TAS 2009: The Lexus IS 350C in Silver
Now a few days removed from the Toronto Auto Show, I’ve been going through the virtual stack of photos that I took, and have compiled my first gallery — here’s the IS 350C in silver:
As I mentioned previously, convertibles just don’t do it for me (likely due to dealing with bitterly cold weather six months of every year). That said, I like the look of the IS-C’s hardtop roof, and was a touch disappointed not to see it in action.
Really, this vehicle is a puzzle, introduced very late in the IS design cycle. The thinking, and I’m going out on a limb here, is that the SC redesign is still a ways off, and there needs to be a semi-fresh convertible in the lineup or risk losing segment sales. The real deal will be happening when the IS gets its next redesign — which I would expect will come in 3-series assortments: coupe, convertible, sedan, super-sedan.
Pros:
- IS front fascia remains modern and well suited to the convertible
- Super wheel design suits the vehicle perfectly
- Necessary addition to the IS lineup
Cons:
- Bulky rear
- Trunk looks like a table
- Sales may suffer due to IS design age
February 16th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
The rear isn’t hideous to me. I’ve seen better, but lets face it the SC never had a good looking behind either. However even though the current IS is due for a full redesign in 2-3 years I still would have liked to see a coupe version.
Anyways if I was in the market for a convertible this would be at the top of my list.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Good point about the SC, though I didn’t find it as obvious — seemed better integrated.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I agree, but as far as coming with a coupe version, seems unlikely knowing how much Toyota loves to keep costs at a minimum.
February 17th, 2009 at 2:42 am
Nice car, however I have to disagree on the wheels, I find them quite ugly underneath that car.
The rear on its own looks quite sexy, but the sideview of the car is a little out of proportion towards the rear.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Yeah, straight on, the rear design works, it’s the side profile I don’t care for.
I really like the wheels, they have a nice tone — that said, it is a fairly standard Lexus design.
February 17th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Love it, but wish it had 4wd and panoramic glass roof like the VW Eos. The IS will be around for a while (lexus still has models with cassette decks in production!).
February 17th, 2009 at 8:28 am
i am pretty sure - when enough customers tells Lexus there wish for a 4wd option…they will offer it.
February 17th, 2009 at 10:58 am
I wonder how an AWD system would work with the roof, and if there’s enough room for both.
February 17th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
SC redesign? Have you heard something you’re not telling us?
Last I heard this “was” the SC redesign! The cars are nearly identical in dimensions.
February 17th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I said I was going out on a limb!
Sorry, no secret information — but there’s absolutely no way Lexus will let the SC model die. (I still believe that a variation of the LFA will be released as the SC.)
February 17th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
no way,
LF_A is supercar….supra..
SC targets a different market.
plus, I still don’t like the taillights. not very exciting design.
but BMW’s 3 series has hidious tailights too.haha.
I am hoping they bring in a coupe version next year, or for the sake of cost, next version.
February 18th, 2009 at 8:25 am
krew, I’m with you hoping for the LF-A as a SC replacement in some form. Only time will tell!