Review: 2020 Lexus GS F

When you think of the GS F ... you're likely going to want to think fast, fun, fabulous, and fantastic.

But in all actuality, the F commercially refers to "flagship" and Fuji Speedway, the chief test site of Lexus performance vehicle development. The GS F engine has been engineered for low weight and high strength with forged connecting rods and titanium valves that deliver a broad band of power that's always up for the challenge.

Impressions

I love the sound of this vehicle; the sound is exactly what I would want in a luxury sports car. There's no doubt that the Toyota and Lexus engineers have the TRD and F line sounds figured out. I was impressed a couple weeks ago with the TRD Tundra rumble, and I was again impressed this week with the GS F. It is not an overbearing straight pipe sound, but a throaty rumble that resembles a 1970's Chevelle El Camino or Nova. It has an active sound control (ASC) system that electronically 'boosts' the sound in the cabin via the audio speakers that could be turned off. But why would I do that? I personally would pay for that sweet sound.

I took the vehicle for a drive out to East Texas, and you could feel that it has excellent linear acceleration. The reason that it is so quick for a sedan is that the eight-speed sport direct shift (SPDS) automatic transmission. This is not your normal transmission. The GS F has what is called a Lexus G force artificial intelligence shift control (G AI-SHIFT) system. When cruising in sport mode, the system uses a G-force sensor to monitor how aggressively the car is being driven and then adjusts the transmission shift points according to the acceleration you need for any type of situation. This is a great car that is fun both inside and out, and it won't look dated in a few years like a few of the luxury sedans out there. When you toss in all the Lexus safety features, this is a vehicle you will enjoy for some time.

In the News

Source: Lexus | The GS F devours curves thanks to its rigid structure, front and rear body braces, responsive yet compliant suspension system, and powerful Brembo braking system. Featuring a Linear Adaptive Variable Suspension system (AVS), the GS F is able to adjust its dampers over a wide range of settings. The double wishbone front suspension uses forged aluminum upper and lower control arms, a stabilizer bar and specially tuned coil springs and bushings. The rear multi-link suspension features forged aluminum control arms with increased torsional rigidity, along with optimized suspension arm bushings. The Brembo brakes feature lightweight, 6-piston aluminum monoblock front calipers with 14.9-in. ventilated rotors and 4-piston aluminum monoblock rear calipers with 13.5-in. ventilated rotors. The lightweight 19 x 9-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear matte black wheels come standard with 255/35ZR19 tires up front and 275/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in back. The GS F's electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering delivers excellent dynamic performance and steering feel. A damper-less intermediate shaft on the steering column helps to increase steering rigidity upstream and ensure high responsiveness to steering inputs.

Specifications

Engine: 467 horsepower fully aspirated 5.0L V8
Torque: 389 pound-feet
Transmission: 8-speed sport direct-shift automatic with paddle shifters
Color Shown: Ultrasonic Blue Mica
Wheels: 19" matte black forged alloy
Sound: Mark Levinson 17-speaker surround sound audio system
Fuel: 15/25/19 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $85,010
MSRP (shown): $89,510

Learn More

For more information or to test drive a 2020 Lexus GS F for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit:
Lexus | GS F

About Lexus

Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world's first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 1.5 million hybrid vehicles. A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests and is currently available in over 90 countries worldwide. Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world.