Lexus Plans to Keep GS and GS F Going
It doesn’t take an industry expert to point out that sedans are not a popular vehicle-type in today’s market. SUVs, crossovers, hybrids, etc. have all grabbed the attention (and share of wallet) of the modern-day driver. But how do the actual car manufacturers feel about this? One good example is Lexus, with its once-popular GS sedan. It has been hit pretty hard in recent years by this shift in the market. Fortunately for GS fans out there, the company has stated it plans to keep the GS in production for now.
What’s going on with the GS and GS F?
The GS and GS F are considered high-performance luxury vehicles. Once a double demonstration of purchasing power as well vehicle prowess for its owner, cars like this have been pushed aside for the more custom vehicle-type out there—the gigantic SUVs, the miniature SUVs, the crossovers, the hybrid models, and others. How much of a drop? Consider this: in 2015, over 23,000 GS models were sold. In 2018, that number was down to just 6,600 units.
Photo courtesy of carbuzz
What does he mean by ‘consider its age’ – how long as the GS been around?
Believe it or not, the GS is almost coming up to ten years old. It was originally launched in 2011 and the model’s last major update came in 2015. The base GS features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 241 hp. A higher trim features a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of 311 hp. Then, if you want more than that, you can go with the GS F, which features a 5.0-liter V8 engine that can hit 467 hp.
>>Join the conversation about the future of the Lexus GS right here in the ClubLexus forum.
What about the 2019 version of the GS F—just how much is Lexus really investing in this model?
So far, it appears Lexus is holding up its end of the bargain. Let’s take a look at the 2019 GS F, specifically, as this model was released with the sole intention of competing with the likes of the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E 63, Cadillac CTS-V, and Audi RS 7. Priced at $84,350, the GS F has a ton of brand new features, including a torque-vectoring rear differential, an adaptive, performance-tuned suspension, sport steering, Brembo brakes, and special aerodynamic enhancements.
>>Join the conversation about the future of the Lexus GS right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Sounds good from the outside – what about the inside?
This is where Lexus separates itself as a luxury vehicle maker. When inside, the driver gets to enjoy power-adjustable front seats with memory functions, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable steering wheel. There’s also Remote Touch infotainment interface features a 12.3-inch display, as well as the option of enjoying the Lexus Enform app suite, which offers a wide array of subscription-based and connected services. Other technology features include navigation, voice controls, a USB port, and a 12-speaker sound system complete with a CD player and satellite radio.
>>Join the conversation about the future of the Lexus GS right here in the ClubLexus forum.
Looking ahead
When the folks at Carbuzz pressed Christ for an answer on whether or not we can expect a successor to maybe be introduced soon, at which point the GS would be phased out, Christ deflected, only saying that they would be making appropriate announcements at a later and undecided time. So, for the time being, it sounds like the GS and GS F are safe to stay.
>>Join the conversation about the future of the Lexus GS right here in the ClubLexus forum.
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