Official GS-F discussion
08-20-11, 03:49 AM
#19
MotorTrend
Lexus GS chief engineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori, is in the right state of mind, following the likes of the phrase, “if the shoe fits, wear it.” The former Toyota body engineer hints the future 2013 GS F model will carry LFA design cues – and possibly, its super powers – in the form of a version of the 4.8-liter V-10 engine found in the $400,000 supercar. Why? Because it fits.
Mr. Kanamori said Lexus never planned to carry on with the V-10 project, but that it was “technically feasible to fit the engine into the new GS.” Futher proving the idea has been seriously pondered, he said the engine would have to be detuned to deliver more torque instead of power.
“But I am not sure,” he said. “We have some plan for the next F model.”
Such uncertainty is not necessarily a bad sign. The IS F sports sedan also started off as just a side project, and it seems as though the V-10 GS F is headed down the same path. Another factor helping the situation is the fact the V-8 model is being dropped from the lineup.
The Lexus team is currently preparing the GS F Sport models set to appear later in the year, and offered a peek at what those models may look like in a presentation slide at Pebble Beach. Given a more aggressive appearance, the F models will have LFA characteristics found in the LF-Gh concept, with the ‘spindle-grille’ looking meaner with a partly blacked-out bar across the center of the main opening.
The standard GS450h is also headed to Frankfurt in September, and while staying tight-lipped about in-depth details, Mr. Kanamori spoke rather highly about it. He said it would “outperform” the current 4.6-liter V-8 GS460. But that shouldn’t require much. The current GS450h hits 0-60 in 5.9 seconds (0.1 seconds slower than the GS460) with its 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 650-volt electric motor.
The advances Lexus is making with hybrid technology is the sole reason the V-8 is being dropped from Lexus’ lineup altogether.
But of course, let’s not forget about the plug-in hybrid version of the GS350, which is also scheduled to bow at the Frankfurt auto show, and make it to production a lot sooner than previously thought. Mr. Kanamori said, “We should be starting to think about it in the current model life.”
08-20-11, 05:01 AM
#20
If they make it too exotic - which will equal too expensive, the car won't sell. Lexus just doesn't have a following to sell a 80-90k performance sedan. Think about it - where would the buyers come from? BMW and M-B drivers are not going to make the switch. They will be looking for buyers to move up from a current Lexus. How many people today can afford a 50k GS and next year a 80K car?
The reality is that in order for it to sell it will have to be priced under $70k. In my mind, that gets something like the current IS-F. That uses current V8 engine MAYBE upgraded a little.
Now, that doesn't mean they wont try for something more grandiose but I can't see how it would sell. They have to overcome two things. One is that Lexus is all new to the game (I don't consider the IS-F a factor). And the times they are a changing. M5's and AMG's still sell because the really rich folks will always be out there and will always be really rich. But they are not Lexus customers - at least not in the performance world.
The reality is that in order for it to sell it will have to be priced under $70k. In my mind, that gets something like the current IS-F. That uses current V8 engine MAYBE upgraded a little.
Now, that doesn't mean they wont try for something more grandiose but I can't see how it would sell. They have to overcome two things. One is that Lexus is all new to the game (I don't consider the IS-F a factor). And the times they are a changing. M5's and AMG's still sell because the really rich folks will always be out there and will always be really rich. But they are not Lexus customers - at least not in the performance world.
08-20-11, 06:25 AM
#21
Boardroom Thug
Take the same v10, slice off 2 pistons and give us a 8500rpm v8 with 450-475hp and I am more than happy.
08-20-11, 06:30 AM
#22
Boardroom Thug
The standard GS450h is also headed to Frankfurt in September, and while staying tight-lipped about in-depth details, Mr. Kanamori spoke rather highly about it. He said it would “outperform” the current 4.6-liter V-8 GS460. But that shouldn’t require much. The current GS450h hits 0-60 in 5.9 seconds (0.1 seconds slower than the GS460) with its 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 650-volt electric motor.
I don’t care about lap times, I don’t care about super low 0 to 60’s, don’t care about racing on the street let alone in a sedan.
It’s about the driving experience to me, and that part is most enjoyable with a reasonably high powered, amazing sounding v8-v10-v12.
For many auto enthusiasts they enjoy the sound, mechanics and raw power of a gasoline engine, I don’t see that fading anytime soon.
Bring on the GS-F
08-20-11, 07:22 AM
#24
Pole Position
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If Lexus makes a high-rpm V10 and the car handles like a M or AMG then both BMW and AMG drivers are going to buy the GSF.
08-20-11, 07:23 AM
#25
Super Moderator
It's not going to be the exact same V10, and the LFA is MUCH MUCH MORE than about it's V10 engine, and putting a V10 in a GS-F is good for Lexus marketing and reputation.
08-20-11, 07:25 AM
#26
Super Moderator
Good to hear they are cosidering it. But a modified V10 sounds A WHOLE LOT better than a hybrid
, I just don't think a hybrid would be suitable for a GS-F at all 
