1 Dec 2015
Lexus dumped the entry level GS250 in December 2015, which was powered by a 2.5-litre quad-cam V6/six-speed automatic transmission combination, replacing it with the 8AR-FTE 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that also featured in the brand’s IS, NX, RX and RC models.
It also updated its gearbox, adding an eight-speed automatic transmission in the place of a six-speeder.
Lexus also significantly retooled the body of the car, and not just on the outside, where the huge spindle grille dominates.
Body rigidity had been increased at a manufacturing level 188 additional spot welds, 22.5m more body adhesive and 132 extra laser screw welds had been added to the four-door.
New spring calibration, better dampers, a new front anti-rollbar and updated electric steering also featured.
Starting at $75,000 plus on-road costs, the GS200t Luxury had 10-way power front seats with driver memory, eight-speed automatic transmission, 12-speaker audio system, third-generation Lexus Remote Touch Controller, eight-inch navigation display screen, three mode drive mode select, digital radio tuner (DAB+) and an electronic park brake as standard.
It also came with tyre pressure monitors, heated and ventilated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, automatic heated exterior mirrors with memory, smart entry and start with smart key card, LED headlights with automatic high beam, LED daytime running lamps, active cruise control and back guide monitor.
The Lexus GS F launched in February 2016 at the Japanese marque's first full-sized sports sedan offering and fourth F model following the IS F, LF-A and RC F.
Over and above the regular GS, it added extra body bracing to improve torsional rigidity, a 351kW 5.0-litre V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission shared with the RC F and an active rear differential to shuffle torque between each wheel. It included Brembo brakes, Sachs fixed suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, and claimed a zero to 100km/h time of 4.6 seconds.
