More Lexus GS-F Rumors
Pistonheads has published some very interesting quotes from Lexus representatives at the Detroit Auto Show about possible applications of the LFA’s V10 engine:
“It’s not a straightforward job, because although the V10 is very compact its dry sump design means you have to find space under the bonnet for the oil tank,” said one insider. “That said, we do have two large sedans where the engine could possibly be made to fit.”
“We’ve already got a transmission that can handle the engine, in the shape of the 8-speed auto fitted to the IS-F. With its torque converter lock-up it would work very well in a car like this,” we were told.
“We’d need to be able to do a run of 5000 to 10,000 cars to make it feasible, and it wouldn’t be cheap. But with the LF-A we’re just starting to introduce very high performance as a Lexus brand value, so it’s natural that we will be looking at ways to develop this in future,” confirmed our informant.
It sounds like pure speculation, but it’s exciting nonetheless—I know from my own discussions with the Lexus people at the show that the high-revving LFA engine would be entirely unsuited for the LS lineup and its expected refinement, which would leave the GS as the only real Lexus model capable of handling the 552hp V10.
The big issue is the price—I was told the LFA engine could add upwards of $60-70k to the MSRP, which would push a potential GS-F over $100k and make it more expensive than a BMW M5 or a Mercedes E63. A tall order to be sure, and one that would require a significant rethink of the Lexus sports sedan.
And yet, as easy as it would be to dismiss the idea, the LFA itself is proof that anything’s possible. No one was expecting a $400k Lexus supercar, and yet only three months after its introduction, the entire production run has been spoken for. It’s for that reason that I’m not giving up hope on a GS-F, and from the sounds of the Pistonheads article, neither is Lexus.
[Source: Pistonheads]
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I rather see a GS then an LS but either would be pretty cool. The LS would be really expensive as its almost 100K w/ options. I could see a GS F go for 90-120k…time will tell i guess.
PS i would love to see an RX - F for the “soccer dads” out there
If the engine will cost $60k to produce, what about just sticking it into the LS and calling it the LS F with a $200k price tag. Like as a Mercedes S65 AMG competitor?
@James: It’s really a question of refinement, the LFA’s V10 may be smooth for a racing engine, but it would be far too active in a quiet sedan like the LS.
@Joshd: An RX-F would be ridiculous on so many levels!
Maybe they can produce a V10 variant that is less expensive than the LFA one…and put it in the GS-F. Or perhaps make the first turbocharged Lexus…
@Dan: I would think that replacing even just the titanium in the engine would drop the price, but there’s still the cost of manufacture, along with the unfortunate side-effect of reducing engine output and performance.
$100k GS :/ thats a tad steep
Just make a SC-F which would make sense for that price range. Just make it a 2+2 so at like $110k+ it can go toe-to-toe against some heavy hitters like the 612 and it be considered a bargain
I think Lexus should take the risk… work with multi-port fuel-injection and deal with the noise; build a dual-clutch transmission based on the Volkswagen’s and deal with the people complaining about the lack of gearshifting engagement and… sigh… I don’t know
i like the idea of that F-seires
hope it works to change the bland idea taken on lexus
GS-F:great! LS-F and RX-F:no thanks.Too large and too heavy.Dedicated Lexus sports car in the vein of the LFA but more accessible:Oh,yeah!