Lexus will inject some sportiness into its all-new hybrid GS saloon with this new Lexus GS 450h F-Sport model, due for a public debut at the SEMA tuning show in Las Vegas next week. Lexus has confirmed that the car will be launched in the UK in 2012.
Chief among the modifications for the GS F-Sport over the standard car is an adaptive sports variable suspension set-up, which Lexus claims offers a more engaging drive. Other upgrades include lighter sports brakes with larger front discs and an integrated four-wheel steering system, a first for a hybrid vehicle, according to Toyota’s luxury arm.
See pics of the new Lexus GS F-Sport
External revisions include dark metallic 19-inch alloys clad with 235/40/19 tyres on the front and 265/35/19 rubber at the back and a new bumper design with larger side grilles and integrated mesh design. The car’s rear bumper is distinguished by a grey metallic finish to the diffuser. A rear spoiler completes the package.
In the F-Sport’s cabin, the doors and seats are finished in a matching deep red ‘Garnet’ shade. Also included are aluminium flourishes to the dash, a leather steering wheel and scuff plates with F-Sport badges.
Standard on all GS models are four driving modes - Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+. This allows users to either maximise the car’s efficiency or its dynamic performance.
The F-Sport upgrades do not liberate any more power from the GS’s V6 petrol engine and electric motor powertrain, however. Autocar learned early in 2010 that Toyota was planning to equip this new generation of GS with a detuned version of the LFA supercar’s 4.8-litre V10 powertrain. This model would give Lexus a rival to the BMW M5.
Last week, Lexus also revealed its CT 200 F-Sport model. Like the GS F-Sport, suspension revisions have been made for more engaging dynamics and external modifications include similar changes to the bumpers and alloys.
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