Just looked up the Lexus sales brochure for the GS for 2013. No mention of the differential exists in the brochure, at all.

 

One more to put this one to an end, at least for the 2013 model:

• The standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) anticipates loss of vehicle control and governs all of the vehicle’s dynamic handling systems – the Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) -with the electronic throttle control system. VDIM employs these systems collectively and seamlessly to help make corrections while allowing higher dynamic capability. The system also provides a limited slip differential effect.

Thus, there is no actual LSD installed in these units, but perhaps an electronically simulated LSD effect. I am going to try my GS F sport in the snow sometime soon and will report with what I think about it. I also have an E46 BMW with a standard open diff which I can compare to.

 

This is good to know, otherwise it would be embarrassing as F if there's only 1 rubber mark!

Yeah I think this is standard on 99% of the GS. Not that many with Torsen and I don't think the 350 makes enough power to need one. lol

 

Would be good to have, especially on the cold weather equipped models.
Most of the BMW E30s (the 80s to 91 models) came equipped with an LSD from the factory, which was quite important in the snow, as those cars did not have traction control or other electronic features.

 

If it's listed, you have it. If it's not listed, you don't.

 

The brake-actuated traction assist should be sufficient. A trick in the old days with an open diff car stuck was to click a few settings of the parking brake to get the spinning tire to stop enough to get the driving tire to finally move you.

 

So, who will be the 1st? Who has a Torsen LSD????????? Anybody?

 

I'm still trying to get my footing after jgscott's confusing rendition of when Lexus first made Torsen available.

 

Unless you are racing or off-roading, the LSD isn't required. The nannies do a better job of controlling the car than the LSD alone would. The car can modulate the brakes per wheel to keep it tracking straight and not spinning.

When I had mine on the lift with the traction control turned off to find a bad wheel bearing sound, it still had the ABS enabled. I had my wife run it up to 40 MPH and when she tried to hit the brakes, different wheels would lock and release and the ABS light flashed. I had to get her to shift it into neutral and let the wheels spin down on their own. I'll pull the ABS fuse next time I need to do something like that.

 

Yes I'm confused about what footing you need help with? Explain please!

 

Did you miss my question?

 

Is there where that footing slip started?

 

You knocked me off my feet with your scrambled dissertation of when Lexus first offered Torsen.

 

Glad you picked up on something new. The GS is not the only Lexus. Lexus is not only in the US. Hint, Hint.

 

Torsen is specifically mentioned in the 2018+ GS brochures. I do not know about 2017.

https://www.lexus.com/content/dam/le...h-Brochure.pdf

As an aside, my Mustang had the rear axle assembly out of the Boss 302, including the Torsen and 3.73s. I had previously had clutch diffs and viscous diffs, and I swear you could feel the Torsen working as you went from maintenance throttle to corner exit. The nose would actually tuck in a little as you rolled back onto the throttle. I am a fan of Torsens, and I certainly wouldn't have a RWD GS without it.