- Lexus is still considering a high-performance GS F model.
- If the GS F does reach production, it would be as a 2014 model.
- Power may come from a supercharged V8.
- CEO Akio Toyoda is in favor of F Sport and F models.
PEBBLE BEACH, California — With the recent introduction of the 2013 Lexus GS, Toyota's luxury brand has further fueled speculation that the company is working on a high-performance version of the sedan to battle the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63. If the speculation is correct, the model would be called the GS F, just as the high-performance V8-powered version of the smaller IS is called the IS F.
Although Lexus officials refuse to confirm the existence of the GS F, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda hinted heavily at the model being in Lexus' future plans during a recent roundtable with journalists in Pebble Beach, California.
"I want Lexus to be the brand chosen by the most sophisticated of drivers," Toyoda told us. "I want Lexus to compete around the world with global Lexus models. And don't worry about high-performance Lexuses like F Sport and F models going away."
Toyoda went on to tell us how much he likes driving. And how skilled he is behind the wheel. In fact, he let it be known that he drove to the interview from San Francisco in a 2013 GS 350, switching off along the way to a Mercedes E-Class and a BMW 5 Series. Word from his handlers is that he made the run in record time, arriving early and surprising them.
If the GS F does make production, speculation is that it will be powered by a supercharged version of the 5.0-liter V8 used in the IS F. Lexus has noticed Cadillac's recent success with supercharging in the CTS-V, and may choose that route over more complex and more expensive turbocharging.
Power should be in the 550 range, which is well above the 414 hp the V8 now makes in the IS F. The two cars are expected to share the same eight-speed automatic transmission.
Lexus will also soon introduce a new redesigned version of the IS, and the supercharged engine could see double duty in that product as well. Although all-wheel drive has been considered for both products, which would increase the vehicle's appeal in the Northeast and take on Audi head-to-head, we expect the GS F to be rear-wheel drive.
Inside Line says: If Lexus really wants to be a player, it has to make the GS F. And it has to perform as well as the new 2013 BMW M5.
Add A Comment »
gtrguy2012 says:
10:24 PM, 02/22/2012
GS-Failure.
sherief says:
09:57 AM, 09/14/2011
Camry vs Accord....I can't differentiate shades of beige if I'm blindfolded.
And greed, cz_75. But then again I think every high performance machine needs a three pedal option - if not the only pedal arrangement - available.
carsgalore says:
12:45 PM, 09/07/2011
I hate to even say it but if they put the LFA V10, or even a FI engine then I would consider it. This would be bad-ass!
louiswei says:
10:17 PM, 09/06/2011
"Now for goodness sake, drop some turbos in those Lexus, Infiniti engines and people will migrate back to Japanese luxury cars."
Migrate back?! Anyways...
If the Japanese NA engines somehow fail to compete with the European FI counterparts then I agree, Lexus and Infiniti should drop something in to stay relevant. However, if the NA engines do compete well with the turbo'd and supercharged engines (2GR-FSE/VQ37 vs. BMW N54/55) then I would pick NA over FI on any given day.
That being said, I think both Lexus and Infiniti might eventually move to FI engines in order to stay competitive unless they can turn the HP race into a weight reduction race, which would be a welcome sight imo.
kandhroque says:
09:43 PM, 09/06/2011
To compete with the Germans on a performance level, Lexus (and the Japanese in general) needs to also use forced induction. Either turbo or superchargers will suffice. If you look at the success of the German performance cars:
BMW-turbo M
Audi-supercharged S, turbo A3
Mercedes-supercharged AMG and soon twin turbo AMG
VW-2.0 turbo GTI
Japan has stuck to 1990-2000 engine technology with naturally aspirated engines. One exception is the Nissan GTR (twin turbo 3.8) and it is a wonderful performance supercar. I've owned a 2005 G35 Infiniti and switched to a 2008 BMW 335i twin turbo only for the engine.
I've always thought if the Japanese can get their engines up to par with forced induction like the Germans, they can compete and excel on performance. Their electronics, interior and reliability are already among the best. Now for goodness sake, drop some turbos in those Lexus, Infiniti engines and people will migrate back to Japanese luxury cars.
louiswei says:
09:13 PM, 09/06/2011
@ smallfield,
I think you missed my point as well... If the more expensive cars like the R8 and California have the "fake" exhaust tips then what's wrong with the IS F having it?
Just because the M3 and C63 are the direct competitors doesn't mean the IS F has to match them exhaust by exhaust. If Lexus actually makes the next IS F to be class leading in both refinement and performance then I can care less if it has dual or quad-exhaust...
By the way, The IS F does have 4 exhaust pipes behind each "fake" tips. It was a common knowledge that the PRE-PRODUCTION models have a single pipe on each side (dual exhausts) but the PRODUCTION models all have two pipes on each side (quad exhausts), they are just not lined up to the tips like I mentioned before.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/06soonerGTO/08_lexus_is_f_det_7_500.jpg
In the picture it's pretty clear that there are two pipes, one on the top and one behind the hand. If that's not clear enough here's another picture:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x69/clafel72/IS-F/12_IMGP4245_.jpg
smallfield says:
08:52 PM, 09/06/2011
@louiswei
I think you missed the point.
M and AMG are the competitors. I was emphasizing those. I don't think the RS4 does either, but hadn't seen one in a while.
It'll be hard for Lexus to line up quad tips for a dual exhaust on the IS-F.
louiswei says:
07:11 PM, 09/06/2011
Here's more...
http://kereta.info/tag/f430-scuderia-fake-exhausts/
However, I do think that Lexus should at least align the exhausts with the "fake" bumper-mounted tips like the Ferrari California and Audi R8. They really dropped the ball on the misalignment and hopefully it won't happen again on the newer models.
louiswei says:
06:46 PM, 09/06/2011
@ smallfield,
You might want to check your fact next time...
http://www.autospies.com/news/Pictures-of-cars-with-fake-disconnected-exhaust-tips-22601/
Those look similar to the IS F ones to me.
As for the M models, of course they don't have the fake exhaust, because they don't have the "bumper mounted" tips like the IS F, R8 and Murcielago. The Ms have the regular exhausts which are NOT ATTACHED to the bumper like most cars out there.
smallfield says:
06:22 PM, 09/06/2011
@louis wei
M models don't have fake quad outlets. I've only driven one C63 AMG and didn't recall them there either. Most of what you mention have chrome over the tip or a slight enlargement. I find that different from the Lexus square outlets.