2017 Lexus GS F Rips Around Track in Pure Lexus Luxury

•New Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension

•Standard new painted forged wheels, with optional hand polished forged wheels

•High-revving 467 Horsepower 5.0-liter V8

•Handling Tuned on World-Renowned Racetracks

Lexus unleashed the GS F performance sedan for 2016, and it returns for 2017 with even better handling and ride control, thanks to new Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension. The 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 produces 467 horsepower for scintillating performance and sound. The GS F earned its handling pedigree from development on the world's most demanding race circuits, including Germany's legendary Nürburgring. Elegant-yet-aggressive styling characterizes the GS F, highlighted by a low-slung wide stance, bold front fascia with functional air inlets, triple-beam headlamps, carbon-fiber rear spoiler, quad exhaust tips and rear diffuser. The GS F delivers its performance persona while retaining legendary Lexus comfort.

The 2017 Lexus GS F comes equipped as standard with Lexus Safety System+. Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Rumbling, Snarling V8

The heart of the exciting GS F is its high-performance, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, engineered for low weight and high strength with forged connecting rods and titanium intake and exhaust valves that allow a 7,300-rpm redline. Add to the mix optimized intake and exhaust manifolds, and the result is an engine that delivers 467 horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. of torque.

The high-pressure D-4S direct injection system, which also uses port fuel injectors, allows a high 12.3:1 compression ratio for optimized performance and efficiency. Variable Valve Timing (VVT-iE) enables the engine to operate in the Atkinson cycle at cruising speeds and can switch to the Otto cycle for higher performance levels when accelerating.

It sounds amazing through the Lexus F trademark stacked tailpipes, too. The special exhaust system emits a rumbling baritone note, and Active Sound Control (ASC) electronically 'boosts' the sound in the cabin via the audio speakers. The driver can turn the ASC system off.

8-speed Sport Direct Shift Automatic Transmission

The 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission is the high-performance V8's ideal dance partner, offering smooth shift feel, excellent drivability and linear acceleration. Lexus G force Artificial Intelligence Shift control (G AI-SHIFT) enhances performance. When driving in the SPORT S mode, the system selects the suitable gear for sporty driving by monitoring the vehicle's G sensor while simultaneously tracking throttle opening, for example making quicker upshifts under acceleration. The G AI-SHIFT control further supports spirited driving by blipping the throttle on downshifts and holding gears to keep revs up under certain conditions.

Set the Driving Mode to the Driving Mood

Using the Drive Mode Select feature, the GS F driver can set the vehicle's performance responses according to the driving situation – or the driver's mood. NORMAL mode provides the smoothest, most balanced ride quality and drivetrain performance. SPORT S acts on throttle opening and engine output to sharpen performance responses.

SPORT S+ extracts the most from the powertrain and sets the Electric Power Steering (EPS) steering assist for the greatest degree of driving feel. ECO mode helps to enhance fuel efficiency by optimizing throttle opening, engine output and the climate control system.

Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD)

The available Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) is one serious piece of hardware, operated with help from highly advanced software. The TVD enhances dynamic performance by precisely controlling rear wheel torque. Using high-response compact motors, a planetary gear instantaneously changes left-right torque distribution through the engagement of a multi-plate clutch. It operates as quickly as 1/1000th of a second, whether the accelerator is pressed or not, based on data including throttle input, braking, yaw rate, longitudinal and lateral G-force, and other pertinent parameters.

Using a switch on the center console, the driver can select one of three distinct settings for the TVD to best suit driving style or conditions: STANDARD delivers a high level of control and agility for everyday driving. SLALOM places additional emphasis on steering response, giving the vehicle a more agile character akin to one with a smaller wheelbase. TRACK enhances high-speed handling.

VDIM SPORT Mode

Lexus Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management (VDIM) integrates the ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC) functions to provide proactive, seamless control of basic vehicle performance. VDIM anticipates loss of traction and provide smooth control for the normal driving range.

Like the Lexus RC F, the GS F's VDIM system has SPORT and EXPERT modes. SPORT mode gives priority to driver control. This mode offers greater enjoyment for track driving, applying optimum VSC/TRAC mapping. EXPERT mode puts more control in the driver's hands, turning off TRAC, but still using VSC to help control the engine and brakes to assist the driver.

A vertical G sensor in the ABS control helps ensure optimized brake force. In addition, Lexus has extended VDIM co-operative control function, allowing the VDIM to delegate two brake control functions to the Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) control – drive-force distribution and yaw moment control. VDIM controls the torque transfer co-operatively with the TVD, for more seamless control of driving and turning.

Track-Tuned, Road Optimized

The GS F devours curves with a high degree of control thanks to its rigid structure, front and rear body braces, responsive yet compliant suspension system, and powerful Brembo® braking system.

Now featuring a Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension system (AVS), the GS F now controls dampening force with more precision. The double wishbone front suspension uses lightweight, high-rigidity forged upper and lower aluminum control arms with specially tuned coil springs, stabilizer, and bushings. The rear multi-link unit features forged aluminum control arms with increased torsional rigidity, along with optimized suspension arm bushings.

The Brembo brakes feature lightweight, 6-piston aluminum monoblock front calipers with 15.0-in. ventilated rotors and 4-piston aluminum monoblock rear calipers with 13.6-in. ventilated rotors. Bright orange-painted front and rear brake calipers emblazoned with the Lexus 'F' logo are available. The lightweight, hand-polished 19 x 9-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear forged aluminum wheels are shod with 255/35ZR19 and 275/35ZR19 tires, respectively.

The GS F's electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering delivers excellent dynamic performance and steering feel. A damper-less intermediate shaft on the steering column helps to increase steering rigidity upstream and ensure high responsiveness to steering input.

Looks That Thrill

Bold and emotional exterior styling is also highly functional. The Lexus' trademark spindle grille features special 'F' series mesh and a pair of dramatically wide and tall air inlets beneath the headlights. These openings funnel air through ducting for brake cooling. The grille also features a lower molding, made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), that provides downforce to the front of the car. Wide front fender flares with large air outlets allow excess airflow to escape down the sides of the vehicle, while broad fenders and sculpted rocker panels provide visual muscle.

A CFRP rear spoiler improves downforce and high-speed stability. Beneath the GS F, specially designed undertrays optimize cooling air flow toward the rear differential. Aerodynamic stabilizing fins on various sections of these panels help further suppress airflow turbulence and reduce drag. The rear of the vehicle is highlighted by the 'F' brand's trademark quad exhaust tips and a rear diffuser beneath the bumper.

Designed for the Driving Enthusiasts, by Driving Enthusiasts

Sitting in the driver's seat, one can instantly tell that the cabin designers are passionate driving enthusiasts. The sport-focused dash design is characterized by the unique display/gauge panel. The panel's focal point is a large-diameter analog Thin Film Transistor (TFT) tachometer. Notably, the look and information displayed within the center meter changes according to the Drive Mode selected. An optional color Head-Up Display (HUD) allows the driver to see pertinent vehicle information such as speed, tachometer and speed indicator and gearshift position without averting eyes from the road.

The 'F'-badged multifunction three-spoke steering wheel with short-stroke gearshift paddle shifters, the shift knob and foot pedals are all exclusive to the GS F. The high-back front sport seats feature pronounced bolstering for the thighs, hips and lumbar sections, as well as an ergonomically enhanced shoulder support. Upholstered in perforated leather, the seats provide 10-way power adjustment and are heated and ventilated. Rear seat headrests mimic the seatback design of the front buckets.

Carbon fiber trim adorns a number of surfaces, and the door trim, the center register and the base of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) feature a lustrous Metallic Dark Silver paint. Alcantara envelops the top of the instrument panel, door trim, center console and palm rest; in addition to its excellent slip resistance, the Alcantara-clad section above the instrument cluster helps reduce glare. In a further nod to the exquisite attention to detail, decorative rivets featuring the Lexus logo secure the Alcantara to the instrument panel.

Interior color schemes available for the GS F include Stratus Gray, Black, and Circuit Red. LED lighting bathes the cabin in soothing white illumination.

Optimum cabin comfort is maintained even during track outings. When the climate control system detects that there are only two front occupants, the S-FLOW feature operates the system only for the front of the cabin. The Climate Concierge system automatically controls heating, cooling, seat heaters and airflow volume of the seat ventilation. A deodorizing pollen/duct filter also removes exhaust gas from the ambient air.

Premium Audio and Navigation

The industry's first 12.3-inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia display provides immediate, simultaneous access to audio or climate controls and various systems including Navigation. The system greets the driver with a customizable image when the ignition button is pressed, and it can display a full-screen map. The voice-activated Navigation System can map millions of points of interest across the country and can display information in English, French and Spanish. In addition to offering up-to-date traffic and weather information, 3-D city views, and simulated views of approaching highway junctions, the system displays the current speed limit and can automatically identify nearby gas stations if the GS F begins to run low on fuel.

The standard 12-speaker audio system uses a high-efficiency 299-watt amplifier. For knockout concert sound, the available 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system produces 7.1 channel surround-sound through 10 channels using a class D Digital amplifier with 835-watts from 20-20,000hz at 0.01 percent total harmonic distortion. Clari-Fi technology analyzes compression in digital tracks (CD, iPod, etc.) and determines how much amplification is needed, and where, to correct it.

What's New for 2017

•Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)

•Painted or Hand-Polished Forged Wheels

•Optional Heads Up Display

Vehicle Details

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

•High-compression 5.0-liter V8 produces 467 hp and 389 lb.-ft. of torque.

•Eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission with Lexus G force Artificial Intelligence Shift control (G AI-SHIFT).

•Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) enhances dynamic performance by precisely controlling rear wheel torque, adjusting left-right distribution in 1/1000th of a second.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

•Double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension use lightweight, high-rigidity forged aluminum control arms and ZF Sachs® shock absorbers.

•Brembo brake system.

•Lightweight, hand-polished 19-inch forged aluminum wheels.

•Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) with SPORT and EXPERT modes.

Safety/Security Features

•10 airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver and front passenger, seat-mounted side airbags for outboard rear seats, and side curtain airbags.

•Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

•Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) uses radar to detect a vehicle in an adjacent lane as well as a vehicle traveling at a high speed approaching the driver's blind spot.

•Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) alerts the driver to objects approaching the rear-side of the vehicle with an audible alert as well as flashing indicators on the side mirrors.

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

•Perforated leather trimmed interior.

•10-way power high-back heated and ventilated front seats.

•Standard navigation system with 12.3-inch high-resolution display.

•Standard 12-speaker Premium Sound System.

•Enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

•Lexus Enform® App Suite, Enform Service Connect, Enform Destinations and Enform Remote.

•Siri® Eyes Free

•HD Radio with iTunes® Tagging and a three-month all-access trial subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio.

•Climate Concierge automatically monitors the temperature of three separate climate zones and adjusts not only the fans, but also the temperature of the seats and steering wheel individually.

Luxury Options •17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system.

Warranty

•48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.

•72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.

•72 months corrosion perforation protection coverage, regardless of mileage.

by Lexus

Designed to fill the gap between the ES and LS, the Lexus GS was introduced by Toyota's luxury department, Lexus, in October of 1991. Also called the Toyota Aristo, the GS was a series of mid-size luxury sports sedans that were styled by the famous Italdesigns Giurgiaro firm. Based on the platform and running gear of the Toyota Crown, the original GS was first introduced in Japan in 1991 and two years later in the U.S., Europe, and varied markets in Asia.

Made available with two inline-6 powered versions for the Japanese market, the Aristo was introduced with the 3.0Q and the 3.0V. While the 3.0Q Aristo had a 2JZ-GE engine capable of producing 226 hp, the 3.0V was equipped with a 24-valve twin-turbo 2JZ-GTe engine that produced 276 hp.

On February 22, 1993, production of the Lexus GS 300 was begun at the Tahara, Japan, assembly plant. A great example for the time of the latest advancement of Tahara production technology, only eight spot welds were performed by hand, while the other nearly 4,200 welds were performed by robots.

Wanting to produce a vehicle capable of competing with the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus introduced the GS as the new marketing sports sedan. To further complement the rest of the Lexus lineup, the exterior was styled by Italdesign Giugiaro in a way that blended the elements of both the original LS and the SC in a rounder, aerodynamic shape.

The inside of the Lexus GS 300 featured leather seating, walnut wood trim on the center console, and the availability of a Nakamichi premium stereo system. Other available options included (TRAC) traction control, a moonroof, and a remote 12-CD auto changer. The four-speed automatic transmission was replaced in 1996 with a five-speed automatic.

The main purpose of the GS had been to take the price position of the original LS 400 flagship which had steadily moved upmarket since its introduction in 1989. In comparison to the power and available amenities, the first rear-wheel drive sports sedan by Lexus, the GS, exceeded the LS by a far range. However, GS 300 sales were only considered modest, with 1993 being the most productive year at 19,164 units sold. As the Japanese yen rose in value against the dollar in later years, sales dropped as it made the GS more expensive than its rivals. Stiff competition was brought on by more powerful V8 sport sedans as well which further dropped sales. Initially the GS 300 carried the U.S. base price of $37,930, and by 1997 had risen to $46,195.

In 1998 the second generation of Lexus GS was introduced for the first time outside of

Japan, and utilized a new platform that added a V8 version. 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' was the tagline Lexus used for the arrival for this second generation. This new GS was codenamed JZS160 for models that carried the 2JZ-GE engine, and JZS161 for models with the 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engines. A bump in torque was also made possible by VVT-I now becoming standard. While no four-wheel drive models were offered, the new GS's styling was produced in-house and now featured quadruple headlights similar to the Lexus SC coupe. For the first time, an upgraded stereo system along with elecroluminiscent Lexus Opitron gauges were offered as well. Once again offered, the GS 300 now featured a slightly revised version of the previous generation's 3.0 L inline-6, which now produced 225 hp and 225 ft·lbf of torque.

The second generation GS sedan was much more of a success in comparison to the generation prior. Sales mounted to a total of 30,622 vehicles sold in the first year alone. By 2000 sales remained quite steady at around 28000 vehicles. Encouraged by its success, Lexus kept the GS sedan in its vehicle lineup for over eight years. The GS 300 was kept at a U.S. base price of approximately $38,000 and $47,000 for the GS 400.

2001 was the only year with any significant changes for the second-generation Lexus GS. The grill was revised slightly, and new subtly tinted headlights were added to the front end. The trunk area also received new clear tail lights with turn signal indicators. While optional on the I6, Xenon high-intensity discharge headlights were made standard on the V8. The GS 300 featured more gleaming wood trim as well as steering wheel shift buttons. Renamed the GS 430 in 2001, the V8 engine received a 0.3 liter bump in displacement. The torque was also increased to 325 ft·lbf, though peak horsepower remained unchanged.

Named Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1998, the GS also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best lists from 1998 through 2000.

Using the same twin-turbo engine as found on the Toyota Supra Mk IV, the GS introduced a new, third model in 2002. The V8-powered 4.0Zi-Four joined the Aristo lineup in this year. This newest model came with a 250 hp engine, along with standard four-wheel drive. This was the same V8 that was used in both the first generation Lexus LS and the Toyota Crown Majesta. Both the GS and Aristo models were equipped with an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup.

First introduced as a 2006 model at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, production began on the third generation GS on January 24, 2005. The GS model lineup included the GS 300 which had a 3.0 L V6 3 GR-FSE engine, and the GS 430 with the same 4.3 L V8 that was used in the previous model. Excluding Singapore, the GS 300 featured a direct-injection engine for all markets except Continental Asia.

The first Lexus sedan to offer an all-wheel drive configuration, the GS 300 featured an all-wheel drive option. The Toyota Mark X and the Zero Toyota Crown also featured the 3.0 L engine. In 2006 the current third version of the GS came in V6, V8 and hybrid variations.

The GS was sold as the Toyota Aristo in Japan until 2005, when the Lexus marque was introduced. Seeking to align all world markets, including Japan, using Lexus as their luxury brand worldwide, Toyota chose not to release the equivalent Aristo. The Toyota Aristo was discontinued following the introduction of the third generation of the Lexus GS. The Aristo and the GS essentially differed in both their transmission and engine combinations and equipment packages, though other than that, they were virtually identical.

Showcased as Lexus's new L-finesse design philosophy, the third generation GS featured more muscular styling, new swooping lines, and a fastback profile. This third generation GS indicated the future direction of the Lexus lineup. First previewed on the earlier Lexus LF-S concept, the slingshot cabin was featured on the GS. Also revolutionary, the GS sedans were the first to feature the most updated generation of Lexus' SmartAccess keyless system. This added a push-button start for the first time.

A driver-side hidden panel for more infrequently used controls, other unique features included a standard touchscreen display in the center console, Bluetooth technology, and LED lighting in the cabin. Optional features include a Mark Levinson premium sound system. Each model had an electrochromic instrument cluster that adjusts for the amount of reflected sunlight, a unique feature for the Lexus GS series only.

For the 2007 model year, the GS 350, using the 3.5 L 2GR-FSE engine replaced the GS 300. The 2007 GS 430 horsepower rating was changed to 290 (with 319 ft·lbf. of torque), due to a change in SAE testing procedures. The V6-powered GS 350 was rated at 303 hp (with 274 ft·lbf. of torque). Both vehicles were reported at 0-60 times of 5.7 seconds by Lexus. For the 2008 model year, a 4.6 L GS 460 (URS191) replaced the GS 430. The 460 was equipped with a brand new 4.6 L 1UR-FE engine that generated 342 hp (with 339 ft·lbf. of torque). An 8-speed automatic transmission was also added to the GS 460. The 460 had a reported time of 0-60 seconds in 5.4 seconds, according to Lexus.

At the same time as the introduction of the GS 460, the GS lineup received an exterior overhaul that included a new and improved forward bumper and headlights, new wheel options and exterior colors, and turn signals now added to the side mirrors. The GS also received revised instrument cluster gauges and different trim pieces on the inside of the vehicle. For improved handling, the V8-powered GS 460 offers the Active Stablizer Suspension System, along with the hybrid GS 450h and previous GS 430 models.

The GS 350 costs approximately $44,150, while the GS 460 retails at $52,620.

Introduced at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, the hybrid Lexus GS 450h joined the Gs line for the 2007 model year. Producing over 330 hp, the 450h became the first mass-production rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid vehicle. With a naturally-aspirated 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6 engine mated to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission, the 450h's powertrain makes use of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system of integrating electric and gasoline engine motors.

With an MSRP (that includes delivery) of $55,595, the GS 450h comes with a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle emissions rating. Raising the price by several thousands of dollars, several markets only allow the 450h to be purchased with at least one option package.

The battery is rear-mounted, which consumes a significant amount of trunk space. Receiving the Driver Monitoring System in certain markets, the GS 450h is among the first of Lexus vehicles to achieve this. Featuring an infrared steering wheel-mounted camera, this safety system monitors driver attentiveness and sounds an alarm if danger ahead is detected and the driver is not paying attention.

Weighing 4134 lbs, the GS 450h is capable of producing 339 hp due to the combined hybrid powertrain, which allows the GS to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, compared the GS 460's rated 5.4 seconds.

At a price of $65,000, a total of 75 'Neiman Marcus Edition' GS 450h sedans were featured as the annual holiday catalog vehicle. On October 19, 2005, all 75 vehicles were sold in less than three hours and were delivered in April 2006. In Japan, the GS 450h went on sale on March 16, 2006.

For 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, J.D. Power and Associates named the GS series the best midsize luxury vehicle in initial quality. For 2005, AAA named the third-generation GS 300 the best car in its class. In 2005, Consumer Reports awarded the Lexus GS as the highest-ranked vehicle in predicted reliability in the luxury car class.

by Jessican Donaldson