New Lexus GS F Sport (2012) revealed

Lexus GS F Sport (2012) revealed ahead of SEMA debut

Is middle age taking over or are Lexus cars getting better looking? Because the new Lexus GS F Sport, just revealed ahead of its SEMA debut, is really rather appealing.

Already much sharper looking in its latest iteration, the Lexus GS almost turns back in to the LF-Gh Concept - which heralded the arrival of the 2012 Lexus GS – with the F Sport bits tagged on.

In comes a new mesh grill, which looks much like the grill from the LF-Gh, and a new bumper design with bigger side grills. Out back the GS F Sport gets a grey metallic finish to the diffuser and a dash of chrome on the bottom of the bumper (on the 450h F Sport, anyway).

Extra sportiness is dialled in with a rear spoiler and a set of 19″ dark metallic alloys sporting 235/40/19 tyres at the front and 265/35/19 at the back.

Under the skin there’s no power tweak on offer, but there is a much bigger focus on handling and dynamics.

The GS F Sport gets its suspension retuned and gets Adaptive Variable Suspension. That’s aided by a tweak to the shocks with low viscosity oil and steeper inclination at the back, and a set of bigger and stiffer lower bushings. All this can also be adjusted by opting for either Normal or Sport S+ on the damper settings.

The GS 450h F Sport also gets the Lexus Dynamic Handling System which adds Dynamic Rear Steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Electric Power Steering to give sharper handling and more feel. And although we haven’t driven the new GS yet, those who have remark on just how effective this setup is.

Besides the butch bits of bodywork and tweaked and fettles suspension and steering, the new GS F Sport also gets a bit of an interior makeover.

Stuff like aluminium trim, electric F Sport front seats, black headliner, Sportier steering wheel and F Sport logos dotted around remind you this Lexus GS has a bit more intent than the regular GS. Oh, and you can also have the door and seat upholstery in an F Sport specific colour – Garnet.

Lexus don’t say as much – the information they sent us focuses on the GS 450h F Sport – but it looks like we’ll get the F-Sport option in the UK across the new GS range. Which means you will be able to opt for an F Sport pack on the GS 250 petrol V6 as well as the GS 450h hybrid.

Many will.

(13 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK