Lexus GS F spotted again

More images of the upcoming BMW M5-rivalling, V8-powered Lexus GS F have emerged from the digital ether.

Posted by Blendcars.com, the latest photos claim to be of the 2015 GS F, showing off an assertive design, and one that is identical to a GS F spied testing at the Nurburgring road-circuit in September 2013 .

The telltale staggered quad exhaust system is in evidence, as is the same front apron treatment and 20-inch alloy wheel design seen during the car's high-speed testing in Germany. A restrained decklid rear spoiler and side skirt extensions are also visible.

Although the go-fast Lexus sedan was a no-show at the 2013 Tokyo motor show, its launch is likely edging closer, having now undertaken road and track testing in what appears to almost production-ready form.

Lexus has been tight-lipped on what engine will power its flagship GS performance car, and with speculation that a tuned version of the IS F's 5.0-litre V8, worth 347kW, will be used, it would mean the GS F will not be a true competitor for the 412kW BMW M5, Audi RS6 and 410kW Mercedes E63 AMG.

If the GS does deploy with a circa-350kW V8, it would be more of a match for models such as the less extreme Audi S6 and BMW 550i.

There is another option for Lexus, however.

In August 2013, TMG (Toyota Motorsport GmbH) showed the Lexus TMG TS 650 at the Essen motor show, propelled by a twin-turbo version of the Japanese company's 5.0-litre V8 that belted out an Audi RS6-killing 478kW/710Nm.

It's not entirely impossible that the TMG-fettled engine could work its way into the impending Lexus GS F, although a final output closer to 400kW is more likely scenario than the axle-bending 478kW.

The rear-wheel drive sports sedan is expected to make use of an eight-speed automatic transmission, and may debut new performance driver aids, although an automatic burnout system like the 2015 Ford Mustang is unlikely.