Lexus Unveils 467-Horsepower GS F Sedan

DETROIT (Los Angeles Times/TNS) —
The 2015 Lexus GS F is introduced to the media during the 2015 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, in Detroit. (Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press/TNS)
The 2015 Lexus GS F is introduced to the media during the 2015 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, in Detroit. (Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press/TNS)

Lexus used the Detroit Auto Show to debut the all-new GS F, a midsize sedan, that’s a high-performance version of the Lexus GS. Unveiled Tuesday morning, the F borrows its 467-horsepower drivetrain from its close sibling, the RC F coupe.

“With the GS F, we wanted to make a special car that not only would exceed the expectations of the most discerning driving enthusiast, but also something that most people can enjoy,” Yukihiko Yaguchi, chief engineer of the GS F, said ahead of the debut.

What he’s hinting at is a more approachable speed-friendly car than BMW’s iconic M5, Mercedes-AMG’s E63, or the 640-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V that debuted later Tuesday. This is the same philosophy Lexus applied to the RC F: Trade some raw power and handling for a more neutral car that buyers will feel comfortable using on a daily basis.

Thus, the GS F has less power than the aforementioned models — a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque — making it a closer competitor to BMW’s 550i or the Cadillac CTS V-Sport.

This engine is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and rear-wheel drive, as well as the torque-vectoring differential borrowed from the RC F coupe.

Outside, the GS F sets itself apart from more pedestrian GS models with subtle upgrades to the bumpers and headlights and taillights, and quad exhaust tips poking out the back. The car’s suspension has been lowered, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler and 19-inch wheels are standard.

The GS F will have four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+. Each progressively ramps up the aggression of the engine and transmission, while quietly dialing back intervention from the electronic stability control.

Lexus hasn’t announced pricing on the GS F, but considering that the RC F starts $20,000 higher than the base RC350, expect the GS F to start around $67,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

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