2016 Lexus GS F
New for 2016
The 2016 GS F is an all-new, performance-focused addition to the GS lineup.
The Power of the Dark Side
Lexus vehicles are renowned the world over for their quality and reliability, and the luxury automaker takes great pride in its impeccable attention to detail. But there is a darker side to Lexus that you may not know about, and we guarantee you’ll want to after reading our review of the 2016 GS F.
Based on the GS 350, the 2016 Lexus GS F is an aggressive new sport sedan with an insatiable appetite for excitement. While it sports signature Lexus levels of refinement, the GS F defies expectation. It boasts strong styling, evidenced by its quad tailpipes, carbon-fiber accents, and 19-inch wheels. Your typical Lexus the GS F is not.
Performance
The 2016 Lexus GS F was bred for performance, so it’s only appropriate that it makes use of an engine that was designed to be pushed to the extreme, and then pushed some more for good measure.
Drivers brave enough to venture under its chiseled hood will find a fire-breathing 5.0-liter V8 engine that spouts 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. For reference, the GS F uses the same high-revving engine found in the equally frightening RC F.
As in that car, the GS F is available exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The increased gear ratios not only benefit fuel economy but boosts overall performance. The high number of gears is a boon to the transmission’s ratio spread, which enables good acceleration and quiet highway cruising.
The 2016 Lexus GS F is fleet of foot, too. It can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds.
Lexus believes that performance should never supersede efficiency, and vice versa. To that end, the GS F utilizes a combination of technologies – automatic stop-start function, high compression ratio and clever variable valve timing – to help it return an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined (16 city/24 highway).*
Features
For a car teeming with technology inside and out, the 2016 Lexus GS F keeps it simple with a solitary trim level. It’s a five-seat luxury sport sedan offered exclusively with rear-wheel drive and in one single trim level. Prices start at $84,440.
For that sum, drivers get everything from aggressive 19-inch wheels and LED headlights on the outside, to driver-focused features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats. For you convenience, the GS F also comes standard with keyless ignition and entry.
Still with us? Good, because there is more. In terms of tech, the GS F boasts standard Bluetooth® audio connectivity, Lexus’ Remote Touch interface, a 12.-inch screen with navigation, and a rearview camera. There’s also a 12-speaker audio system that is sure to please your ears. That is, when you’re not listening to the sweet roar of the GS F’s V8 engine.
Available stand-alone options include a 17-speaker premium Mark Levinson sound system, a sunroof and premium paint.
Design
While it may be based on the GS 350, the GS F is a step (or two) above in nearly every regard – and that’s especially true when it comes to styling.
Naturally, styling is more aggressive than the GS 350, with a number design touches affecting cooling and vehicle aerodynamics. The front end is unique from the A-pillars forward. The front fenders are wider and feature air outlets that vent air from the engine compartment.
Adding even more dynamism are LED headlights shaped in an L-pattern, which are standard, as are LED turn signal lamps, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights. Prominent rocker panels visually lower the car along the sides, and the rear end features a carbon fiber reinforced plastic lip spoiler and quad exhaust outlets that jut through a lower diffuser.
But the pièce de résistance is easily the GS F’s bold take on the Lexus spindle grille, which dominates the front end. Stare too long into its gaping, mesh-filled maw and you may just get lost.
Inside, the GS F has room for five in a cockpit-style environment. In contrast to the standard GS 350, the GS F gets aluminum pedals; perforated leather on the seats and steering wheel; available carbon fiber trim; and alcantara on the meter hood, instrument panel, door trim, center console, and Remote Touch palm rest. It also features high-back front sport seats that are exceptionally comfortable and supportive.
As mentioned in the ‘Features’ section, Lexus’ Remote Touch system is standard. It uses a center console-mounted joystick to enter controls on the massive 12.3-inch dashboard screen. Haptic feedback makes “buttons” on the screen provide resistance through the joystick. For 2016, Lexus adds a thumb-activated “Enter” button that helps make the system a bit easier to use.
Safety
The 2016 GS F may be geared toward performance but that doesn’t mean it disregards Lexus’ commitment to safety. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear side airbags, and a rearview camera.
Also standard are a suite of safety systems that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure intervention, automatic high beams, and forward collision warning system.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Lexus GS F is an edgy performance sedan on mission to deliver the most exhilarating ride imaginable. It skillfully displays a darker side to Lexus engineering. One we believe drivers will revel in for miles on end.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
*2016 EPA-estimated ratings. Actual mileage will vary.
** MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $950. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary. Does not include accessory options installed by dealer.
Image: Lexus