WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2016 BUSINESS

Unveiling the most powerful V8 performance cars ever developed by NEW BENCHMARK FOR THE MIDDLE EAST LUXURY HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR SEGMENT

KUWAIT: Mohamed Naser Al Sayer has launched the produced sound in a new, advanced four-speaker “F” technology from Lexus powered by innovative system (two speakers in front and two behind) that engineering, setting new benchmark for the Middle provides more powerful engine and exhaust noises . East luxury high performance car segment. Under the F line two of the most powerful Lexus cars ever Exceptional performance that thrives on the track made: GS F performance-oriented GS F four-door To achieve superior body stiffness, the GS F sports sedan and RC F were unveiled. makes use of the latest Lexus body technologies. The launch press conference was attended by Mr. These include laser welding, an increase in the num- Faisal Bader Al Sayer Vice Chairman Al Sayer Group ber of spot welding points, high-stiffness adhesives Holding, representatives from Lexus Mr. Yukihiko and laser screw welding. The vehicle achieves high Yaguchi Chief Engineer for GS F, Mr. Nobuyuki body rigidity well suited to all conditions, even on Takemura General Manager Sales and Marketing, Mr. the track. Simon Frith Business Director and Mr. Bader Musaed The GS F utilizes an engine under-cover with a Al Sayer Deputy Business Director from Lexus Kuwait, flat, streamlined surface, allowing the vehicle to General Manager from Al Sayer business units, achieve outstanding aerodynamic performance. In Celebrities from social media Mr Yaqoob Boushari, addition, the attachment of aero-stabilizing fins to Ms Fatema Al Momen, Mr Abdulwahab Alissa, Mr each section of the under-cover actively directs air- Mohamed Al Shemmari along with distinguished Management (VDIM) that incorporates an Expert flow to guarantee superb driving stability. members of the press and media. mode and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that uti- The GS F’s stopping power is provided by With a style eminently suited to everyday driving, lizes vertical acceleration sensors. Brembo(r) brakes that feature lightweight, highly the Lexus GS F conveys the appeal of the ‘F’ series to The interior and exterior of the GS F fuse a breath- rigid opposing six-piston aluminum mono-block a wide demographic, thus enabling Lexus to further taking simplicity and elegance of design, and cap- calipers on the front, and opposing four-piston alu- enhance its brand image of exhilarating perform- ture the mature, luxurious sportiness unique to the ‘F’ minum mono-block calipers on the rear. By increas- ance. Speaking during the launch event Mr Faisal series. In addition, the vehicle utilizes the Lexus ing the diameter of the master cylinder and optimiz- spoiler mounted on the trunk lid, a rear diffuser crafted rear seats share design characteristics with Bader Al Sayer Vice Chairman Al Sayer Group Holding Safety System+ active safety package to provide a ing pedal ratios, the brakes achieve superb respon- beneath the rear bumper section, fin-shaped aerody- the high-back sports seats used in the front, includ- “Lexus brand is always in motion driving positive multi-faceted approach to active safety, further siveness and linear stopping performance. They also namic enhancements adopted at the bottom edge ing the same distinctive sewing and stitching pat- changes. During the past decades the transforma- enhancing the safety and peace of mind of its occu- guarantee high rigidity and anti-fading performance of the rear bumper’s lower garnish to improve air- terns. tion it has made is incredible. The 2 Lexus models - pants. through the use of high-friction pads. The high-per- flow and reduce drag, and organically-shaped rear The genuine-leather steering wheel has a thick- GS F and RC F which will be unveiled today under the formance brakes can be emphasized by selecting taillights. Available exterior paint colors include Lava ness and grip perfected through repeated track out- F line, are groundbreaking, it will set new bench- GS F Key Features optional front and rear orange brake calipers. Special Orange, Heat Blue, White Nova, Sonic Silver, Sonic ings by Lexus test drivers. The large paddle-shift marks in the industry.” Engine that emphasizes sound, response features of the GS F’s vehicle control systems include Titanium, Mercury Gray, Graphite Black and Red. levers are designed to be operated while holding The GS F embodies the philosophy of the ‘F’series and acceleration a newly adopted vertical G sensor in the ABS control, the steering wheel, even when cornering. The steer- which stands for fast dynamic response, high effi- Equipped with Direct Injection 4-stroke Gasoline to ensure optimum brake force even when the vehi- Interior that promotes driving styles ing wheel and shift knob employ three-color over- ciency and seamless performance on everyday roads Engine Superior Version (D-4S), the 5.0-liter V8 cle is airborne. to the highest levels of luxury lock stitching in white, black, and blue -colors that in addition to racetracks that can be enjoyed by engine features an optimized Variable Valve Timing- The GS F’s suspension parts have been The interior of the GS F tastefully melds superior symbolize the F series. The GS F utilizes aluminum everyone. The GS F is the first new ‘F’ series sedan intelligent (VVT-i) to produce exceptional power. The redesigned with the aim of achieving the ideal craftsmanship and affluence with world-class sports pedals and foot rests. geometry. The steering response has been improved ergonomics and functionality. However, with the GS The foldable rear center armrest is equipped by retaining high suspension rigidity, optimizing roll F being a performance premium sedan, designers with a cup holder, storage box and control panel to stiffness, and by harmonizing these with the steering system. The TVD torque control system is equipped as standard and provides optimal electronic control of the torque of the left and right rear wheels accord- ing to the driving situation, achieving ideal vehicle behavior during cornering. The GS F comes with three modes-Standard, which delivers a high level of stability and agility, Slalom, which places additional emphasis on steering response, and Track, which provides additional stability when driving at higher ensured that they place special emphasis on creating manage air conditioning, audio and electric rear speeds, allowing the driver to accelerate with confi- a driver-centric cockpit. This pilot-focused design window sunshade. The genuine aluminum orna- dence. The ‘Expert’ mode, which is part of the VDIM theme is characterized by the information ment panel, front doors and rear armrest-in Naguri system, allows drivers to hone their trackdriving display/gauges positioned directly in front of the finish, medium-silver-are produced using Naguri skills. In this mode, VDIM is almost fully disengaged driver. Close attention has been paid to important machining techniques that have been recreated and only intervenes to prevent loss of control. VDIM details such as the size and thickness of fonts and with the latest production technologies and work- has further evolved through integration of TVD with indicators for easy recognition by the driver. manship. Carbon and forged composite carbon are ABS, which uses acceleration sensors to deliver both The large-diameter instrument panel is located in available as additional options. In developing the high vehicle stability and an enjoyable ride. the center of the dashboard and displays essential audio systems for the GS F, the engineering team driving data. The data content displayed on the targeted a speaker system that replicates the sensa- Exterior design with dynamism large-diameter LCD center meter changes depend- tion of sound experienced in a concert hall or movie and functional beauty ing on which out of the four drive modes-NORMAL, theater.a 17-speaker Mark Levinson(r) surround The exterior of the GS F exudes dynamism and ECO, SPORT S and SPORTS+-is selected, while sports sound system with an amplifier capable of out- functional beauty -the front view emphasizes a wide driving is supported through a carefully thought-out, putting the equivalent of 750 watts, which includes model since the launch of the IS F in 2007 . engine delivers 471hp at 7,100 rpm and 54.0kg-m of stance with a low center of gravity. From the side, the easy-to-use multi-information display. The optional GreenEdge(tm) speaker technology that enables According to Chief Engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, torque at 4,800-5,600 rpm. After assembly, the bal- substantial overhang of the fender flares underscores color heads-up display (HUD) allows the driver to more than double the sound output with the same “With the GS F, our aim was to develop a car that ance of each engine while running is adjusted, fur- the high performance of the V8 unit. The front fascia view necessary information swiftly and without the amount of power. combines the versatility of a sedan with the agility ther enhancing the linear power and superior is defined by an aggressive representation of Lexus’ need for excessive eye movement. On top of funda- and dynamic character of the ‘F’ brand. A car that is response that are characteristic of a naturally aspirat- trademark spindle grille, featuring a special ‘F’ series mental information such as speed and basic map- Advanced safety technologies protect fun to drive every day, whether it is on a busy street ed engine. The GS F’s engine uses the Atkinson cycle mesh and a pair of dramatically wide and tall air ping, in both of the ‘Sport’ modes, HUD also provides passengers through Lexus Safety System+ or a winding road, regardless of one’s driving skills. to improve fuel efficiency and environmental per- inlets beneath the headlights. These openings funnel data on engine rpms and shift position. Lexus Safety System+ helps avoid or mitigate Having the driver say ‘That was fun’, ‘That was great’ formance. The Atkinson cycle essentially allows the massive amounts of air into specially-designed duct- The gauge hoods, upper part of the instrument collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds and after driving the car - that’s what the ‘F’ brand is all engine’s intake valves to remain open during com- ing inside the grille to maximize brake cooling and panel, center console, palm rest and door trim arm- conditions. Introduced globally as either standard or about.” “To enhance its dynamic performance and bustion, improving the breathing qualities of the provide excellent performance. The grille also fea- rests are finished in Alcantara(r) in a design that com- optional equipment, Lexus Safety System+ inte- hone its handling, our team also spent countless unit. This reduces pumping losses and increases the tures a new black lacquer plated lower molding bines the performance of a premium sports model grates several technologies: number of hours on some of the most famous tracks engine’s thermal efficiency. exclusive to the ‘F’ series, which provides down force with the feel of a luxury interior. In addition, the sur- of the world, including Fuji Speedway in Japan and To maintain the same level of efficiency, the GS F’s Active Safety the N¸rburgring in Germany,” added Yaguchi. V8-engine comes mated to an equally efficient gear- ● Pre-Crash System (PCS): Utilizing a camera Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, box; the 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic and a millimeter wave radar sensor, the available Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, transmission that offers smooth shift feel, excellent PCS detects other vehicles or (depending on the region) pedestrians in front of the vehicle. If the sys- Motor Corporation, said, “True to the spirit of drivability, instantaneous acceleration and excep- tem judges that there is a possibility of a collision, a all the’F’-line models, we developed the GS F to cre- tional fuel economy under all driving conditions. In warning is activated so that the driver may perform ate a senseof excitement for our customers whenev- the M-position, the transmission takes as little as 0.1 evasive maneuvers. After the warning, the amount er and wherever they drive it. The GS F’s high-speed seconds per shift, enabling the driver to enjoy gen- of additional hydraulic brake pressure generated performance and handling, which have been nur- uine sporting performance. The Drive Mode Select when the driver depresses the brake pedal is tured on race tracks around the globe, reflect our system offers enhanced driving performance and attempt to provide the ultimate driving experience.” increased in stages according to the level of the col- enjoyment by allowing the driver to choose the most Yoshitsug uadded: “The sedan embraces the lision possibility. appropriate drive mode to match their preferred virtues of sound, response and limitless power feel to ● Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System (DRCC): driving style and/or situation. Selections include support Lexus’ ‘F’ brand identity of a performance car. In addition to maintaining a set cruising speed, the NORMAL, ECO, SPORT S and SPORT S+ modes. We look forward to delighting our customers with DRCC also has a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control Transmission performance is further improved this latest model and would like to acknowledge mode. with the adoption of the Lexus G-force Artificial their support over the years.” Highlighting the Lexus ● Lane Departure Alert (LDA): The LDA issues an F technology Simon Frith Business Director Lexus Intelligence Shift control (G AI-SHIFT). When driving audible signal if the vehicle strays from its intended Kuwait “ cars are the pinnacle of performance. in the SPORT S mode, the system selects the suitable lane. From concept to completion Lexus uses the most gear ratio for sporty driving by monitoring the vehi- to the front of the car. Wide front fender flares with face of the instrument panel features four rivet plates ● Automatic High Beam (AHB)/Adaptive High- innovative engineering to help overcome any chal- cle’s G sensor while simultaneously tracking the large air outlets allow excess airflow to escape down bearing the Lexus logo, which were used in the leg- beam System (AHS): AHB helps provide optimal for- lenge. F is an exceptional achievement of obtaining degree of throttle opening; if the driver invokes a the sides of the vehicle, while broad fenders and endary Lexus LFA and are a symbol of Lexus sports. ward visibility during nighttime driving and auto- optimal performance that would satisfy the most higher degree of throttle (i.e. wants to accelerate sculpted rocker panels provide visual muscle, hinting A new white LED interior illumination concept matically turns off the high beam headlamps when demanding of performance drive enthusiasts.” more briskly), a quicker upshift will take place due to at the car’s sporty character. In addition, the center has been implemented that combines warmth with another vehicle is detected. When no other vehicle The GS F is based on the partially revamped GS high-response shifting. Furthermore, the G AI-SHIFT pillar and outer mirrors are painted in a dark, glossy superior illumination qualities. Interior color is present, the system turns on the high beams. AHS, model and boasts outstanding performance; the 5.0- control further elevates spirited driving by intuitively metallic hue that is coordinated with the color of the schemes available on the GS F include Black and an optional upgrade for the AHB, automatically opti- liter V8 engine features enhanced response and and succinctly blipping the throttle on downshifts. wheels to further enhance the element of sportiness Accent White, Flare Red and Black. mizes the headlamp light distribution so that the engine-revolution smoothness, while chassis stiff- When driving in the top-flight SPORT S+ mode, per- in the’F’ series. The newly designed, 19-inch polished Inside, the high-back sports seats fitted in the high beams do not directly illuminate preceding or ness has been improved through cutting-edge tech- formance driving is further aided by the system aluminum wheels are first forged, and then subject- front of the GS F are manufactured through an inte- oncoming vehicles. nologies such as laser screw welding. Furthermore, allowing the engine to maintain a higher rpm level, ed to three-dimensional cutting. grated foaming technique, and have been designed ● Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): Employing aquasi- the vehicle comes equipped with a variety of stan- which comes in handy when driving under high-load The rear of the vehicle follows the same aggres- to resemble form-fitting athletic sportswear to sup- millimeter wave radar installed on the back of the dard features to ensure both excellent driving stabili- conditions such as on a race track or a winding road. sive design theme as the front, highlighted by the ‘F’ port and cosset occupants. The seats provide both vehicle, BSM can detect a vehicle present in adjacent ty and an enjoyable ride, including Torque Vectoring Active Sound Control (ASC) combines the natural brand’s trademark quad exhaust tips. Other high- high performance required on a track as well as the lanes as well as the vehicle traveling at a high speed Differential (TVD), Vehicle Dynamics Integrated noise of the vehicle’s enginemainly with artificially lights here include a downforce-generating rear comfort needed for general driving. The specially approaching into the driver’s blind spot.