The 467bhp Lexus GS F Is A Weapon Of M Division Destruction

Say hello to the latest middle finger to the environmentalists from Lexus. This is the GS F, the hot version of the Japanese manufacturer’s 5-series rivalling GS saloon, and it appears to be having an identity crisis.

Behind that angular snout sits the same 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 found in the smaller RC F (no planet-saving turbocharging here), making the same amount of grunt: 467bhp and 389lb ft of torque. Based on a heavily revised GS platform, you’d naturally assume the F-ified version would be pitched at wavering M5 customers. If that’s the case, Lexus will have to convince these buyers that a near-as-makes-no-difference 100bhp defecit doesn’t matter.

Based on that output, then, the M3/M4 twins would make more sense in terms of rivalry, but that’s the RC F coupe’s remit. We can only assume Lexus is ignoring the M5 altogether, instead taking on the Audi S6, with which it shares similar proportions and power figures. This seems like a bit of a cop-out - the RC F has already proved a viable M alternative, so why not keep gunning for the big dogs?

Enough conjecture; on with the facts. That beefy V8 puts its power to the road through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with paddle shifters giving the driver a say in proceedings.

The GS F’s monocoque chassis has been structurally reinforced and an all-new suspension package gives the handling a racier feel. A Torque Vectoring Differential, first seen in the RC F, will be fitted to the GS F as standard, which offers three driving modes: Standard offers a balanced setup, Slalom sharpens up the handling, while Track provides stability in high-speed circuit driving.

The Lexus GS F will make its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 13 January.