The Lexus GS F Sport, live in Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas! Not only is it home to flashy casinos, a Celine Dion residency and, er, showgirls, but it is also the place Lexus has chosen to unveil the new GS F Sport on November 1. There is also a hybrid version, the GS 450h F Sport.

The design has been sharpened up considerably - it is more sporty tourer and less sensible family saloon. Touches such as the dark metallic 19-inch alloys with wider rear tyres, rear spoiler, a new front bumper, bigger side skirts and a mesh design for the upper and lower grilles all help add to the menace of this car’s appearance. On the hybrid, there is additional chrome moulding on the bumper’s lower section.

Sports-tuned adaptive suspension, two damper settings, modified shock absorbers, and integrated steering systems conspire for improved handling without losing the fun factor and coming to a stop shouldn’t be a hassle with lighter, heat-resistant sports braking and bigger front discs. The GS 450h F Sport will be the first hybrid to feature integrated four-wheel steering.

There are different driving modes as well. Sport S+ increases the difference in shock absorber damping when driving through corners to reduce body roll, the gear ratios are tighter and the electric power steering increases the steering assist torque.

The most environmentally friendly performance comes when the car is in Eco mode with the degree of throttle opening and gear selection automatically modified for optimum fuel economy in all driving conditions. Eco mode also controls the air conditioning, airflow volume and seat heaters for further frugality.

Lexus has spruced up the interior too and it’s good to see that inside as well as out, the GS has moved on from being a staid saloon. Door and seat upholstery will be available in a natty new shade called Garnet Red, which will be exclusive to the F Sport. Aluminium trim features strongly inside, including the pedals, and there is dimple leather on the steering wheel and gear shifter. The chances of finding the optimum driving position are also boosted with 16-way adjustable front seats.

The GS F Sport will be available in Europe and the UK next year. Pricing is still to be confirmed.



Lexus GS F Sport with a little of a tuner’s touch, jazzing the GS up into a SEMA Show Las Vegas show car






The real-world GS F Sport






Garnet Red upholstery is F Sport-only



And just for kicks, how about this tuner-modified Lexus CT 200h




www.lexus.co.uk


By Georgia Lewis

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