2016 Lexus GS F first drive review
Lucky us. We get to try the new Lexus GS F at Jarama, the old Formula One track where Alan Jones infamously won the Spanish Grand Prix in 1979 after which in a highly political move it was declared a non-championship event.
We also have a marvellous blast outside Madrid on snaking, almost deserted roads high in the hills.
What is quickly obvious is that the GS F doesn't have the brutal, raw performance of some of the German rivals. It has a more subtle, refined character. But, ultimately, it is impressively fast – the standing 400 metres takes just 12.8 seconds. And it is enormously competent dynamically when you demand it to stop, turn and accelerate.
The first task for the driver is to understand the various electronic modes, and then make the right choices.
The driver modes offer the usual broad selections of self explanatory Normal, Eco, Sports S and Sport S+ modes. These vary the upshifts and throttle response. The sporty modes hold the gears into a higher rev range, and blip the throttle on the downshifts too. With SportsS+ the electric steering also becomes more communicative.
Standard on Australian GS Fs is TVD – a torque vectoring differential – which optimises traction by precisely and instantly transferring torque between the two rear wheels using data such as throttle input, braking, yaw rate, and G-force.
The driver chooses one of three switch settings - Standard, Slalom and Track – which best suits the style of driving. The Slalom setting allows the car to dance more, with more instant rotation when turning into tight corners.
The other driver-selectable system is VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) which integrates the usually separate anti-lock braking, stability control and traction control operations. The GS F gives the driver Sport and Expert choices which employ greater freedoms while still ultimately reacting if the driver allows ambition to exceed ability. Once the driver has done all his pre-flight prepping, it's time to go…
The elegantly appointed driver-focused cockpit with its very readable gauges is loaded with gear. Supportive, well-shaped F-exclusive sport seats dominate, a choice of leather or Alcantara. A large suede- look Alcantara mat on top of the fascia effectively kills windscreen reflection and glare in sunlight. Different cosmetic splashes – take your choice of carbon-fibre or aluminium – help the overall picture of modernity .
The GS F scores a host of on-board technologies with a standard high-definition 12.3-inch screen via which a number of systems are adjustable, including audio, climate, telephone and navigation. At your left hand is a remote touch interface with functionality replicating a computer mouse, and a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. There's a Head Up display too.
On the racetrack, the package of tuned suspension and appropriate electronic driver choices come together in a car that you can push hard and occasionally call on its forgiveness.
The four tailpipes roar approval when you give the 351kW 5.0-litre V8 its all down the long Jarama straight, the paddle upshifts slurring pleasantly. The big ventilated Brembo brakes, helped by front duct cooling, just do not wilt, and have great pedal feel. We revel too in the electronic throttle blips as the GS F punches into lower gears. In the more belligerent SportS+ mode, the driver becomes aware of the need to use the accelerator judiciously until the steering wheel is straight.
The VDIM's Expert mode is also fun for drivers who like a little more control in their own hands and feet, with traction control off and minimal electronic stability intervention .
Not to be under-estimated too in the dynamic performance equation are the grippy Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres - 275/35ZR19 at the rear and narrower 255 fronts – on lightweight forged aluminium wheels. There is no spare; just a puncture kit.
Out on public roads, the GS F's good ride qualities register. It soaks up bumps instantly with no loss of composure, no deviation, no rattle through the steering. Not once in a more than 200km of driving did the suspension jar or bottom, although Australia's rougher roads will be a greater test.
In the fast, twisting sections, you're aware of, and thankful for, the innate poise and responsiveness. The GS F is an entirely relaxing, agile car to drive quickly. The steering offers good feedback in the slower corners but is a little too light at higher speeds.
Importantly, this is a practical car with reasonable rear-seat space for three, and a copious boot.
Other great stuff standard with the Australian version (which is expected to come in around $150,000 plus on-road costs), are 10 airbags, a tyre pressure warning, hill start assistance and security alarm system with ultrasonic break-in sensor
Australian owners also get standard advanced safety technologies such as Back Guide Monitor, Parallel Parking Mode, Parking Sonar, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a new Lexus Safety System+ which integrates several existing active safety technologies. These include the Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High Beam System and Active Cruise.
The shame is that this glorious atmo V8 is on borrowed time. Hybrids and turbos are the focus of Lexus power plants in the short and mid term. Soon Lexus will shelve its GS 250 V6 model in favour of the GS 200t (for turbo).
Meanwhile, this GS F is to be savoured by those who understand and appreciate that a certain subtlety, with generous pampering, is rather pleasant in a performance sports sedan.
Lexus GS F price and specifications
Price: TBA (estimate $150,000 plus on-road costs)
On sale: February 2016
Engine: 5.0-litre V8 petrol
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, RWD
Power: 351kW at 7100rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 4800-5600rpm
Fuel use: 11.3L/100km