IS/RC Rumormill: Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way?

[HighestOfHigh]

It looks like Lexus is planning to go to both extremes on the green-performance continuum. When the next-generation IS appears in a couple of years, it will likely add a hybrid powertrain option. Such a move would be in keeping with Toyota's oft-stated commitment to having hybrid drive available in almost all of its platforms by the end of the decade. The IS hybrid may also spawn a new rear-drive hybrid sports car around the same time. If these IS based hybrids are consistent with the current GS450h they will definitely be biased more towards performance than efficiency, using the hybrid drive to enhance acceleration without consuming more gas.

Meanwhile, the GS – as rumored previously – could be setting its sites on the new BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V. Even though only 500 LF-As will be built, the 4.8-liter V10 may find its way into a much-rumored new GS-F model. The GS-F won't arrive until 2013 so it should be based on the next generation sedan. In the LF-A, the V10 has the power to compete with the German and American models but falls short of the Cadillac's torque. If the new M5 gets the uprated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X5/X6 M, it would also be way ahead of the Lexus. Unless the Lexus engine gets boosted or the GS looses a lot of weight, this could be the only high-revving sports sedan of the pack left.

- Rumormill: Rear-drive Hybrid Lexus IS, V10-powered GS F on the way? — Autoblog

 

[Kowalski]

Oh 500 horsepowers and a stuck throttle... it should be fun.

 

[Merc1]

Toyota/Lexus would be downright dumb not to use the V10 from the LF-A in a GS-F model, with a proper dual-clutch gearbox and a little more torque.


M

 

[HighestOfHigh]

People are always bashing the GS, but the car extremely pleasant to drive. I wonder how it will be if it gets the LFA engine.

 

[Merc1]

The GS is a "nice" car for sure, but it has neither the typical Lexus ride or the handling of the sportier German cars. Nice, but a class laggard. I seem to remember the trunk space being a joke too, and it has never really been much of a look either. Not hard to see why it doesn't sell. Its been a flop since day one, generation one. It never stays hot more than 18 months.


M

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Sure it's no where close to the Germans, but still provides an above average ride. Of course not as quiet as the LS, but still good for someone who doesn't need a "sporty" ride.

 

[bmer]

Oh 500 horsepowers and a stuck throttle... it should be fun.

Repetition is a device of humor but there's a line...

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Lexus GS-F And New SC Convertible In The Works

If Lexus is serious about building its F performance division into a genuine rival to BMW M or Mercedes-Benz AMG it will need to launch more models than just the IS-F and LFA supercar. There’s no doubting the talents of Lexus’ engineers--one spin in the LFA and we’re sure you will be left with anything but respect for the Japanese automaker’s technology and know-how when it comes to making cars go fast.

The only problem the F marque has is a lack of a suitable model base to start building up its arsenal. All is not lost, however, as there are some bright spots. A high-performance version of the rear-wheel drive GS has always been a no-brainer, especially with models like the M5 and E63 winning scores of fans all over the world. A hotted-up SC convertible could have been something special as well but sadly that model is set to meet its demise this July.

All is not lost however as there are reports claiming that a new GS-F and next-generation SC convertible are both in development.

The GS-F would essentially pick up a detuned version of the 4.8-liter V-10 from the LFA, developing around 450 horsepower, and go on sale in 2013. Special features would include a torque vectoring differential on the rear axle and plenty of carbon-fiber to reduce weight.

As for the next-generation SC, Lexus is expected to position the convertible further upmarket and compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz SL. To do so it would grow in size in comparison to the current model and pick up a powerful rear-wheel drive hybrid system complete with the IS-F’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine. It’s expected release date is mid-2014.

Pictured above is the regular GS sedan fitted with a range of F-Sport performance accessories, which are already available for sale and installation at most Lexus dealers.

- Lexus GS-F And New SC Convertible In The Works - MotorAuthority

 

[Merc1]

Sure it's no where close to the Germans, but still provides an above average ride. Of course not as quiet as the LS, but still good for someone who doesn't need a "sporty" ride.

But see therein lies the problem. It doesn't ride as good as say a Jaguar XF or E-Class, and it isn't sporty like an A6 or 5-Series. The GS was billed as Lexus' sport sedan to fight in the middleweight class. The GS has always had a poor ride/handling compromise. Sure its a nice car compared to a non-luxury car, but in the class its in middle/back.

Nice cars don't really cut it in the luxury ranks otherwise people would buy Acura RLs.

M

 

[Mr Robert]

Oh, great thought, as long as it does not look anything like that bronze turd in the pictures.. a Jaguar XFR competitor with the V10 has so much more potential than what is show here.

 

[cawimmer430]

Over on Club Lexus there was interesting thread about the Mercedes SLS. Basically everyone slammed the SLS because the engine was used in "lesser cars" across the Mercedes lineup (AMG are lesser cars???) because this destroyed its exclusivity.

I wonder what they will say about the LF-A V10 going into the upcoming GS-F.

"Oh, but the GS is such a high quality car and so reliable so it's ok!"

 

[Merc1]

Chris I have to ask, why do you bother reading that garbage. You know that group is clueless and beyond biased. So why bother?

M

 

[Mr Robert]

Chris I have to ask, why do you bother reading that garbage. You know that group is clueless and beyond biased. So why bother?

M

Because they are representative of the average Lexus buyer - clueless?

 

[cawimmer430]

Chris I have to ask, why do you bother reading that garbage. You know that group is clueless and beyond biased. So why bother?

M

I ask myself that question to. I guess I am just really interested in what a lot of these extremely biased morons have to say. The moderators on that site are a joke to. I've seen objective posters get warnings from the moderators because they "defended German cars while slamming Lexus". Basically any critique of Lexus is punished over there. Such an environment breeds fanboys and more morons and as Dunkel said, more clueless and biased and blind people.

I guess I do find this interesting. And in a way, such morons do spread their weird ideas to their friends and family.