Here's the 2016 Lexus GS-F, and here's some perspective for when your buddies call it a BMW M5 rival.
The GS-F is just about the least new new car to come out in a while, being not much more than a Lexus RC-F drivetrain in a GS body.
The key difference between the GS-F and the RC-F is that while you can get the RC-F with a rather enjoyable mechanical Torsen differential, the GS-F comes standard with Lexus' electronic controlled clutch pack I don't know what 'Torque Vectoring Differential,' which is interesting to read about but not all that great to drive as we recently found out in the RC-F.
Here's Lexus' press copy on the TVD from their last release on the RC-F so you can see what I mean.
It is the world's first torque-transfer type torque-vectoring system for a front-engine/rear-drive vehicle. The electronically controlled Lexus TVD optimally distributes torque to each rear wheel regardless of whether the accelerator is pressed or not. The Lexus TVD is unique in using precisely controlled multi-plate clutches rather than the vehicle's brakes to vector torque.
The design aim was to make optimal use of the vehicle's yaw moment when turning, resulting in the feeling that the direction of travel and the direction of the vehicle are perfectly aligned.
Electronic control and precision electric actuator motors, adjusted in units of 1/1000 second, ensure the appropriate amount of torque is distributed to each rear wheel.
TVD enables torque transfer to be generated regardless of how large or small the engine torque is, creating a yaw moment around the centre of gravity of the car.
If you're wondering, yes, the TVD requires its own ECU.
But hey, the GS-F is 300 pounds lighter than the M5! The GS-F weighs 4,034 lb according to Lexus while the F10 M5 hauls around 4,387 lb, or 4,354 if you get the manual.
The drawback is the GS-F comes with 467 horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. out of its naturally-aspirated 5.0 liter V8. The M5 comes with 560 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. by contrast.
I can't wait to see the GS-F in Detroit next week, where I will have a baseball bat waiting for anyone who says it looks like Predator.
Photo Credits: Lexus