The new Lexus GS350 debuted at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours, leaving many with the building anticipation for its F-Sport package sibling. That wait will soon be over as Lexus->ke47 will be headed to the 2011 SEMA Auto Show with the GS F-Sport and will be displaying it from Nov. 1st-4th, 2011.

The new GS F-Sport harbors the same 306 HP 3.5-liter V6 engine from the standard model, but adds "the ability to take performance to an entirely new level." The F-Sport package adds unique exterior and interior design treatments, as well as an F-Sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), thicker anti-roll bars, bushing changes, and new larger front brakes with high friction pads.

"The all-new GS 350 with F-Sport package will offer our customers more agility and a sportier appearance," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The racing-inspired F-Sport components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise."

Hit the jump to read more about the Lexus GS 350 F-Sport.

2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 306 hp @ 6,400rpm
  • Torque: 277 lb-ft @ 4,800rpm
  • Transmission: Six-speed sequential-shift with paddle shifters
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new GS 350 F-Sport will be distinguished from the standard GS by a sporty front bumper and rear lower valence, a new rear lip spoiler, unique F-Sport mesh grille inserts, and F-Sport badging. The vehicle also has a wider stance thanks to minor changes in the placement of lights, fins, and the rear bumper underbody area. The front grille will be illuminated with deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps that use a projector beam design.

Standard F-Sport models will get a new set of 19-inch wheels paired with 235/40/19 all-season tires in the front and rear, while the RWD models will be exclusively equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels paired with 235/40/19 front and 265/35/19 rear tires, the widest rear tires ever on a Lexus sedan.

The new F-Sport package also adds two new exterior colors: Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum. Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that add a high level of brilliance to the paint. The Liquid Platinum models will get an additional metallic texture for "strong shading and defined, sharp highlights."

Specifications

-Seating Capacity: 5

-Overall Length (in.): 190.9

-Width (in.): 72.4

-Height (in.): 57.3

-Wheelbase (in.): 112.2

-Driven Wheels: Rear or All-Wheel Drive

-Curb weight (lbs.)

-3,715 (RWD)

-3,890 (AWD)

-Brake type: Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM)

Interior

The sport treatment will continue on for the interior with the use of smooth striated aluminum trim, unique perforated leather trim, a black headliner, aluminum pedals, and, of course, F-Sport badges. Customers will also have the option to choose a striking Cabernet Red leather interior.

The new GS 350 F-Sport has been developed with the driver in mind, so it has received a new 16-way power sport seat for increased lateral support. The driver’s seat will be a Lexus-first with power side bolsters, thigh support, adjustable seatback, and four-way lumbar. Other standard technological additions include a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow. This system uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated. That is paired up with a next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation that allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system, and more with the use of screen menus. This system eliminates the need for drivers to reach out to operate the controls and reduced eye movement. A standard rear back-up camera is also thrown into the standard list.

Engine

The new Lexus GS350 F-Sport is powered by the same engine as the standard model: an advanced 3.5-liter V6 with four cams and four valves per cylinder and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. This engine will deliver a total of 306 HP and will propel the car from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. It is mated to a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission that has four driving modes: Normal, ECO, Sport S, and Sport S+.

What the F-Sport package adds is an optional, newly developed Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS). This system offers Lexus’ first integration of DRS; Electric Power Steering; and Variable Gear Ratio Steering. It monitors your the vehicle's speed, steering direction, and driver inputs, and uses that information to calculate the optimum angle for all four wheels. This system can also independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control, and overall agility when cornering.

Specifications

-Horsepower: 306 hp @ 6,400rpm

-Torque: 277 lb-ft @ 4,800rpm

-Transmission: Six-speed sequential-shift with paddle shifters

Electronic Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)

-0 – 60 mph: Estimated 5.7 seconds

-Top Track Speed: Estimated 142 mph (electronically limited)

-MPG (City/Hwy/Comb.)

-20/27/23 (RWD)

-18/25/20 (AWD)

Safety

The new Lexus GS F-Sport comes standard with a number of safety features, including 10 airbags, new Whiplash Injury Lessening front seats, seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters, and outboard rear seats. Optional features include a Pre-Collision System, which provides early warning of certain objects traveling directly ahead that might result in a front-end collision; a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display; a Blind Spot Monitor; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Prices

Prices for the new 2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The competition for the new GS350 F-Sport is the same as with the standard model: the BMW 5-Series and the Infiniti M37. Both models might be more powerful than the GS and the 5-Series is definitely more popular than the other two, but we have to give props to the new Lexus GS350. It has moved up in the world and can now boast of being more elegant, fresher, and sportier than its predecessor. The F-Sport package helps out too.