2016 LEXUS GS F VIDEO REVIEW

2016 LEXUS GS F VIDEO REVIEW BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

When shopping for a high performance Lexus you’d better know the difference between F and F SPORT. The latter will give you the look but the stand alone letter provides the zip; case in point – the first ever GS F.

Lexus offers F SPORT trim packages on nearly every model and its done wonders to help shake the brand’s stodgy image. But for the fire-breathing F models themselves, there are currently only 2; the RC F coupe and this 2016 GS F sedan. Shared in common is a 467-horsepower V8, rear wheel drive and bold, emotional styling. And after 7 days with this Ultrasonic Blue beauty, I declare it the best Lexus I’ve ever driven…and if you’re wondering, I never got into the legendary LFA.

Now, to define best; the GS F has reached the pinnacle of equilibrium, interweaving executive sedan high-performance with everyday characteristics befitting the Lexus ethos. It’s 2 cars in 1 and neither side of the equation seems compromised. It’s not the biggest, most powerful or fastest among its heavy hitting German peers, but its ingredients list includes a unique combination of items such as a high-revving naturally aspirated 5.0-liter engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and playful rear-wheel drive that provides linear acceleration, ultra-smooth shifts and a true sports car feel. The biggest take away I can give you from the driver’s seat is that the GS F is meticulously seasoned with a flavor that can be enjoyed by the novice and experienced driver alike.

The GS-F comes with a Torque Vectoring Differential or TVD. Well what does that mean?  It enhances performance by precisely delegating power between the rear wheels. Using a host of data from the car it delivers a higher level of control and agility then in a standard rear drive car. And there are numerous driving modes integrating the TVD including an expert setting for the most unobtrusive, drifting fun.

Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S + settings sequentially dial up the fun while Standard, Slalom and Track modes for the TVD ratchet up the level of agility. Only in the highest Expert, traction control-off setting is the driving completely up to you; otherwise the electronic safety nets step-in rather imperceptibly to imbue the driver with the highest level of curvy road confidence.

Wow!  From a design and driving perspective Lexus has absolutely nailed the GS F. Just because it’s got a nearly 500hp V8 and track honed suspension doesn’t mean it ever forgoes its Lexusness if you will. It’s so polished as an everyday driver and yet so surprisingly capable from behind the wheel that it’s a true feat of engineering. It may not have the blow your doors off kind of power as some of the others but its combination of smooth ride and slot car handling makes you just want to keep on driving and challenging the car.

The resume is stocked with F performance bits like a double wishbone front suspension with Sachs dampers, speed slamming Brembo brakes and the incredible grip, smooth ride and amazing wet handling performance of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires…a perfect match for the GS F. Steering feel climbs the ladder along with the selected driving mode and always affords a keen sense of direction.

So you can take the GS F hard on the country roads or even to the track and feel like a hero or take it to a fancy restaurant without seeming ostentatious. If you want to ding the GS F you could say its sounds are neither loud enough nor particularly pleasing but when in modes Sport S and higher, the killer 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system synthesizes a more dynamic acoustic inside the cabin that noticeably kicks in above 3,000 RPM to provide directional intake and exhaust sound. Still, it’s subdued in the Lexus tradition. It’s not a torque monster at a relatively docile 389 pound-feet, but it’ll still take this 2 ton machine to 60mph in 4.5 seconds and through the ¼ mile in 12.8 seconds. Top speed is 168mph. Gas mileage remains respectable at 19mpg in combined driving on premium.

The cabin is equally as sporty chic as the exterior with F “spec” highly bolstered sport seats, imaginative design cues and perfectly executed material selection. Feature content is high as expected including the Lexus Safety System + with all of its camera and radar goodies like a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Cruise Control, Auto high beams, and road sign reader.  There’s also an excellent head-up display.  It’s still quiet in here per the Lexus playbook and the spacious rear seats are sculpted for comfort and holding passengers in place.  A 14 cubic foot trunk hits the sweet spot in the class.  Now, you know I don’t love the controls for the Lexus infotainment system – it’s easily the worst part of this car – but the rest of the GS F is so good I’d be willing to overlook its annoyances here.

The $87,620 as-tested price is a bit breathtaking until you start to scour the competitor’s price tags and then you shrug your shoulders and say oh well…I guess relatively speaking it’s not that bad.  If you prefer your automotive hardcore with an equal helping of harmony, the GS F is your ride.