X

Lexus builds a luxury sports sedan with soul

A screaming V8 engine, tight chassis tuning and responsive steering have Lexus entering the high-performance luxury sports sedan conversation with the GS F to battle cars like the BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V.

Jon Wong
Jon Wong was a reviews editor for CNET Cars. He test drove and wrote about new cars and oversaw coverage of automotive accessories and garage gear. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage.
Jon Wong
2016-lexus-gs-f-1.jpg
1 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

The GS F is the second sedan in the Lexus performance vehicle lineup to receive the full F treatment that includes a more powerful engine, extensive chassis upgrades and styling revisions.

2016-lexus-gs-f-2.jpg
2 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

The rear of the GS F features a carbon-fiber lip spoiler and quad exhaust tips.

2016-lexus-gs-f-3.jpg
3 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Lexus' trademark spindle grille receives a carbon-fiber lower lip on the GS F that Lexus says helps generate more downforce.

2016-lexus-gs-f-4.jpg
4 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

To further stiffen the GS F's chassis, Lexus engineers installed additional underbody braces.

2016-lexus-gs-f-5.jpg
5 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

To improve brake performance, the GS F uses six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brake calipers.

2016-lexus-gs-f-6.jpg
6 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Staggered 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires deliver high grip levels on a race track, while also being comfortable and quiet for regular street driving.

2016-lexus-gs-f-7.jpg
7 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Bigger lower air dams on the front of the GS help more air flow through engine oil and transmission fluid coolers.

2016-lexus-gs-f-8.jpg
8 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

A 5-liter V8 powers the GS F with 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque.

2016-lexus-gs-f-9.jpg
9 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

The interior is highlighted by comfortable and supportive front bucket seats that are good for performance driving, not to mention over the long haul.

2016-lexus-gs-f-10.jpg
10 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

The front seats in the GS F are some of the best factory-installed examples available today.

2016-lexus-gs-f-11.jpg
11 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-12.jpg
12 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-13.jpg
13 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-14.jpg
14 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-15.jpg
15 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-16.jpg
16 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-17.jpg
17 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-18.jpg
18 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-19.jpg
19 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-20.jpg
20 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-21.jpg
21 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-22.jpg
22 of 45 Jon Wong/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-23.jpg
23 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-24.jpg
24 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-25.jpg
25 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-26.jpg
26 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-27.jpg
27 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-28.jpg
28 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-29.jpg
29 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-30.jpg
30 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-31.jpg
31 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-32.jpg
32 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-33.jpg
33 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-34.jpg
34 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-35.jpg
35 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-36.jpg
36 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-37.jpg
37 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-38.jpg
38 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-39.jpg
39 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-40.jpg
40 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-41.jpg
41 of 45 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-42.jpg
42 of 45 Jon Wong/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-43.jpg
43 of 45 Jon Wong/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-44.jpg
44 of 45 Jon Wong/Roadshow
2016-lexus-gs-f-45.jpg
45 of 45 Jon Wong/Roadshow

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos