Lexus GS F v HSV Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition 2016 Comparison

Lexus GS F versus HSV Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition
Comparison Test

Cruising down the highway, destination as far from the urban hustle-bustle as possible, the HSV Clubsport R8 SV Black purrs like contented cat. The 6.2-litre LS3 Chevrolet V8 beats away rhythmically under the vented bonnet, a pleasant reminder of the car's considerable muscle, 340kW, transferred to the rear wheels via six-speed auto transmission.

Its large leather seats provide ample comfort and despite mega 20-inch alloy wheels and gumball rubber, ride comfort is more than acceptable. It's not a bad deal for $68,490, and features understated black accessories as part of the company's end-of-the-line limited edition roll out for the sports sedan.

The Lexus GS F is likewise a splendid long-distance associate. Quieter than the HSV thanks to better door seals and sound damping materials – not to mention a more refined V8 – you can nevertheless feel the presence of the car's lusty 5.0-litre engine, which pumps 351kW through an eight-speed automatic transmission. At $151,490 it can't match the bargain price of the HSV.

It doesn't have the ride comfort nor the chassis pliancy of the HSV either, which was equal parts surprising and disappointing. But it's still a satisfying cruiser that eats up long distances like a Labrador eats, well, anything chewable.

The HSV's interior is presentable, leather upholstery and stitched faux suede around the touchscreen display and instrument panel initially drawing the eye. But in comparison, the Lexus leaves it for dead with its opulent materials and exquisite finishes – ultra-soft leather and suede on every surface – and tasteful carbon-weave accents.

Granted, the HSV has shiny bits – they're plastic though – but the touchscreen interface works better than the Lexus Remote Touch input system. The HSV cabin has appeal and in isolation looks and feels great.

But when compared to the Lexus it feels like a cheap toy.

Nevertheless, the Lexus needs to deliver an outstanding experience because you could buy two HSVs for the price of the Lexus. Stick one in the barn for 30 years and drive the other! But in terms of fit, finish and luxury, you are getting your money's worth as the cabin is one of the most sumptuous you'll find anywhere, from any brand.

The massive wide-screen infotainment system looks amazing, the digitised rev counter (with three visual settings) likewise, and the Mark Levinson stereo will melt your ears… Figuratively speaking.

Yep, the Lexus destroys the HSV for fit, finish and luxury, but which car claims bragging rights when it comes to straight-line performance?

The HSV Clubsport ripped from 0-100km/h 5.1 seconds, the Lexus GS F taking 5.0 seconds.

Although it's easy to point at the Clubsport's lighter overall weight and significantly larger engine (as the saying goes, there's no replacement for displacement) the Chevy-sourced V8 is an unsophisticated donk and deserves respect for coming close.

Considering that the HSV features an archaic pushrod valvetrain, with 16-valves, compared to the Lexus' quad-cam, 32-valve setup, the low-tech Aussie battler puts up a gutsy fight. And getting the perfect launch with the HSV (read: no wheelspin) proved far more challenging than in the Lexus.

The 80-100km/h roll on acceleration test took 1.2 seconds for both vehicles and when it comes to the stoppers, the results were similar. The HSV took 14.43 metres to decelerate from 60-0km/h, the Lexus doing slightly better at 13.67 metres.

Both of those distances are impressively short for what are two very large, very heavy machines: 1708kg for the HSV, 1825kg for the Lexus.

So, on pure straight-line performance terms, the Lexus can claim victory. But is the Japanese brawler's winning margin worth shelling out another $80,000 for?

Granted, the HSV Clubsport R8 SV Black is a part of a 'finale' trio of naturally-aspirated special edition LS3 V8 machines from HSV, whose price has been slashed by $7000 over regular Clubsports, making the price gap even bigger.

So it would stand to reason that the HSV's driving dynamics would be outshone by the Lexus, too?

You'd think so, but this is exactly where the HSV starts to reel in the Lexus, its well-weighted, communicative steering one of the reasons why the Holden SS V Redline put many of its higher-priced rivals to shame in Australia's Best Driver's Car 2016.

At middling speeds and on sweeping corners the Lexus feels good, generating plenty of grip from its Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (255/35 front, 275/35 rear) fitted to shiny 19-inch alloy wheels. The Holden does the same, its bigger 20-inch wheels shod with Continental Conti Sport Contacts of the same aspect ratio (255/35 front, 275/35 rear).

But crank up the tempo from 50 per cent to 80 per cent and tighter, more challenging corners reveal the cars’ true natures.

The Lexus has lighter, less talkative steering and a heavier kerb weight does the big Asian no favours when punching out of corners either. The Lexus GS F feels nervous on anything other than brand-new glassy-smooth bitumen roads, fidgeting and twitching where the HSV is all composure and progression.

The HSV can't match the gearbox and throttle response of the Lexus, but it's these elements that ultimately let the Lexus down.

Yes, the Lexus has an eight-speed auto compared to the HSV's six-speed auto, and the magnificent 5.0-litre V8 spins up quicker than the loping HSV. But united with a chassis so rigid it'll rattle your teeth loose, the rear tyres are overwhelmed all-too easily and the early intervening stability control is a party pooper.

Brembo brake calipers, six-pot at the front, four-pot at the rear chomping big 380mm front and 345mm rear discs offer massive confidence in the Lexus, more than the HSV's strong four-pot AP Racing calipers that work 367mm rotors front and rear.

Indeed, the anchors on the Lexus allow you dive slightly deeper into corners, but the desire to then get on the throttle early out of corners often results in a skittish, unsettled vehicle, and this can get frustrating. Perhaps the torque vectoring needs to be dialled back a bit?

Compared to the Lexus, the power delivery in the HSV feels lethargic, its aging valve-train doing it no favours. The rippling power precisely and perfunctorily delivered every time in the Lexus is in stark contrast… pity it's tricky to make the most of. The 351kW is almost wasted because the suspension is so poorly executed.

It's like trying to eat an ice cream served in a cone made of chicken wire that electrocutes you every 10 seconds just for good measure. It gets a bit messy.

So the HSV is the dynamic champion, but what about the all-important engine and exhaust notes and of course everyday driving?

The HSV produces a deep, bassy rumble that you feel deep inside your torso, where the Lexus delivers a more sophisticated growl, backed up with a motorsport-like whine from the rapid-fire transmission. I prefer the HSV's battle cry (read: it's louder) but there's still something profoundly alluring about the Lexus' refined, resonant roar.

I expected the Lexus to deliver better ride comfort (it is a prestige car after all!) via its smaller 19-inch alloy wheels and lavish interior treatment. But as you may have guessed by now, it's stiffer than a titanium ingot and the unforgiving suspension got to me after a while – especially on improperly maintained roads.

The HSV has more compliance and soaks up short, sharp cracks in the road with less aural and physical drama. Despite the Clubbie extending better ride comfort, the Lexus is a much quieter and more refined vehicle overall and its lighter steering makes it easier to pilot around town.

Both vehicles are surprisingly calming to drive long distance, what with their big welcoming leather seats, impressive sound systems, blind spot sensors and collision detection systems. They both offer head up displays which are great and although the Lexus has much better headlights for night-time driving, its massive infotainment screen doesn't appear to have a night mode. It can be dazzling.

Cruise control is naturally standard on both and while the HSV updates the current speed limits, the Lexus gets active control cruise, making it a bit more relaxing on longer freeway trips. Little things the like way the doors shut softly in the Lexus – no need to slam them – will make you smile as will the way the seat and steering wheel retract to make getting in and out just that little bit easier.

Fuel consumption? Hmmm… Neither was particularly good but the HSV was slightly less thirsty with 14.7L/100km compared to the Lexus at 14.9L/100km. That's the price you pay for a big, heavy, but gorgeously sonorous V8 sedan.

It terms of interior space there's little splitting them. The Lexus has a slightly larger boot at 520 litres versus 496 in the HSV, but rear-seat passengers get slightly more room in the HSV, particularly head room. Then again, I'd rather spend time in the back seat (and boot!) of the Lexus, its plush-pile carpets and supple leather seats are just divine. The fold-down arm rest in the back of the Lexus also gets override control for the stereo, climate control and rear heated seats. Toasty!

It's hard not to like the HSV's working-class talent, a car that may not be able to offer the refinement or luxury of the Lexus, but delivers a more rewarding experience overall.
The Lexus sports sedan combines executive-class luxury, a healthy dose of technology and a rorty V8 to great effect. If only Lexus could dial back the stiffness in the suspension we'd be looking at a more complete package.

I still don't know the difference between Camembert and Brie, but like these two V8 machines I still like them both, for different reasons. But based on ride, handling and value for money, the HSV cannot be marginalised.

With more gristle than a $5 fry-up, the HSV is the winner.

2016 Lexus GS F pricing and specifications:
Price: $151,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 5.0-litre eight-cylinder petrol
Output: 351kW/530Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 14.9L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 262g/km (ADR combined)
Safety Rating: N/A

What we liked:
>> Sumptuous cabin
>> Refinement levels
>> Responsive powertrain

Not so much:
>> Harsh ride
>> No touchscreen
>> Comparatively expensive

2016 Lexus GS F performance figures (as tested):
0-100km/h: 5.0sec
80-100km/h: 1.2sec
60-0km/h: 13.67m

2016 HSV Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition pricing and specifications:
Price: $68,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 6.2-litre eight-cylinder petrol
Output: 340kW/570Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 14.7L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 307g/km (ADR combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

What we liked:
>> Old-school V8
>> Value for money
>> Dynamic handling, ride quality

Not so much:
>> Interior feels dated
>> Engine/gearbox response
>> Needs more techno doo-dads

2016 HSV Clubsport R8 SV Black Edition performance figures (as tested):
0-100km/h: 5.1sec
80-100km/h: 1.2sec
60-0km/h: 14.43m