More often than not, 'F' is the letter we use to express displeasure or scorn. Ironically, this is the opposite case in Japan, where anything associated with that alphabet commands respect.
Mount Fuji is worshipped as a sacred peak while the similarly named Fuji International Speedway is Japan's version of the Nurburgring in Germany.
In Lexus' glossary, 'F' represents the Japanese luxury marque's performance line. But while there are F Sport vehicles, only three cars have warranted a standalone 'F' badge thus far - the feisty IS F compact sedan introduced in 2007, the limited edition LFA supercar two years later, and the recent RC F coupe.
Letting procreation take its course, the Lexus 'F' family is set to grow with a new sports sedan - the GS F.Exterior
At certain angles, the fourth model in Lexus' 'F' lineup can pass off as the standard GS. But look closely and you'll identify clues to the wolf-in-sheep-clothing's racing pedigree.
For starters, the GS F is both 35mm longer and 5mm wider than its standard-issue sibling, mostly thanks to extended overhangs in front and behind. Unsurprisingly, it is also 15mm lower than the regular GS.
In addition, the gaping grille that looks to have been inspired from some deep-sea creature, orange brake calipers and subtly flared wheel arches hint at the car's potential and add a touch of visual menace.
From the rear quarter viewpoint, the quad-tipped exhaust in that cool stacked arrangement, the subtle carbon fibre boot lid spoiler and the awesome 'Buffed' 19-inch alloy wheels give the GS F an athletic, mature and highly purposeful stance.
Interior
One of the most critical areas of the GS F's luxury and performance balancing act is here, where driver comfort meets driver focus in a variety of different ways.
Space for passengers and things is the same as in the regular GS, with seating for five and a 520-litre boot for up to four golf bags, plus a trunk pass-through for slightly enhanced practicality.
At the same time, the sporty theme from the outside continues in the cabin. Slide into the bucket-style sports seats and the first impression of the cabin is 'wow'.
Drivers enjoy a multi-function three-spoke leather steering wheel, as well as a short stroke for the paddle shifters and gear lever for a racy feel.
One of the most critical areas of the GS F's luxury and performance balancing act is here, where driver comfort meets driver focus in a variety of different ways.
Space for passengers and things is the same as in the regular GS, with seating for five and a 520-litre boot for up to four golf bags, plus a trunk pass-through for slightly enhanced practicality.
At the same time, the sporty theme from the outside continues in the cabin. Slide into the bucket-style sports seats and the first impression of the cabin is 'wow'.
Drivers enjoy a multi-function three-spoke leather steering wheel, as well as a short stroke for the paddle shifters and gear lever for a racy feel.
In addition, digital instrumentation including a TFT tachometer that varies its graphical appearance and displays information in accordance with the four selectable drive modes serves as a visual treat.
There's also a standard heads-up display that projects the current road speed, tachometer reading, and gearshift information.
Elsewhere, alcantara trim touches every surface from the top of the dash to the console armrest. Together with the lush carpet that Lexus is famed for, it immediately feels warm and comforting in the GS F.
The Drive
As rivals pursue downsizing and turbocharging, Lexus is sticking to its 'atmo' guns, which means that under the bonnet of this high-performance GS, you'll find a stonking 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8.
Fire up the engine and a quick bark followed by a ubiquitous rumble ensue, paying heed to the muscle car specs that underpin the GS F.
A huge amount of the car's appeal comes from this sweet V8, which delivers 471bhp and 530Nm of torque, although the latter doesn't arrive until 4,800rpm. Because of this, the car doesn't really feel as fast as its claimed 4.6-second century sprint time.
It isn't slow, but below 4,000rpm it lacks the characteristic punch of turbocharged rivals. However, once the revs climb the GS F accelerates with far more urgency. Better still, it's backed by a V8 growl from the distinctive quad exhausts.
The engine is utter petrolhead ear candy, and, true to fine naturally aspirated form, sounds gutsier and more sonorous the closer the tacho needle swings to the redline. Some electronic trickery, called Active Sound Control (ASC), does add some synthesised sonic fanfare though. But even with this function switched off, the soundtrack is truly wondrous.
With eight closely stacked ratios to choose from, you're rarely caught short of a gear, with changes delivered promptly and swiftly despite the gearbox being a conventional torque converter automatic.
As rivals pursue downsizing and turbocharging, Lexus is sticking to its 'atmo' guns, which means that under the bonnet of this high-performance GS, you'll find a stonking 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8.
Fire up the engine and a quick bark followed by a ubiquitous rumble ensue, paying heed to the muscle car specs that underpin the GS F.
A huge amount of the car's appeal comes from this sweet V8, which delivers 471bhp and 530Nm of torque, although the latter doesn't arrive until 4,800rpm. Because of this, the car doesn't really feel as fast as its claimed 4.6-second century sprint time.
It isn't slow, but below 4,000rpm it lacks the characteristic punch of turbocharged rivals. However, once the revs climb the GS F accelerates with far more urgency. Better still, it's backed by a V8 growl from the distinctive quad exhausts.
The engine is utter petrolhead ear candy, and, true to fine naturally aspirated form, sounds gutsier and more sonorous the closer the tacho needle swings to the redline. Some electronic trickery, called Active Sound Control (ASC), does add some synthesised sonic fanfare though. But even with this function switched off, the soundtrack is truly wondrous.
With eight closely stacked ratios to choose from, you're rarely caught short of a gear, with changes delivered promptly and swiftly despite the gearbox being a conventional torque converter automatic.
The transmission settings, along with throttle response and other attributes change when different drive mode selections - Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ - are made.
The character of the GS F can also be tailored via a Torque Vectoring Differential that can be switched between Standard, Slalom and Track modes offering varying degrees of freedom for the enthusiastic driver. With this clever system, wide tyres as well as lowered and stiffened suspension, the GS F hangs on well and feels predictable in the way it reacts.
Isolation from external noise is pretty decent, and it's pleasantly quiet if you keep the V8 burbling in the low end of its rev range. It makes a fine and generally serene open-road tourer but the more you stretch its legs, the more satisfying the GS F seems to become.
Conclusion
The GS F serves not only as an alternative for a super capable sporty sedan but also as an early indicator of the future direction of Lexus' performance outfit.
It presents us with an intriguingly different kind of athleticism - slightly milder yet with a complex personality. And for some, that could be the 'F'ormula they've been waiting for.
