Lexus GS-F Engine Rumors

Posted by Kevin on September 6th, 2011

The Lexus GS-F rumors are back out in full force, and judging from the conflicting reports from Inside Line & Motor Trend, it’s less a question of if Lexus will be making it, but rather what will be powering the high-performance sedan — let’s start with Inside Line:

Although Lexus officials refuse to confirm the existence of the GS F, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda hinted heavily at the model being in Lexus’ future plans during a recent roundtable with journalists in Pebble Beach, California.

“I want Lexus to be the brand chosen by the most sophisticated of drivers,” Toyoda told us. “I want Lexus to compete around the world with global Lexus models. And don’t worry about high-performance Lexuses like F Sport and F models going away.”

If the GS F does make production, speculation is that it will be powered by a supercharged version of the 5.0-liter V8 used in the IS F. Lexus has noticed Cadillac’s recent success with supercharging in the CTS-V, and may choose that route over more complex and more expensive turbocharging.

Power should be in the 550 range, which is well above the 414 hp the V8 now makes in the IS F. The two cars are expected to share the same eight-speed automatic transmission.

Compare that with what Motor Trend had to say from the very same event:

[Lexus GS chief engineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori] hints the future 2013 GS F model will carry LFA design cues – and possibly, its super powers – in the form of a version of the 4.8-liter V-10 engine found in the $400,000 supercar. Why? Because it fits.

Mr. Kanamori said Lexus never planned to carry on with the V-10 project, but that it was “technically feasible to fit the engine into the new GS.” Further proving the idea has been seriously pondered, he said the engine would have to be detuned to deliver more torque instead of power.

“But I am not sure,” he said. “We have some plan for the next F model.”

At this point, both publications are simply speculating, but if I were a betting man, I’d be putting my money on Inside Line and a V8 powered GS-F. There may be enough room in the engine bay for a V10, but I don’t think there’s room in the market — detuned or not, the extra expense of the LFA’s engine would likely price the car right out of competing with the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG, and I don’t think that’s a battle that Lexus wants to miss out on.

[Source: Inside Line & Motor Trend]

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Comments
  • Anonymous
  • September 6, 2011
I think both those options could work ...  .... especially since the V10 in the LFA is the **size of a V8**, while having the **weight of a V6**!!!!  But I'd also put my bet on a modifies version of the 5L V8... although I'd be very happy if they used a tuned version of the 4.8L V10 with less HP and a lot more torque! 
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    BlackDynamiteMB
  • September 6, 2011
To expand a little further, the Motor Trend article also said the V10 would have to be modified for more torque 550HP sound about right.  If the LFA is in fact sold out, they wouldn't have to worry too much about ruining it's value. Supercharging the V8 will not cost much, and will make it worth the extra money over the ISF.  If they can keep it's weight under 3800-3900 lbs, it's power-to-weight ration should trounce CTS-V and M5, EASILY! BD  
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    BOSS
  • September 6, 2011
550 hp range.....wow there is a god after all..
  • Anonymous
  • September 6, 2011
I'm so sad... V10 V10 V10!!!
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    Mike DeLorca
  • September 6, 2011
Both are great choices-----I am with Krew on the V-8.  Better pricing strategy also and this leaves the reason for leaving out the GS 460 V-8 in the 2013 new generation GS as well. With a Super Charge this thing would be a wild Beast on the road without the V-10 price tag. I say LEXUS will certainly make it happen and very, very pleased if they do.  Keep it up Akio !
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      krew
    • September 7, 2011
    That's exactly it -- I believe the only reason there's no V8 GS is because a GS-F will satisfy almost everyone who would have bought one.
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    drock3800
  • September 6, 2011
I doubt they'd put the same V10 (even a de-tuned version) into the GS due to it's excessive manufacturing price tag.  I believe the engine alone costs in excess of $85,000, effectively overpricing the GS entirely.  What's more likely is that they'll use the same or similar block and build a completely different engine around it.
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      krew
    • September 7, 2011
    I've heard $75,000 myself -- I have to think a V10 GS-F would easily hit $100k.
  • Anonymous
  • September 6, 2011
I rather like the LED's although I wish Lexus did something more original. But with the LED's, Lexus isn't able to hide the headlamp washers anymore! ):
W
Just Do it. GS-F with Supercharged V8 and improved 8 Speed Transmission. Keep the LFA engine for the LFA and future iterations of it.   Also is the F designation reserved for Lexus only? How does a Camry F Sound. lol
    • Anonymous
    • September 7, 2011
    LOL I prefer not :P
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      krew
    • September 7, 2011
    No way dude!
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    JVX
  • September 7, 2011
A supercharged V8 sounds for feasible, leaving room for growth in the future with the V10.  Let's keep the LFA special for the time being. It would also be competatively priced against the M5, AMG, and CTS-V, unlike the TRD performance part upgrade costing $40k for the IS reported last week.
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    Richard
  • September 7, 2011
For fun, why don't they reserve the de-tuned V10 for a future LS-F. A Super-Charged V8 sounds perfect for the GS-F... with some tricks learned from the LFA: Dry Sump Lubrication, Front Mid-Mounting & Titanium Bits... Please keep the nose light; the IS-F's 54/46 is pretty good, even though it looks so nose heavy.
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      Mike DeLorca
    • September 7, 2011
    I think your reasoning is right on.....keep the V-10 special. The LS-F needs to be ground breaking and hauntingly powerful. The LS-F is going to have a strong following. The price will be paid by loyal fans with deep pockets.  The GS-F will be fine and a real strong test......the flagship sedan warrants the prestige factor and wealthy past owners will buy it.  I am sure that the SC-F would be the same.  Save the best for the market that can afford it and leave it exclusive.
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      krew
    • September 7, 2011
    In my mind, the V10 should be used in the next generation SC-F. Please.
    K
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      krew
    • September 7, 2011
    In my mind, the V10 should be used in the next generation SC-F. Please.
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    Richard
  • September 7, 2011
For fun, why don't they reserve the de-tuned V10 for a future LS-F. A Super-Charged V8 sounds perfect for the GS-F... with some tricks learned from the LFA: Dry Sump Lubrication, Front Mid-Mounting & Titanium Bits... Please keep the nose light; the IS-F's 54/46 is pretty good, even though it looks so nose heavy.
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    Two-Lexus household
  • September 7, 2011
I want to bet on the detuned V-10.  If they merely lower the redline to say, 8000, they could replace all those expensive titanium parts with something a lot more reasonable.  Just remember, Lexus / Yamaha already has developed (and probably paid for) the V-10 tools and this tooling almost demands to be used again.  Besides, supercharging is such a complicated hassle. Besides, wouldn't YOU rather market a GS with a near-LFA V-10?  Yeah, me too.
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      krew
    • September 7, 2011
    No question -- my preference would always be with a V10 GS-F that blows the doors off the competition, but I just can't believe that Lexus would actually release it.
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    05RollaXRS
  • September 7, 2011
GS-F is going to be a heavy car (atleast 500 - 600 lbs heavier than the LFA) so the that extra midrange torque from the supercharged V8 will fit it better than top end power heavy LFA V10. Since the LFA V10 costs 75,000 dollars alone, it will make economic sense.
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    Twan29
  • September 7, 2011
Cant wait to someone take a pic of the LFA, GS-F, and IS-F that will be so #epic
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    Travis
  • September 7, 2011
Dont put the V10 into the GS.. That engine is much to speical for the public.. I feel people will start stealing the GSF off the streets and take the motor. . .
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    Travis
  • September 7, 2011
Dont put the V10 into the GS.. That engine is much to speical for the public.. I feel people will start stealing the GSF off the streets and take the motor. . .
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      Mike DeLorca
    • September 7, 2011
    I agree---if the V-8 with that much power sells well......then bring an exclusive limited series with the V-10. Lexus will be testing the market first.....I really don't think they will throw all their eggs into this basket at first.....more suspense and broader series of Models awaits.
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    Don Colione
  • September 7, 2011
Would they do a special V8 super charged or whatever and use it across the board like Mercedes AMG..? Say in like a GS-F, SC/GS-F Coupe, LS-F, next IS-F.......
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      krew
    • September 7, 2011
    I have to imagine whatever they use in the GS-F will also make its way to the IS-F (at the very least). This is actually a very good point -- have to think there's a 0% chance of a V10 IS-F.
Y
They indeed said the V10 will be fit ... but there's a problem , the engine is not easy to be made and of course it would increase the total cost of the GS-F , which meant it might hurt sales . V8 Super-Charger is the cheaper way to go , but indeed I prefer 4.8-liter V10 is the perfection ... except cost .
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    Tim
  • September 7, 2011
A V10 from the LFAwill set a benchmark.. But the V8 would be more then enough
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I really don't have a preference between the V8 and the V10. Not because I don't care,I really do,but because I know either engine option will be executed to perfection by Lexus' first class engineering staff.
  • Anonymous
  • September 8, 2011
My vote is for a new 5 litre V8 with tech from the LFA's V10 - dry sump lubrication system so the engine can sit lower in the engine bay to lower the centre of gravity - individual throttle bodies for each of the 8 cylinders - direct injection - high revving sophisticated valve train (8500 rpm redline) Add a supercharger and an intercooler Sound like a plan?