All-new model coming to L.A. show this November

British media is reporting Lexus will introduce the GS F and a four-door RC F sometime in 2016.

Numerous prototypes of the Lexus GS F were caught on camera last year but it seems the production version won't come out until 2016, according to sources close to Lexus cited by Autocar. With an estimated starting price of 80,000 GBP (130,500 USD / 100,700 EUR), the GS F will be powered by RC F's V8 5.0-liter engine but further tweaked to develop close to 500 bhp (373 kW) and almost 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque.

Besides the engine, the GS F will also borrow the RC F's rear-wheel drive chassis and strut front / multi-link rear suspension setup while the aggressive body is expected to include a new front grille looking even more radical than it does on the 2015 RC F. The high-performance coupe is available with a carbon fiber package but at this moment it’s not known whether the GS F will receive the same treatment.

Shortly after the GS F’s introduction, Lexus will reportedly launch a four-door cheaper variant of the RC F which could possibly be followed by a convertible derivative. Before that, Lexus is believed to bring to this year's Los Angeles Auto Show in November an all-new model although its identity hasn't been disclosed. However, Toyota's Director of Business Operations, Rob Leupen, did hint a while back at a new IS F with hybrid tech.

When all is said and done, mass is the largest concern, and it will be difficult and expensive to address. BMW’s M4, the RC F’s biggest competition at the moment, is some 400 pounds lighter. The RC F needs that edge we described, but knowing that the F team eventually turned the IS F into something truly special, we’re sure they can make the RC F as edgy to drive as it is to look at. The RC F is a really good car, but there are a number of great cars in the $60,000-plus range.

Frankly, the more than 400-pound weight difference between the RC F and the M4 is enough to tip things in favor of the BMW. But the RC F, at the very least, is a compelling alternative. Exactly how compelling we’ll have to find out at a later date when we compare them directly. Until then, I want you to understand that I enjoyed the new Lexus Frankencoupe much more than the numbers would lead you to believe. You probably will, too.

And that's the beauty of the 2015 Lexus RC F. In the hands of a highly skilled driver, the M4 may post faster lap times. But drivers without as much talent and/or experience should be able to come closer to unlocking the potential of the RC F thanks to an electronic stability control system that behaves more like a personal driver coach than a tyrannical nanny. It's too early to tell whether it will be advantage Lexus. But it's clear that the RC will be a player in the game.