Lexus IS 250C Convertible Details
October 02, 2008 Filed under: Lexus IS: 2nd Generation, Autoshows
With the video and the photos out of the way, let's get into the details of the new Lexus IS 250C:
- Scheduled for a late-spring 2009 release in the US, summer 2009 in Europe
- Features an aluminum three-panel roof that opens in just 21 seconds (currently the world's fastest three-panel roof)
- Shares hood, headlamps, door handles and mirrors with the IS sedan, all other body panels have been reworked to blend with the retractible roof
- Features the same powertrain as the IS sedan
- Suspension and body structure have been revised to maintain the expected Lexus noise levels
- The convertible has a drag Coefficient is 0.29, the sedan is 0.27
- Features a new fog-lamp design
- Rear overhang has increased 2 inches to improve trunk space (Two golf bags in coupe config, one in convertible)
- Front doors have been extended 11.8 inches compared to the IS sedan
- Quick one-touch automatic mechanism allows easy access to back seats
My initial impression? Love the overall shape, with the exception of the front/rear balance. The trunk lid is bulky, sure, but the thing that's most noticeable to me is that two extra inches in the rear overhang. It makes the front end look really stubby.
What do you think?
disappointing.....
The hard top roof is bulky. The rear end is too high. I would expect better from Lexus.
Oh come on Eddie, it's not that bad. Yes, a retractable roof would be bulky, and the rear-end is high(er), but I think it looks better than the 3-series hardtops. I'm actually rethinking the GS for the fiance now. I hate soft-tops and I know she'd love a convertible. :D
Wow I really like this car. The back really reminds me of a BMW but with a lexus flair. I also like how the roof goes down in 20 seconds
The interior seems really nice, still not sure about the exterior. I still think they should have just built a coupe instead of a coupe-convertible. I still can not imagine it took them many years to design and built it, and it came out like this.
Doesn't do it for me, it feels wrong somehow.
Seeing is believing in this case. The IS-F was not the most photogenic vehicles either, but in person it stands out. As Lexus steps forward with new models there are going to be some differences from what is so ingrained in us as Lexus. In the next three years you will see more diversity in design from Lexus than you have seen in 18 years. There will be something for everyone.
Thinking on it more, I wish there was a coupe-only version as well. Maybe next generation?
Doesn't look aggressive enough to me. I think the looks of the IS series is lost in the C.
I think no matter who makes it, any convertible gets the same "junk in the trunk" look in order to accomodate hard tops and enough cargo space for nit-pickers to be satisfied. I think the car looks great myself.
Lexus lost this battle.....
WE PRESENT THE ALL NEW LEXUS IS 250C AS A...............COMPLETE FAILURE!!!!!!!!!!!
its too bad.....
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