Lexus unveils GS F with 5L V8; Atkinson cycle in cruising range
14 January 2015
Lexus unveiled the GS F high performance sports sedan and the latest model in the “F” series at the North American International Auto Show. The 5.0-liter, V8 engine equipped with the D-4S direct injection mechanism produces the linear power feel and superior response characteristics of a normally aspirated engine, while achieving high output. In addition, running the engine on the Atkinson cycle in the cruising range has also improved fuel efficiency and environmental performance. (Earlier post.)
The engine is another application of Toyota’s work in combining Atkinson and Otto cycles.
With its expansion stroke longer than its compression stroke, the Atkinson cycle can achieve a higher thermal efficiency than its Otto counterpart; the downside is reduced power density. Toyota has been working on ways to leverage the increased fuel efficiency offered by the Atkinson cycle without using a hybrid system. Engines applying this approach have now been applied in the 1.0L engine in the 2014 Toyota Yaris (earlier post), the 2.0L in the new European Camry (earlier post), and the 5.0L in the Lexus RC F (earlier post) and now GS F.
Sales of the GS F in global markets are to begin following its sales launch in Japan in the second half of this year.
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