So how does it measure up to the current GS? At 4,910 mm (193.3 inches) in length the LF-S is 105 mm (4.1 inches) longer than the car it would replace if current speculation is to be believed. Also, there's no saying that the concept's 1,895 mm (74.6 inch) width and 1,345 mm (53.0 inch) height will remain the same if produced, figures that now compare at 95 mm (3.7 inches) wider and 95 mm (3.7 inches) lower to the ground than the GS, lending the prototype a road-hugging appearance. My guess is the car will rise up in height by a few inches when it comes time to build a road-going version.
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| The LF-S features an all-wheel drive high-output 32-valve DOHC V8 hybrid system. (Photo: Lexus) |
The LF-S features a 32-valve DOHC V8, but unlike the eight-cylinder current GS models house under the hood this version is enhanced with an all-wheel drive high-output hybrid system. Something similar is expected for 2006 (although still tentative), being that Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Lexus' parent company, is planning to offer its best-in-class hybrid gasoline-electric system throughout its multi-brand lineup in coming years, with the RX SUV the first among Lexus models to receive the green treatment, it's only natural that the future GS will be included in the program. But don't think for a minute this will be a "save the environment at all costs" option. Lexus has made it clear its hybrid models will not only reduce harmful emissions and improve fuel economy, but offer enthusiastic power.
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| Toyota Motor Corporation, Lexus' parent company, is planning to offer its best-in-class hybrid gasoline-electric system throughout its multi-brand lineup in coming years. (Photo: Lexus) |
The production GS to come along sooner is rumored to feature a 3.3-L V6 in base form, replacing the current 220-hp inline-six. The new configuration, if identical to the current ES 330 engine, would produce 235-hp. This might spell the demise of the super-smooth L6 - a sad yet nevertheless understandable move being that it is only featured in the GS and IS models.
In 2006 the current 320-hp 4.3-L V8 is expected to be replaced by a 5.0-L iteration developing somewhere near 360-hp, which would make the already quick midsize sport/luxury sedan dominate the segment in straight-ahead power; that is if everyone else stands still which they won't.