Lexus GS F Build Offers Glimpse of What Might Have Been: (Fridays are for F Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS^{06 Plus})

Masterful build realizes the full potential of the overlooked but awesome Lexus GS F.  

Lexus introduced the GS model to the export market in 1993. The GS, short for Grand Sedan, was offered as a sportier option to the flagship LS. And it performed very well for several generations. And in 2016 Lexus introduced the GS F model, a new edition to the F line. With a 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 under the hood, it had the perfect engine. However, response on the Lexus GS F was mixed, and it became overlooked in a lineup that included the LS, IS, ES, and RC.

Mid-sized luxury sedans were falling out of favor in a market dominated by crossovers and SUVs. And in 2020, Lexus announced the GS nameplate would be discontinued.

2018 Lexus GS F 

It was frustrating to see the GS F never able to realize its full potential. The rear-drive GS F model was sportier and had track-focused upgrades to suspension, chassis, brakes, tires, wheels. And it had one of the best Lexus interiors; it was driver-focused,  Hitting 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 168 mph, the 467 hp 5.0L V8 is a naturally aspirated cherry bomb. But a common complaint was that it lacked the proper dynamism and handling to handle and manage the oomph.

One Lexus ownerLexus owner decided to modify his 2018 GS F to better meet his want for performance. His GS F build improves on the stock model performance, and gives us a glance (albeit a longing one) at the GS that could have been.

Owned by ImperialTrace, he documented his build and posted all the details on the a Lexus group on Reddit. His 2018 Lexus (pictured above) was pretty stunning before. But he chose performance and aesthetic mods to make his ride smoother and bring out all of the GS F V8 might.

Wanting to bring out the muscle in the V8,  each component elevates the rich, full rumble while reducing flow resistance. Coilovers with swift springs gave the now lower ride a more refined and versatile quality. It can be a gentle ride gliding above the clouds, or it can be a speeding bullet with a gut-punch of a growl.

It still retains the qualities that make the GS F appealing: versatile, seats 5, daily driver, sleeper sports sedan. He just turned everything up. Seeing an increase of +46 RWHP, he loves how it feels faster and more responsive.

Performance Mods

• PPE Unequal Length Headers
• APEXi Resonated GSF Mid-Pipe
• APEXi Stainless Steel GSF Exhaust
• CKS Coilovers
• RR Racing Engine Mounts
• RR Racing Ultimate Steering Response System (race-spec lower control arm bushings)
• Tom’s Racing Front Strut Bar
• Tom’s Racing carbon fiber intake
• APEXi flat panel intake air filter
• RR Racing carbon fiber intake heat shield
• RR Racing Air/Oil Separator
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Tires (wider than stock)

“It’s very civilized when I just want to relax, but take it over 3,000 RPM and it just becomes a missile. I love this setup,” he writes.

Cosmetic Mods:

• Novel carbon fiber GSF front lip
• Novel carbon fiber GSF side skirts
• Tom’s Racing carbon fiber GSF diffuser
• Tom’s Racing B Pillar carbon sheets
• Variant Alloys mono-block forged aluminum wheels
• Tom’s Racing Engine Oil Filler Cap
• Phase2Motortrend Anodized Blue Aluminum Hose Clamps
• Custom Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel

Next up, he plans on installing a supercharger and adding carbon ceramic brakes from the RC F Track Edition.

Lexus may bring the GS F back one day, but it won’t have the same V8. What this build gets so right is playing to the many strengths that beautiful engine offers. With the right style and markedly improved focus on a true sport quality, it captures the ethos the the F line with fierce execution.

Listen to that roar.

You can see the entire 2018 Lexus GS F build sheet here.

Photos: Lexus; Quinn Scott; Joshua Sampoll; Imperialtrace

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.