2017 Lexus GS F Quick Takes

TestDriveNow Quick Takes: 2017 Lexus GS F  4-DR Sedan Overview

 

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.

 

2017 LEXUS GS F 4-DR SEDAN MSRP $83,940

AS SHOWN WITH MARK LEVINSON AUDIO; ORANGE PAINTED BRAKE CALIPERS; ETC: TOTAL PRICE $87,275