Al Sayer launches Lexus ‘F’ technology – All-new GS F and RC F unveiled under the F series

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan 19: Mohamed Naser Al Sayer Tuesday launched the “F” technology from Lexus powered by innovative engineering, setting new benchmark for the Middle East luxury high performance car segment. Under the F line two of the most powerful Lexus cars ever made: GS F performance-oriented, four-door sports sedan and RC F were unveiled.

The launch press conference was attended by Faisal Bader Al Sayer Vice-Chairman Al Sayer Group Holding, representatives from Lexus Yukihiko Yaguchi Chief Engineer for GS F, Nobuyuki Takemura General Manager Sales and Marketing, Simon Firth Business Director and Bader Musaed Al Sayer Deputy Business Director from Lexus Kuwait, General Manager from Al Sayer business units, Celebrities from social media Yaqoob Boushari, Ms Fatema Al Momen, Abdulwahab Alissa, Mohamed Al Shemmari along with distinguished members of the press and media.

With a style eminently suited to everyday driving, the Lexus GS F conveys the appeal of the ‘F’ series to a wide demographic, thus enabling Lexus to further enhance its brand image of exhilarating performance.

Speaking during the launch event, Faisal Bader Al Sayer, Vice-Chairman Al Sayer Group Holding stated that “Lexus brand is always in motion driving positive changes. During the past decades the transformation it has made is incredible. The 2 Lexus models — GS F and RC F which will be unveiled today under the F line, are groundbreaking, they will set new benchmarks in the industry.”

The GS F embodies the philosophy of the ‘F’ series which stands for fast dynamic response, high efficiency and seamless performance on everyday roads in addition to racetracks that can be enjoyed by everyone. The GS F is the first new ‘F’ series sedan model since the launch of the IS F in 2007.

According to Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, “With the GS F, our aim was to develop a car that combines the versatility of a sedan with the agility and dynamic character of the ‘F’ brand. A car that is fun to drive every day, whether it is on a busy street or a winding road, regardless of one’s driving skills. Having the driver say ‘That was fun’, ‘That was great’ after driving the car — that’s what the ‘F’ brand is all about.”

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “True to the spirit of all the ‘F’-line models, we developed the GS F to create a sense of excitement for our customers whenever and wherever they drive it. The GS F’s high-speed performance and handling, which have been nurtured on race tracks around the globe, reflect our attempt to provide the ultimate driving experience.”

Highlighting the Lexus F technology Simon Firth said “Lexus F cars are the pinnacle of performance. From concept to completion Lexus uses the most innovative engineering to help overcome any challenge. F is an exceptional achievement of obtaining optimal performance that would satisfy the most demanding of performance drive enthusiasts.”

The GS F is based on the partially revamped GS model and boasts outstanding performance; the 5.0-liter V8 engine features enhanced response and engine-revolution smoothness, while chassis stiffness has been improved through cutting-edge technologies such as laser screw welding.

The interior and exterior of the GS F fuse a breathtaking simplicity and elegance of design, and capture the mature, luxurious sportiness unique to the ‘F’ series. In addition, the vehicle utilizes the Lexus Safety System+ active safety package to provide a multi-faceted approach to active safety, further enhancing the safety and peace of mind of its occupants.

The GS F Key Features include a high-performance engine that emphasizes sound, dynamic response and acceleration.

Equipped with Direct Injection 4-stroke Gasoline Engine Superior Version (D-4S), the 5.0-liter V8 engine features an optimized Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) to produce exceptional power. The engine delivers 471 hp at 7,100 rpm and 54.0 kg-m of torque at 4,800-5,600 rpm.

The GS F’s engine uses the Atkinson cycle to improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance. The Atkinson cycle essentially allows the engine’s intake valves to remain open during combustion, improving the breathing qualities of the unit. This reduces pumping losses and increases the engine’s thermal efficiency.

To maintain the same level of efficiency, the GS F’s V8-engine comes mated to an equally efficient gearbox; the 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission that offers smooth shift feel, excellent drivability, instantaneous acceleration and exceptional fuel economy under all driving conditions. In the M-position, the transmission takes as little as 0.1 seconds per shift, enabling the driver to enjoy genuine sporting performance.

The Drive Mode Select system offers enhanced driving performance and enjoyment by allowing the driver to choose the most appropriate drive mode to match their preferred driving style and/or situation. Selections include NORMAL, ECO, SPORT S and SPORT S+ modes.

Transmission performance is further improved with the adoption of the Lexus G-force Artificial Intelligence Shift control (G AI-SHIFT). When driving in the SPORT S mode, the system selects the suitable gear ratio for sporty driving by monitoring the vehicle’s G sensor while simultaneously tracking the degree of throttle opening; if the driver invokes a higher degree of throttle (i.e. wants to accelerate more briskly), a quicker upshift will take place due to high-response shifting. Furthermore, the G AI-SHIFT control further elevates spirited driving by intuitively and succinctly blipping the throttle on downshifts.

Active Sound Control (ASC) combines the natural noise of the vehicle’s engine mainly with artificially produced sound in a new, advanced four-speaker system (two speakers in front and two behind) that provides more powerful engine and exhaust noises.

To achieve superior body stiffness, the GS F makes use of the latest Lexus body technologies. These include laser welding, an increase in the number of spot welding points, high-stiffness adhesives and laser screw welding. The vehicle achieves high body rigidity well suited to all conditions, even on the track.

The GS F utilizes an engine under-cover with a flat, streamlined surface, allowing the vehicle to achieve outstanding aerodynamic performance. The GS F’s stopping power is provided by Brembo brakes that feature lightweight, highly rigid opposing six-piston aluminum mono-block calipers on the front, and opposing four-piston aluminum mono-block calipers on the rear.

The GS F’s suspension parts have been redesigned with the aim of achieving the ideal geometry. The steering response has been improved by retaining high suspension rigidity, optimizing roll stiffness, and by harmonizing these with the steering system.

The exterior of the GS F exudes dynamism and functional beauty — the front view emphasizes a wide stance with a low center of gravity. From the side, the substantial overhang of the fender flares underscores the high performance of the V8 unit. The front fascia is defined by an aggressive representation of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille, featuring a special ‘F’ series mesh and a pair of dramatically wide and tall air inlets beneath the headlights.

In addition, the center pillar and outer mirrors are painted in a dark, glossy metallic hue that is coordinated with the color of the wheels to further enhance the element of sportiness in the ‘F’ series.

The rear of the vehicle follows the same aggressive design theme as the front, highlighted by the ‘F’ brand’s trademark quad exhaust tips.

Other highlights here include a downforce-generating rear spoiler mounted on the trunk lid, a rear diffuser beneath the rear bumper section, fin-shaped aerodynamic enhancements adopted at the bottom edge of the rear bumper’s lower garnish to improve airflow and reduce drag, and organically-shaped rear taillights.

The interior of the GS F tastefully melds superior craftsmanship and affluence with world-class ergonomics and functionality. The large-diameter instrument panel is located in the center of the dashboard and displays essential driving data. The data content displayed on the large-diameter LCD center meter changes depending on which out of the four drive modes — Normal, ECO, Sport S and Sport S+ — is selected, while sports driving is supported through a carefully thought-out, easy-to-use multi-information display.

The gauge hoods, upper part of the instrument panel, center console, palm rest and door trim armrests are finished in Alcantara in a design that combines the performance of a premium sports model with the feel of a luxury interior.

A new white LED interior illumination concept has been implemented that combines warmth with superior illumination qualities. Interior color schemes available on the GS F include Black and Accent White, Flare Red and Black.

Inside, the high-back sports seats fitted in the front of the GS F are manufactured through an integrated foaming technique, and have been designed to resemble form-fitting athletic sportswear to support and cosset occupants. The seats provide both high performance required on a track as well as the comfort needed for general driving.

In developing the audio systems for the GS F, the engineering team targeted a speaker system that replicates the sensation of sound experienced in a concert hall or movie theater. a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system with an amplifier capable of outputting the equivalent of 750 watts, which includes GreenEdge speaker technology that enables more than double the sound output with the same amount of power.

Lexus Safety System+ helps avoid or mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds and conditions. Introduced globally as either standard or optional equipment, Lexus Safety System+ integrates several technologies:

Active Safety systems include:

• Pre-Crash System (PCS): Utilizing a camera and a millimeter wave radar sensor, the available PCS detects other vehicles or (depending on the region) pedestrians in front of the vehicle. If the system judges that there is a possibility of a collision, a warning is activated so that the driver may perform evasive maneuvers. After the warning, the amount of additional hydraulic brake pressure generated when the driver depresses the brake pedal is increased in stages according to the level of the collision possibility.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System (DRCC): In addition to maintaining a set cruising speed, the DRCC also has a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode.
• Lane Departure Alert (LDA): The LDA issues an audible signal if the vehicle strays from its intended lane.
• Automatic High Beam (AHB) / Adaptive High-beam System (AHS): AHB helps provide optimal forward visibility during nighttime driving and automatically turns off the high beam headlamps when another vehicle is detected. When no other vehicle is present, the system turns on the high beams. AHS, an optional upgrade for the AHB, automatically optimizes the headlamp light distribution so that the high beams do not directly illuminate preceding or oncoming vehicles.
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): Employing a quasi-millimeter wave radar installed on the back of the vehicle, BSM can detect a vehicle present in adjacent lanes as well as the vehicle traveling at a high speed approaching into the driver’s blind spot.

Every Lexus GS F model features a comprehensive Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that includes driver’s and front passenger’s dual-stage airbags, driver’s and front passenger’s knee airbags, front side airbags, front and rear seat side curtain airbags and rear side airbags. An advanced security system that includes a security alarm control with an ultrasonic break-in sensor and tilt sensor is incorporated within the yaw-rate G-sensors available in some regions.

By Iddris Seidu – Arab Times Staff

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