The all-new 2016 Lexus GS F performance sedan rolled into the Lexus Bahrain showroom on January 16th, 2016 with a growl, four doors and enough cabin space to comfortably accommodate five adults. With a style eminently suited to everyday driving, the Lexus GS F conveys the appeal of the ‘F’ series to a wide demographic, thus enabling Lexus to further enhance its brand image of exhilarating performance. 

The GS F embodies the philosophy of the ‘F’ series which stands for fast dynamic response, high efficiency and seamless performance on everyday roads in addition to racetracks that can be enjoyed by everyone. The GS F is the first new ‘F’ series sedan model since the launch of the IS F in 2007 . 

According to Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, “With the GS F, our aim was to develop a car that combines the versatility of a sedan with the agility and dynamic character of the ‘F’ brand. A car that is fun to drive every day, whether it is on a busy street or a winding road, regardless of one’s driving skills. Having the driver say ‘That was fun’, ‘That was great’ after driving the car – that’s what the ‘F’ brand is all about.” “To enhance its dynamic performance and hone its handling, our team also spent countless hours on some of the most famous tracks of the world, including Fuji Speedway in Japan and the Nürburgring in Germany,” added Yaguchi. 

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, TOYOTA Motor Corporation, said, “True to the spirit of all the ‘F’-line models, we developed the GS F to create a sense of excitement for our customers whenever and wherever they drive it. The GS F’s high-speed performance and handling, which have been nurtured on race tracks around the globe, reflect our attempt to provide the ultimate driving experience.” Yoshitsugu added: “The sedan embraces the virtues of sound; response and limitless power feel to support Lexus’ ‘F’ brand identity of a performance car. We look forward to delighting our customers with this latest model and would like to acknowledge their support over the years.” 

A high-performance engine that emphasizes sound, dynamic response and accelerationEquipped with Direct Injection 4-stroke Gasoline Engine Superior Version (D-4S), the 5.0-litre V8 engine delivers 471 HP features an optimized Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Electric motor (VVT-iE) to produce exceptional power and mated to an equally efficient gearbox; the 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission. 

The Drive Mode Select system offers enhanced driving performance and enjoyment by allowing the driver to choose the most appropriate drive mode to match their preferred driving style and/or situation. Selections include NORMAL, ECO, SPORT S and SPORT S+ modes. 

Transmission performance is further improved with the adoption of the Lexus G-force Artificial Intelligence Shift control (G AI-SHIFT). When driving in SPORT S mode, the system selects the suitable gear ratio for sporty driving by monitoring the vehicle’s G sensor while simultaneously tracking the degree of throttle opening; if the driver invokes a higher degree of throttle (i.e. wants to accelerate more briskly), a quicker upshift will take place due to high-response shifting. Furthermore, the G AI-SHIFT control further elevates spirited driving by intuitively and succinctly blipping the throttle on downshifts. When driving in the top-flight SPORT S+ mode, performance driving is further aided by the system allowing the engine to maintain a higher rpm level, which comes in handy when driving under high-load conditions such as on a race track or a winding road. 

Active Sound Control (ASC) combines the natural noise of the vehicle’s engine mainly with artificially produced sound in a new, advanced four-speaker system (two speakers in front and two behind) that provides more powerful engine and exhaust noise . 

Exceptional performance that thrives on the trackThe GS F’s stopping power is provided by Brembo® brakes that feature lightweight, highly rigid opposing six-piston aluminium mono-block callipers on the front, and opposing four-piston aluminium mono-block callipers on the rear. The high-performance brakes can be emphasized by selecting optional front and rear orange brake callipers. Special features of the GS F’s vehicle control systems include a newly adopted vertical G sensor in the ABS control, to ensure optimum brake force even if one of or more of the wheels are not in direct contact with the road surface. 

The GS F's suspension parts were designed with the aim of achieving the ideal geometry. The steering response retains high suspension rigidity, optimized roll stiffness, and harmonized with the steering system. The TVD torque control system is equipped as standard and provides optimal electronic control of the torque to the left and right rear wheels according to the driving situation, achieving ideal vehicle behaviour during cornering. The GS F comes with three modes—Standard, which delivers a high level of stability and agility, Slalom, which places additional emphasis on steering response, and Track, which provides additional stability when driving at higher speeds, allowing the driver to accelerate with confidence. 

The ‘Expert’ mode, which is part of the VDIM system, allows drivers to hone their track driving skills. In this mode, VDIM is almost fully disengaged and only intervenes to prevent loss of control. VDIM has further evolved through integration of TVD with ABS, which uses acceleration sensors to deliver both high vehicle stability and an enjoyable ride. 

Exterior design with dynamism and functional beautyThe exterior of the GS F exudes dynamism and functional beauty – the front view emphasizes a wide stance with a low centre of gravity. From the side, the substantial overhang of the fender flares underscores the high performance of the V8 power plant. The front fascia is defined by an aggressive representation of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille, featuring a special ‘F’ series mesh and a pair of dramatically wide and tall air inlets beneath the headlights. These openings funnel massive amounts of air into specially-designed ducting inside the grille to maximize brake cooling and provide excellent performance. The grille also features a new black lacquer plated lower moulding exclusive to ‘F’ series, which provides down force to the front of the car. 

In addition, the centre pillar and outer mirrors are painted in a dark, glossy metallic hue that is coordinated with the colour of the wheels to further enhance the element of sportiness in the ‘F’ series. The newly designed, 19-inch polished aluminium wheels are first forged, and then subjected to three-dimensional cutting. 

The rear of the vehicle follows the same aggressive design theme as the front, highlighted by the ‘F’ brand’s trademark quad exhaust tips. Other highlights here include a down force-generating rear spoiler mounted on the trunk lid, a rear diffuser beneath the rear bumper section, fin-shaped aerodynamic enhancements adopted at the bottom edge of the rear bumper’s lower garnish to improve airflow and reduce drag, and organically-shaped rear taillights. Available exterior paint colours include Lava Orange, Heat Blue, White Nova, Sonic Silver, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey, Graphite Black and Red. 

An interior that promotes driving styles to the highest levels of luxuryThe interior of the GS F tastefully melds superior craftsmanship and affluence with world-class ergonomics and functionality. However, with the GS F being a performance premium sedan, designers ensured that they place special emphasis on creating a driver-centric cockpit. This pilot-focused design theme is characterized by the information display gauges positioned directly in front of the driver. Close attention has been paid to important details such as the size and thickness of fonts and indicators for easy recognition by the driver. 

The large-diameter instrument panel displays essential driving data. The colour heads-up display (HUD) allows the driver to view necessary information swiftly and without the need for excessive eye movement. 

The gauge hoods, upper part of the instrument panel, centre console, and palm rest and door trim armrests are finished in Alcantara®  in a design that combines the performance of a premium sports model with the feel of a luxury interior. In addition, the surface of the instrument panel features four rivet plates bearing the Lexus logo, which were used in the legendary Lexus LFA and are a symbol of Lexus sports. 

The genuine-leather steering wheel has a thickness and grip perfected through repeated track outings by Lexus test drivers. The large paddle-shift levers are designed to be operated while holding the steering wheel, even when cornering. The steering wheel and shift knob employ a three-colour over lock stitching in white, black, and blue —colours that symbolize the F series. 

In developing the audio system for the GS F, the engineering team targeted a speaker system that replicates the sensation of sound experienced in a concert hall or movie theatre with 17-speaker Mark Levinson® surround sound system. 

Advanced safety technologies protect passengers through Lexus Safety System+ Lexus Safety System+ integrates several technologies. The Active Safety includes Pre-Crash System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beam (AHB) / Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).

The Passive Safety include a comprehensive Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that includes driver’s and front passenger’s dual-stage airbags, driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags, front side airbags, front and rear seat side curtain airbags and rear side airbags. An advanced security system that includes a security alarm control with an ultrasonic break-in sensor and tilt sensor is incorporated within the yaw-rate G-sensors available in some regions. 

To explore the all-new 2016 GS F, visit the Lexus showroom, call 17737773, or www.lexus.com.bh for more information.