Lexus GS to spawn family?

Lexus has prepared the architecture of its newest GS range to underpin a host of new models. Though nothing is yet public about the expansion of the Japanese prestige marque's line-up, senior development staff say the new car's platform is ready to go.

Speaking at the global first drive of the new Lexus GS range in Southern California, GS development chief Koji Sato told motoring.com.au the new platform has the capability to be used across a range of models.

"We cannot comment on future models, but the platform of the [new] GS has high capability for new engines and other body styles," Sato-san stated.

"The rear suspension structure is totally different [from the third generation car] and it has a higher potential in terms of dynamic capabilities," he added.

Though careful not to confirm the existence of any new variants of the GS – including the rumoured GS F (see below) – nor exact spin-off models, Sato says the platform could easily spawn coupe and indeed, wagon variants.

To compete in terms of volume with the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Lexus' benchmark for the GS, and Mercedes' E-Class, the GS range will need to offer more variety than a four door sedan. Indeed, in markets such as Northern Europe, a wagon variant could be key to growth. In some segments and markets in the region, Touring and Estate variants of the BMW and Benz can account for over 40 per cent of sales.

A wagon variant of the GS would also give the marque a buffer against an expansion of the European-led blacklash against SUVs.

And since the demise of the SC, Lexus is also without a large coupe or convertible. Though this is not so important in European and Australian marketplaces, large coupes command plenty of attention in Lexus' largest market of all – the USA.

Sato says the underpinnings of the new GS have the ability to tame a significant performance upgrade from the sub-300kW maximum output of the current GS range. This pronouncement will be tested if the rumoured GS F performance flagship comes to fruition.

Sato was careful to decline to comment officially on the existence or not of the car.

"I am strictly prohibited to talk about GS F or any V8 project," he stated – effectively giving the game away. Other Lexus reps weren't quite so studious.

"With this car [350 F Sport] we still have to focus on luxury feel," one senior Lexus head office staffer told motoring.com.au with some prompting.

"With other models [however] we will tighten up the handling even more... And we will consider changes to a mechanical limited slip differential to deliver a very aggressive performance," he stated.

With the current F Sport the performance pinnacle of the GS range, our Lexus backroom boy can only be talking about the GS F.

The same Lexus stalwart gets a twinkle in his eye when the quizzing turns to potential engines for the new hottie.

"We also like V8 engines, very much," he says with a half wink.

Lexus' European development team have been lapping Nurburgring in an LS-bodied mule that sports a near-400kW supercharged version of the 5.0-litre V8 that powers the current IS F. Could this be a clue to the specifics of the GS F's powertrain? We'll have to wait to find out for sure...
 

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