Lexus IS: 2nd Generation

Somehow this slipped by me, but the UK prices for the 2009 Lexus IS were announced earlier this week and show some significant savings over last year's model. Here's a full table breakdown, courtesy of 4WheelsNews:

Of course, the big deal here is that the new 2009 IS has just been revamped, so getting a price drop on top of the improvements is a jolly-good deal.

WedsSport, a Japanese performance tuner, has revealed its Lexus IS 350 drift car, which is destined to compete in the D1 Grand Prix, the preeminent professional drifting series. NZ Performance Car has some details:

...the company has been slowly developing this new car which is, not surprisingly, powered by a Supra derived 2JZ-GTE motor. The new Lexus sports an awesome wide-body look, a 780hp T04Z turbo power delivery and an awesome handling package custom made for the car.

It will be interesting to see how WedsSport's IS performs in the D1GP. (It certainly gets bonus points for those fantastic yellow rims!)

[Source: NZ Peformance Car]

Fresh from its debut at the Paris Auto Show, the Lexus IS 250C is now making an appearance at the Australia International Auto Show. When asked about the new convertible, Lexus Australia GM John Roca had this to say:

"For the first time in Lexus history we can now claim we have an IS range...[it] will join the soon-to-be-launched IS-F and new IS 250 sedan to form a very strong backbone for the brand,” Mr Roca said.

"IS 250C has been developed to strict Lexus standards. Its superior NVH suppression, wind turbulence characteristics, ride comfort, interior space and versatility will set a new benchmark for convertibles in its class. It will also arrive at a time when practicality and versatility are driving purchase decisions. IS 250C consumers will not have to choose between sedan versatility and convertible enjoyment."

Lexus is extremely excited about the addition of IS 250C to the local model line-up in the later half of 2009," Mr Roca said.

Seems the IS 250C will be taking its time making its way to Australia, but even more than that, Lexus fans down under still don't have the IS-F?

[Source Japanese Sports Cars]

I thought it would be good to post up all the different video segments of the Lexus IS 250C I've come across since the convertible's introduction last week:

Update: More videos:

Have you seen any others? Post it in the comments and I'll update the page.

According to both the Lexus USA press release and a post on Toyota's Open Road Blog, there will be an IS 350C (at least in North America):

Powered by the same powertrain as the IS sedans, the IS 250C features a2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatictransmission; the IS 350C contains a 3.5-liter, 306-hp with a six-speedautomatic.

Hardly surprising, but at least this clears up any confusion. (The reason for the IS 350C's omission from the Paris Auto Show is due to that engine configuration not being offered in Europe.)

[Source: Lexus]

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?