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Lexus GS 350 F Sport to Bow at SEMA

Better handling, snazzy interior, more color options -- but where's the power?

By Joshua Condon Oct 27, 2011 11:25AM
The Lexus GS 350 F Sport. (Photo by Lexus.)As previously reported, an F Sport-badged Lexus GS 350 is set to bow next week at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, and this week Toyota released details of what, exactly, the performance-oriented Predator-face Lexus will receive.

For starters: F Sport adaptive variable suspension, larger front brake rotors and meatier brake pads, a set of 19-inch wheels staggered for fatter rear tires (for rear-wheel-drive models, which is standard, though all-wheel drive is an option), plus reinforced anti-roll bars, firmer bushings, and unique fascia and spoilers.

What it doesn't get: more power. The F Sport variant gets the same direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine as the regular GS, and there's been no tuning to boost that mill's standard 306-horsepower output; that means that the F Sport gets to 60 mph in the same 5.7 seconds as its everyday sibling. 

Toyota has looked to deliver more than what we've come to expect from Lexus in the handling department -- i.e. a bowl of very refined pudding -- with a new Lexus Dynamic Handling system that includes rear-wheel steering, to control the rear wheels in phase with the front, as well as a system that tracks speed and driver input to optimize drift angle.

Aesthetic touches to the vehicle shouldn't be discounted, as the car comes with aluminum pedals and trim, perforated leather upholstery and a 16-way power driver's seat with adjustable side bolsters and thigh support. Lexus will also offer two special paint options on the GS 350 F Sport: Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum.

The Lexus GS 350 F Sport. (Photo by Lexus.)
[Source: Toyota.]


10Comments
Oct 28, 2011 11:28AM
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You guys are definitely not Lexus owners and it shows
Wrong.
Oct 28, 2011 11:08AM
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Your remarks are incorrect------cocky and arrogant as well......the latest as September 22, 2011 is that the 5.0 V-8 from the IS will be used with Turbo Charge making it 550 + HP. The above article lacks any depth of research as usuall. Any journalist knows that Lexus never produces only one engine for the GS----and never will. I stated V-10 and/or V-8.  Lexus is famous for sratching somehitng and then pulling it back out at the end.....the economic market does not warrant a V-10 fitting for this segment....room and power are there and avilable to be used.if needed. If you think the GS-F will warrant a V-6 you are sadly mistaken.....
Nov 2, 2011 11:44AM
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This is just plain ugly and an insult to previous generations of the GS.  I can understand why CEO Akio Toyoda didn't want to continue the GS given the odd styling and lackluster power plants being offered.  He certainly has made it clear this car didn't have his full support......and it shows.
Nov 1, 2011 7:50AM
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You guys are definitely not Lexus owners and it shows...
I'm a former Lexus owner and mine was such an unreliable piece of crap I've scratched everything and anything Toyota makes off my list forever. 

Since you seem to think you know so much, Andreponti, why don't you point us to the official Lexus press release that says there is a V8 or V10 powered GS-F coming.  As these guys have pointed out, there was an article here in late August that said there would be only two power plants offered in the next generation GS, a V6 and a V6 hybrid.  If you have something other than rumor to offer, please point to the source.  


Oct 28, 2011 4:08AM
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I wonder if anyone will cut themselves trying to wash the front fascia of that thing.  It's so horrendous.

 

What it doesn't get: more power.
You know what would fix that?  Hmm there's this thing they could do, what was it called?  Oh yeah, put a V8 back in it!! FFS. GS460 sounds perfect to me.
Oct 28, 2011 12:22PM
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Your remarks are incorrect------cocky and arrogant as well......

My remarks were written to reflect the person they were referring to, and therefore, were no more cocky or arrogant then yours.

 

If you think the GS-F will warrant a V-6 you are sadly mistaken.....

Just going by the information provided by Lexus not too long ago.  I hope it's incorrect, as a hybrid V6 would be very disappointing for the GS-F.  But lately Lexus has done a very good job disappointing their customers.

 

We will have to wait and see. 

Oct 28, 2011 7:29AM
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You guys are definitely not Lexus owners and it shows.......the GS 350 is initial engine offered as usual. The GS 450H and the sport variants will be offered as well. The GS-F will debut later with either a V-10 variant and or V-8 with 500+ HP......stay  tuned the Beast versions are coming out after the GS 350 debut.  The platform and suspension and dynamics is mind blowing.....as is the industry leading features inside that no German auto offers re: 5 series,etc. offers in this class. the GS will have an etertainment, lighting, air/heat, etc package for the rear seating area .....that is something only offered on LS, S, & 7 series.....GS will be first to have as well along with the rear wheel steering along with a host of upgraded features and selections.....

Nov 1, 2011 3:18PM
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These things are rolling death traps. There can't be more than 100 pounds of metal in these poor excuse for automobiles. Give me something with meat on it. More jap crap. Wonder what it cost them two get there cars on the internet. Got to be some pay off money in here.
Oct 28, 2011 9:12AM
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The GS-F will debut later with either a V-10 variant and or V-8 with 500+ HP......

You apparently aren't a Lexus owner either as Lexus has already confirmed that the V10 will definitely not make it into the GS-F and it is extremely unlikely that it will have a V8 either.

 

The most recent rumors are for a hybrid V6 powertrain for the GS-F.

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