help correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control. VDIM integrati on provides precise management for Electric Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and engine torque (via the electronically controlled throttle).
In Sport mode, VDIM allows higher dynamic thresholds before intervening and alters steering assist to increase steering feel. Sport mode helps provide optimal vehicle control on a track in areas where the skills of even top-level drivers are challenged. The Torsen® rear differential helps provide additional traction in spirited driving.
Brembo brakes were designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. The 14.2-inch ventilated, drilled front rotors are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6-inch ventilated, drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers. Front bumper ducts adjacent to the GS F exclusive LED fog lamps stream cooling air to the brakes. The brakes are finished with the Lexus name displayed on the calipers.
Exterior Design
The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency for low coefficient of drag.
The GS F distinguishes itself from the GS line-up with unique exterior details. The hood sports a unique aggressive shape to accommodate the higher intake position of the large v8. Integrated sculpting of the wide front fenders visually complements the 19-inch performance tires. The GS F will be outfitted with a model-unique sport front bumper, front lower valence, and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique F grille inserts and F badging.
The GS F will be available in three colors: Liquid Platinum, Obsidian and Ultrasonic Blue Mica.
Interior Design
The interior of the GS F features an exclusive design treatment highlighted by aluminized composite trim, striking two-tone upholstery, aluminum-rimmed main gauges, unique steering-wheel treatment and other special carbon fiber surface treatments. The instrument panel integrates an oil-temperature gauge, voltmeter and shift-indicator lights, and the “F” logo is discretely showcased on the steering wheel, rear-center console and outer seat cushions. A multi-information display located within the speedometer integrates a trip computer that provides outside temperature, driving range, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption since refueling (per tank), current fuel consumption, average speed and the F logo.
“The GS F will be a distinctive offering of luxury and driving excitement,” said Templin. “With its impressive acceleration, handling, stopping power and true sporty feel this new addition to our sports models will be sure to please our enthusiasts.”
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS F
Horsepower
461 hp @ 6,800rpm
Torque
402 lb-ft @ 5,200rpm
Transmission
Eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission Seating Capacity
5
Overall Length (in.)
190.9
Width (in.)
72.4
Height (in.)
57.3
Wheelbase (in.)
112.2
Driven Wheels Rear
Curb weight (lbs.)
3,850 (RWD)
Brake type
Brembo Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM) with sport tuning Wheel size RWD 19″ x 8.5″ (Front), 19″ x 9.5″ (Rear)
0 – 60 mph
Estimated 4.4 seconds
Top Track Speed
Estimated 170 mph (electronically limited) MPG
(City/Hwy/Comb.)
18/29/22
