Lexus Chief Reports Management Has Yet To Approve GS-F To Combat The German Threat

Lexus is plotting to launch a high-performance GS-F super-saloon to rival the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Product planning chief Karl Schlicht revealed to Autocar that he would “love to see” a GS-F make production, although he conceded that he “didn’t yet have it approved” by senior Toyota management.

A GS-F has been long-rumoured as part of Lexus’s drive to shake off its stodgy image as a maker of safe yet uninspiring cars. The GS-F would be the final piece in a five-part product strategy to boost Lexus’s image and its sporting credentials.

Toyota’s luxury arm has already launched the V10-powered LFA supercar, smaller V8-powered IS-F sports saloon and more focused F Sport trim levels in its standard range. It is also renewing and refreshing its line-up with more distinctive designs and a greater focus on driving dynamics.

 

1BadMan - 3/26/2012 5:55:21 PM

-3 Boost

Combat The German Threat! Really? You guys are really not that smart and need to look at history. The E28 M5 started production 10/84. And Daimler has produced the E55 and now has the E63. That is not a threat, but a segment that the Germans invented and dominate.

Sooooo, Toyota has not decided to build a Special Toyota "Lexus" GS-F thingy? The German brands which are real, own the segment and Toyota wants a piece since they decided they want to go after performance. Toyota really has no idea what to do with the brand, it is all over the map. They need to figure out other segments first but they either won't or can't.

LexSucks - 3/26/2012 7:54:32 PM

+1 Boost

It was the 500E (great car) that competed against the E28 M5 if my memory is correct.

MercBasher - 3/27/2012 10:31:39 PM

-1 Boost

Totally agree

knowitall1985 - 3/26/2012 6:05:15 PM

+3 Boost

They can compete it's just a matter of if they want to spend the money for such a small market. All they have is the US. The germans have the US and europe to recoupe their initial investment.....

Designer1 - 3/26/2012 6:39:52 PM

+2 Boost

All they have to do is hire the GT-R's team!

LexSucks - 3/26/2012 7:52:01 PM

+2 Boost

BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are breathing a sigh of relief. Because everyone knows what happens when Lexus decides to go all out.

JRobUSC - 3/27/2012 6:47:22 PM

-1 Boost

they take 12 years and billions of dollars developing a ridiculously expensive car they'll never recoup their money on and whose transmission is outdated before it comes out?

Holydude - 3/26/2012 9:48:33 PM

+3 Boost

The more competition the better, hope it gets approved.