Lexus GS F Sport gets ready to take BMW's crown

If you’re in the market for a large sports saloon, then it might be worth giving the New Lexus GS F Sport a second look. Perhaps you remember the LF-Gh Concept, which looked like it could eat small animals whilst sitting stationary. The new GS F Sport manages to convey some of the concept’s intimidating presence, but with a distinctly more kid (and pet) friendly interior.

The GS F Sport will be shown at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on 1 November and is distinguished by a grey metallic finish to the bumper diffuser, compared to the regular GS. On the GS 450h F Sport there is an additional chrome moulding on the bumper’s lower section, adding an extra dash of bling to the car’s on-the-road presence.

The F Sport package also includes a rear spoiler and dark metallic finish 19-inch alloy wheels of staggered width – 235/40/19 at the front and 265/35/19 at the rear. This not only adds to the sportier look, but is also claimed to improve the car’s traction. Inside those dark metallic wheels, the F Sport wears larger 356 x 30mm ventilated front disc brakes with a two-piece rotor designed to reduce weight and suppress heat deformation.

The GS F Sport has retuned front and rear suspension, supported by Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) to limit body roll and improve steering response. AVS allows the driver to fine tune the GS’s ride with a choice of two damper settings: Normal, for everyday driving, and Sport S+, for greater body control and cornering response.

Lexus announce rather proudly that the F Sport is the world’s first hybrid vehicle to feature an integrated four-wheel steering system, but of course to experience its talents you’ll need to opt for the range-topping GS 450h F Sport.

The F Sport’s engine and gearbox can be similarly attuned to the preferences of the driver, enabling the driver to choose between Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+ driving modes.

In Eco mode, engine output, the degree of throttle opening and gear selection are all automatically modulated to achieve the best fuel efficiency in all driving conditions. The air conditioning temperature, airflow volume and activation of the seat heaters are also controlled, further reducing fuel consumption.

Inside, as you would expect, Lexus have thrown the options list at its newest F Sport model, featuring matching door and seat upholstery available in a new Garnet (deep red) shade that is exclusive to the F Sport. Other features include aluminium trim elements, 16-way adjustable F Sport front seats, a black headliner and pillar finish, dimple perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob covers and aluminium pedals.

The scuff plates bear the F Sport logo in black and the F Sport badge is also featured on the steering wheel.

Full details, pricing and final specification of the GS F Sport will be confirmed before it reaches the UK market in early 2012.

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