Duck101

Just upgraded from a 2013 GS450H Luxury to 2013 GS450H F sport, really impressed with the 4 wheel steering on the F Sport, much quicker lock to lock and on a windy road it's pretty impressive for such a heavy car.

Between the two cars the F Sport has a bit less tourque from a standing start (both in Sport mode) and it feels like the ICE needs to work harder for the same speed. Battery on it's way out (still under factory warranty) or heavy 19 inch 265 rear wheels/tyres?

bob256k

The ICE could just sound like its working harder due to the F-sport intake. It has a tuned sound "maker" that pipes sound into the cabin.

Duck101

Thanks Bob, it's definitely down on power from a standing start when comparing both cars back to back on the same road. Having the two cars at same time makes it easy to compare. It seems with the F Sport there is less instant electric torque and the ICE revs sooner and to a higher RPM. Both cars seem to be able to reach the same speed on a hill close to home under electric power only 22kmh so the F-Sport will get there it just takes a bit longer.
Haven't noticed the F-Sport too be any louder and I will see if I can find any sound maker pipes coming off the intake.

Im2bz2p345

Congrats! The F-Sports are rare. I'm curious why you decided to upgrade - did you like the aesthetics of the F-Sport more, wanted a more sporty ride, find a great deal, or something else?

Thanks for posting up a comparison - you're the first person that I've read who has experience with both the luxury hybrid -AND- the F-sport hybrid... you're one lucky chap! lol.

What color was your previous hybrid? Did you put a lot of miles on it? Enjoy the new ride! She's a beauty.

~ Im2bz2p345

ChronoR

Seems more likely to be heavier and different sized tires. Does the F-Sport weigh more than the Luxury in general? I'd imagine the 4WS would add weight too for instance.

bob256k

Hmm I bet they tuned the fsport to use the engine more than the regular hybrid.... That would explain the lower performance. Electric motors always win the torque battle, and a torquey car is definitely going to move up a hill faster.

P.s.s thanks for posting this and please keep posting about the car; as others have stated these are exceptionally rare!!

azipod

Is the suspension on the F-sport more firm over the non-F-Sport in both normal and sport mode? Lexus describes it as an F-tuned suspension but doesn't really go into what exactly is different.

Duck101

Hey Azipod, I would say there is more ride comfort in the luxury due to the wheel/tyre, the Luxury has 18" wheel/tyre, square 235/45/18 Pirelli's which have a bit more tyre between the rim and road, the F-Sport has 19" wheel/tyre staggered, 235/40/19 & 265/35/19 brand new Michelin Sport 4s on front and Toyo on the rear. New Michelin feel awesome and maybe make up for the lower profile.

I feel the difference between normal and sport+ on both cars is similar, the amount it will go from soft to firm.

The F-Sport with the 4 wheel steering in sport+ is super impressive, it stays flat and can be pushed harder through corners. Maybe one of the Porsche 991 GT3 development engineers went for a spin in a GS450h and got inspired?