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Some automobile purists have difficulty with the term “four-door sports car.” Those who thrive on quick acceleration are used to just two doors. But performance- oriented cars that double as family sedans are an expanding segment. The limited run 2016 Lexus GS-F is among that group. Lexus introduced the GS-F this year seeking a singular goal: to compete with performance-oriented stalwarts from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. Lexus is testing the market with a production of only 2,000 units.

As a five-passenger sedan, the Lexus GS-F is propelled by a 5.0-liter, 32-valve V8 that produces 467 horsepower. The only transmission option is an eight-speed automatic, but paddle shifters are mounted to the steering wheel, adding a fun element.

Plenty of pure sports cars are faster, but not too many heavy sedans are. It accelerates with authority, achieving the 0-60 mph standard test in 4.4 seconds. But there’s a caveat. While its versatility is impressive, the GS-F powers down the road with a prominent growl. The sound will likely please sports car fanciers, but the tone is annoying. It’s not too dissimilar from someone with a deep voice clearing his throat. Steering, maneuverability and braking suit the car’s aggressive nature.

One constant strong point of Lexus is its standard feature list and option packages. The GS-F equipment list is exhaustive, and key features include: 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated auto-dimming side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition and driver-selectable drive modes. There’s also leather upholstery, heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats (with twoway power lumbar), driver seat memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and power rear sunshade.

State-of-the art technology reaches near saturation: Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Lexus’s Remote Touch interface, a 12.3-inch screen with navigation, a rearview camera and a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system with a CD player, satellite and HD radio, a USB interface and an auxiliary audio jack. Also included is Siri integration for select iPhones, and Enform Remote, a feature for the engine to be engaged remotely.

The car’s interior is equally impressive. The sleek dash and console are constructed with quality materials and a high-end designer’s touch. The synthetic suede accents on the top of the dash and on other key touch points add style, as does the carbon-fiber trim.

The two front seats are equipped with bolsters and have a “tucked in” feel for the driver and passenger. The 2016 Lexus GS-F is a unique, powerful machine, but it’s not for everyone. It’s a worthy choice if you want to own a sports car and take several others along for the joy ride.


James Raia, a freelance writer based in Sacramento, California, specializes in sports and lifestyle topics. He publishes the website theweeklydriver.com.

Copyright 2024 Gulfshore Life Media, LLC All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior written consent.

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