Photography and video by ©2016 Toni Avery
Having the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the GS F on track before it ever hit the street was pretty special. Then being able to take it home for a week…doesn’t get any better than that.
You might have already read my review of the RC-F as well as the track story. Both cars are powered by the same motors and are within a few pounds of each other. But both have distinct personalities that makes testing each more than worthwhile. Which would I park in my garage for good? Read on to find out.
This GS F is equipped with a 5-liter V8 producing 467 HP @7100 RPM and 389 lb-ft of torque @ 4800 RPM mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with stopping power provided by Brembo ventilated discs and six-piston calipers front and four-piston rear.
Nearly identical to my experience with the RC-F (read more about the driving dynamics), I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic driving experience that comes with piloting the GS F, especially when using paddle shifters and driving in Sport + mode.
As mentioned in the Heels & Wheels Performance Drive story, the GS F felt slightly more planted on track than the smaller RC-F. On the street, the GS F felt slightly larger, but didn’t seem to suffer any from its slight weight gain over the RC F. Steering feel is responsive and accurate with each turn or quick maneuver made with the slightest of adjustments.
Once torque kicks in, acceleration feels pretty quick and the sound that comes with driving in Sport + mode is beyond cool. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s like a booming, mechanical noise that becomes angrier and angrier the harder you press on the go-pedal. The below video offers some great acceleration sound clips.
The exterior of the GS F features 19” Forged Alloy Wheels with staggered tires, carbon fiber rear wing, blacked out tail lights, and finished in Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint.
While I always have been and probably always will be a Coupe girl, the exterior design of the GS F is sharp, aggressive and elegant all at the same time. While I love the blacked out tail lights and carbon fiber rear spoiler, the profile of the GS F is its best angle.
Inside the GS F are carbon fiber accents, Alcantara, blue stitching, leather F Spec Sport Seats, and the optional Mark Levinson Audio System ($1,380).
The interior of the GS F features some high-end materials and textures that bring even an all black space up a few notches to match its higher price point. The F Spec Sport Seats were very comfortable for long and short distance driving as well as canyon sprints. I especially liked the carbon fiber and Alcantara throughout, with smartly placed Alcantara on the center console cover and the small hand rest for the navigation controller.
The navigation screen might be the largest I have yet to come across with easy to use functions. It may take some getting used to when using the controller for the first time because it’s extremely easy of move. The sound system offers crisp and clear sound and the voice-activation system commands were heard perfectly.
With all the added benefits of the GS F over the RC-F including a significant amount more passenger space and some aesthetic differences such as the blacked out tail lights, I still feel one just edges out over the other.
While I’d never turn either down if the opportunity arises, I do know that I could see a very happy long-term relationship with the RC-F.
2016 Lexus GS F
Base Price: $84,440
Options: Mark Levinson Audio
Price with Options: $85,820
Destination Charge: $940
Total Price: $86,760
Fuel Economy: 16 City, 24 Highway, 19 Combined
GirlsDriveFastToo gives the 2016 Lexus GS F an overall rating of (out of 5 total):
