Lexus Brings 'F' Series Exhilaration to the GS Sedan

Tokyo, November 25, 2015―Lexus today launched the performance-oriented GS F four-door sports sedan at dealers throughout Japan. The GS F embodies the philosophy of the "F" series: that seamless performance—from everyday roads to the track—can be enjoyed by everyone.

The GS F is the first new F series sedan model in the Lexus line-up since the launch of the IS F in 2007¹. With a style eminently suited to everyday driving, the four-door GS F sedan is expected to convey the appeal of the F series to a wide demographic, thus enabling Lexus to further enhance its brand image of exhilarating performance.

A high-performance powertrain that emphasizes sound, dynamic response, and acceleration

• Equipped with Direct Injection 4-stroke Gasoline Engine Superior Version (D-4S), the 5.0-liter V8 engine features an optimized Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor (VVT-iE) to produce exceptional power. After assembly, the balance of each engine while running is adjusted, further enhancing the linear power and superior response that are characteristic of a naturally aspirated engine. In addition, the Atkinson cycle can be used for urban driving to improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance.
• The 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission allows the driver to experience instantaneous acceleration. In the M-position, the transmission takes as little as 0.1 seconds per shift, enabling the driver to enjoy genuine sporting performance.
• Active Sound Control (ASC) combines the natural noise of the vehicle 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 noises³.

Exceptional performance that thrives on the track

• In order to achieve superior body stiffness, the GS F makes use of the latest Lexus body technologies. These include laser welding, an increase in the number of spot welding points, high-stiffness glass adhesives, and laser screw welding. The vehicle achieves high body rigidity well suited to the track due to a front brace and rear body brace with improved stiffness, which are attached to the body through additional fastening structures.
• The GS F utilizes an engine under-cover with a flat, streamlined surface and the vehicle achieves outstanding aerodynamic performance through improvements to the streamlining of the under floor, such as by optimizing the angle of the rear floor under-cover. In addition, the attachment of aero-stabilizing fins to each section of the under-cover actively directs airflow to guarantee superb driving stability.
• The brakes use opposing six-piston aluminum mono-block calipers on the front, and opposing four-piston aluminum mono-block calipers on the rear. By increasing the diameter of the master cylinder and by optimizing pedal ratios, the brakes achieve superb responsiveness and linear stopping performance. They also guarantee high rigidity and anti-fading performance through the use of high-friction pads. The high-performance brakes can be emphasized by selecting optional front and rear orange brake calipers, exclusively available on the F series.
• The GS F's suspension parts have been redesigned with the aim of achieving the ideal geometry. The steering response has been improved by retaining high suspension rigidity, optimizing roll stiffness, and by harmonizing these with the steering system.
• The Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) torque control system is equipped as standard and provides optimal electronic control of the torque of the left and right rear wheels according to the driving situation, achieving ideal vehicle behavior during cornering. The GS F comes with three modes—Standard, Slalom, and Circuit—to provide superior cornering under a broad range of situations, from driving on ordinary roads to circuit driving.
• Expert Mode, part of the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, allows drivers to hone their circuit 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 the Anti-lock Braking System, which uses vertical acceleration sensors, to deliver both high vehicle stability and an enjoyable ride.

An exterior design that is the ultimate in functional beauty

• The exterior of the GS F exudes dynamism and functional beauty: the front view emphasizes a wide stance with a low center of gravity; from the side, the substantial overhang of the fender flares underscores the high performance of the V8 unit; the rear of the vehicle boasts the four-way exhaust diffuser that symbolizes the F series.
• The large front spindle grille and large air ducts ensure engine-cooling performance sufficient even for the severest of circuits, while the L-shaped side air outlets—which represent the F series—guarantee outstanding driving stability.
• The lower grille moldings and rear spoiler utilize carbon parts that lower weight and increase stiffness, contributing to the effective generation of downforce.
• The GS F features the black lacquer plated grille molding exclusive to the F series. In addition, the center pillar and outer mirrors are painted a dark, glossy metallic hue that is coordinated with the color of the wheels to emphasize the sporty character of the F series.
• The newly designed, 19-inch polished aluminum wheels are first forged, then subjected to three-dimensional cutting, enabling elaborate spokes to be used in a layered structure.

An interior design that fuses performance and luxury

• The high-back sports seats fitted in the front of the GS F are manufactured through an integrated foaming technique, and have been designed to resemble form-fitting athletic sportswear in order to support and cosset occupants. The seats provide both the high performance required on a track as well as the comfort needed for general driving. The specially crafted rear seats share design characteristics with the high-back sports seats used in the front, including the same distinctive sewing and stitching patterns.
• 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 three-color overlock stitching in white, black, and blue⁴—colors that symbolize the F series.
• The GS F utilizes aluminum sports pedals and foot rests, while the slit patterns linked to the arcs described by the pedals when depressed have been newly developed. The performance demanded of each of the pedals has been enhanced.
• The large-diameter instrument panel is located in the center of the dashboard and displays essential driving data. The data content displayed on the large diameter LCD center meter changes according to which of the four drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sports S, and Sports S+—is selected, while sports driving is supported through a carefully thought-out, easy-to-use multi-information display.
• The optional color heads-up display (HUD) allows the driver to view necessary information swiftly and without the need for excessive eye movement. On top of fundamental information such as speed and basic mapping, in Sports Mode, the HUD also provides data on engine rpms and shift position.
• The gauge hoods, upper part of the instrument panel, center console, palm rest, and door trim armrests are finished in Alcantara^®5 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 LFA and are a symbol of Lexus sports.
• The foldable rear center armrest is equipped with cup holder, storage box, and control panel to manage air conditioning, audio, and electric rear window sunshades.
• The genuine aluminum ornament panel—in Naguri finish, medium-silver—is produced using Naguri⁶ machining techniques that have been recreated with the latest production technologies and workmanship. Carbon and forged composite carbon are available as options.