Lexus reveals ‘F’ Performance Line: the GS F Sedan

Lexus GS F

TORRANCE, Calif. – Lexus is yet again showing its sporty disposition and rumbling into Detroit. The luxury vehicle manufacturer has announced the much-anticipated GS F performance sedan, which combines a refined four-door package with the speed and agility of a premium sports car, will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 8:40 a.m. EST in the Lexus display atCobo Center in Detroit. The GS F will be the latest vehicle to join Lexus’ high-performance “F” line that already includes the RC F coupe.Although the GS 350 F SPORT shares the same platform as the new GS F, they should not be confused. The GS F will have enhancements throughout, including to its engine. Under the hood will be a responsive, naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces a remarkable 467 hp (473 PS )* at 7,100 rpm and peak torque of 389 lb.-ft. (527 Nm)* at 4,800-5,600 rpm. This sophisticated engine uses both Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximize power and efficiency in given situations.  Befitting the nature of this high performance sedan, the engine will be mated to a lightning quick eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shifting capabilities.

Lexus’ innovative Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), also found in the RC F, will be part of a long line of standard equipment that’ll make the GS F’s handling stand out from the crowd. The TVD features three operating modes:

• Standard (default) provides a balance of agility and firmness;
• Slalom emphasizes nimble steering response and agility; and
• Track emphasizes control during high-speed circuit driving.

The GS F unibody will also feature structural reinforcements and suspension exclusively designed to optimize this super sedan’s handling envelope without detracting from its ride quality. Drivers will appreciate the GS F’s handling and smoothness on the open highway as well as the sedan’s ability to devour challenging roads, whether they’re winding up the side of a mountain or at a racetrack. The new GS F will offer drivers a very balanced sedan with genuine dual personality, equally adept at trimming lap times and the commute back home.

Lexus GS F

Preliminary Specifications*

Overall length	4,915 mm	193.5 in.
Overall width	1,845 mm	72.6 in.
Overall height	1,440 mm	56.7in.
Wheelbase	2,850 mm	112.2 in.
Tread (Fr/Rr)	1,555 mm/1,560 mm	61.2in./61.4 in.
Curb Weight	1,830 kg	4,034 lb.
Wheels	19’’×9J (Fr) 19’’×10J (Rr)	–
Tires	255/35R19(Fr) 275/35R19(Rr)	–

 *All specifications are for the U.S. market

VW CEO: Midsize SUV on the way to USA

 

VW CrossBlue

There are a lot of rote PR announcements at auto shows. The latest exec shows up perfectly coiffed, the PR folks roll the PowerPoint, audio folks attach wireless microphones and amassed media listen patiently for the meat and potatoes of the conference through the white noise of sales numbers, model sales year over year, refinements with connectivity and the like before the “real news” is released.

From Detroit, the meat from the CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn was a midsize SUV is on the way for America.

Before that the presser notes a multi-billion dollar investment program in North America over the next five years and how Audi/VW give to sell 1M per year in the US by 2018.

The yet to arrive SUV will be a 7-seater and is slated for launch in 2016.

No word was given on if the SUV would be built in VW’s Chattanooga, TN plant or in Mexico were the Golf is produced.

It is said to be based upon the concept CrossBlue, which was shown in Detroit a year ago. It would fit in between the smaller VW Tiguan and larger Touareg.