Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Los Angeles, California served as the scene for an exhilarating weekend testing and filming an ARtv lifestyle episode with the 2016 Lexus GS F. Our talent, Raheem DeVaughn, an American singer/songwriter, auto enthusiast and 3-time Grammy nominated recording artist accompanied the Automotive Rhythms team to offer perspective about the sports car from the Lexus family.
Raheem was in town for a concert with Leela James and an event with his Love Life Foundation, so there were plenty of places to show off the Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 GS F. Many comments were made about the sleek sporty design, the massive spindle grille and the engraved bucket seats.
The 2016 Lexus GS F is a 4-door, 5-passenger sedan that boasts a 5-liter V8 engine producing 467-horsepower. The RWD Japanese machine is paired with an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission and features a performance-enhancing Torque Vectoring Differential. When it comes to the shoes the Lexus GS F sits on 19” 10-spoke forged alloy rims wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires (255/35R19 front & 275/35R19) which are indicative of track ready handling of the supreme being. Competing with the Audi S6, BMW M5 and Cadillac CTS-V, the GS F is definitely prepared to hold its own even when compared to the numbers on the 640-horsepower CTS-V and 575-horsepower M5. Lexus hit the mark by adding superior race technology and keeping the GS F’s weight (4,034 lbs.) to a minimum. Accordingly, the vehicle accelerates 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds and owns a top speed of 168 mph. If you’re wondering, “F” represents Fuji Speedway where Lexus conducts much of its high-speed development testing.
Our model was also bestowed with the optional, illuminated door sills, a rear spoiler and body side moldings. Though, I was hoping for the Orange Brembo Brake Calipers and Circuit Red leather interior with Black Carbon Fiber trim. That would have been mean. Of course paddle shifters and an assertive sports mode provided the next-level performance Raheem was hoping for.
Throughout the weekend ARtv segment, we shot the sports car parading Downtown LA in route to the Grammy Museum and of course up the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). With the windows down and his music rocking, Raheem expressed the quality of the Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System. The euphoria of palm trees, sunny skies and rhythmic tunes set the scene for the exhilarating Lexus infused drive.
Raheem then displayed the GS F at the well-acclaimed car enthusiast meet-up known as Cars and Coffee Malibu. The bi-weekly Sunday morning car show showcases some of the hottest vehicles that Southern Cali has to offer. The 2016 Lexus GS F was right at home amongst other notable street machines such as Porsches and Bimmers. After some discussion with car enthusiasts about the history of the Lexus brand and of course performance comparisons it was time to carve the canyons by way of Mulholland Drive. Raheem was ecstatic as he let out some steam behind the wheel.
Priced at $85,380 the GS F can be had in 8 dynamic colors including Molten Pearl and our favorite, Matador Red Mica. Stay tuned for the final video capture of this breathtaking weekend with the Raheem DeVaughn and the 2016 Lexus GS F.
