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The Lexus GS-F is a ‘hoot’ to drive
By Greg Rubenstein
S
tuffing a high-output V8 engine into an otherwise vanilla sedan has been a recipe for success since the Rocket 88, created in 1949 when Oldsmobile shoehorned the model 98’s 5.0-liter V8 into the smaller, lighter model 78. Seven decades later, just about every manufacturer offers at least one supersedan, and anyone who’s piloted a mid-size four-door with high-output engine knows why it’s a winning combination: they’re a hoot to drive. At the pinnacle of this concept are the ultra-high-performance sedans turned out by the luxury manufacturers in-house tuning divisions, including Audi Sport, BMW M, Cadillac V, Jaguar SVO, Lexus
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AUGUST 2019 | SEPTEMBER 2019 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM
F, and Mercedes-Benz AMG. While it’d be inaccurate to label any of Lexus’ three GS variants as “vanilla”—especially when equipped with the performance- and aesthetic-enhancing F Sport package—the GS F is an altogether different beast of a model, an amalgamated apex of luxury and performance in executive-class sedan. The GS F is a rear-wheel-drive, fourdoor sedan equipped with the luxury, infotainment/tech, and safety equipment expected in a modern luxury vehicle. While many features and systems are shared with its turbo-four equipped GS 300 and V6-powered GS 350 siblings, it is the free-revving, sweet-singing highoutput V8 which is the heart and soul of
the GS F. Rated for 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque, the 5.0-liter V8 engine is capable of propelling the 4,034-pound GS F from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds—4.5 seconds per the manufacturer—which also means this Lexus should cover the quarter mile in less than 13 seconds. From the outside, the GS F has a muscular design accented by wide fender flares, carbon fiber rear spoiler and carbon fiber reinforced plastic front chin spoiler. Lexus’ trademark spindle grille gets the F-series design blackout treatment, and is flanked by giant air ducts located below the triple-beam headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The inlets feed cooling air to