2016 Lexus GS F revealed

New BMW M5-rivalling Lexus GS F performance sedan revealed in Detroit. 

Lexus has unveiled the new GS F sports sedan at the 2015 Detroit motor show overnight.

The GS F is Lexus’ third F-badged V8 performance car and the first to be based on the larger GS luxury sedan, which is otherwise only offered with V6 and hybrid powertrains.

Featuring a much more aggressive stance than the standard GS models, the F sits lower and wider with flared wheel arches at both ends and completely redesigned front and rear bumpers.

The front takes on Lexus’ big spindle grille with aggressive air intakes as well as redesigned slim headlights with signature tick-shaped daytime-running LEDs.

At the rear the GS F features tweaked taillights, and a new rear diffuser housing quad stacked exhaust tips in typical F fashion.

A large vent behind the front wheel has also been added along with a subtle carbon fibre rear lip spoiler and sportier side-skirts.

On the inside, the GS F gains a sports steering wheel, digital configurable instrument cluster, sports seats and carbon fibre and Alcantara trimmings.

Under the GS F's bonnet is the same 348kW/527Nm 5.0-litre V8 as the impending RC F coupe, with the same eight-speed torque converter automatic handling shifting duties.

Three different transmission settings can be selected to give faster and more visceral gear shifts for spirited driving, or smooth changes for comfier cruising. 

Compared to its key rivals like the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG, the Lexus produces significantly less power than the 400kW plus Germans but at 1830kg is lighter thanks to its aluminium-intensive structure – though a 0-100km/h figure hasn't been revealed. 

Drive goes through the rear wheels via a torque vectoring differential – also borrowed from the RC F – that features three different modes including Standard, Slalom and Track. The latter two settings give the GS F improved stability and cornering agility over the default Standard setting. 

Compared to the standard GS sedan the F model features structural reinforcements, redesigned suspension and larger 19-inch wheels and tyres which cover bigger brakes with bright orange calipers.

Tyres are 255/35 at the front with fat 275/35s in the rear provided by Michelin.

The GS F is yet to be confirmed for Australia, but an early 2016 arrival is on the cards.