2010 Lexus IS C 250/350 Convertible

The Lexus IS series of sedans was introduced in 2006 to provide a sporty, personalized vehicle that delivered both handling and luxury. For 2010, the Lexus IS lineup has two new additions, the IS 250C and the IS 350C share the same hardtop convertible body structure but are equipped with different engines.

The IS Convertible builds on the IS sedan structure with the use of lightweight high strength steel and additional bracing to provide the same solid platform with the top down. On the road, the car exhibits an excellent ride and no noticeable body flex, attesting to the effectiveness of the structural additions.

Outside, the IS convertible is similar in design to the sedans but shares virtually no external panels. The hood and front fenders flow smoothly up into the windshield frame. The two doors are longer for better rear seat access and hinges have three detent positions to hold the doors partially open in tight parking spots. The rear quarters and trunk lid are higher with about two inches longer rear overhang to accommodate storing the roof and still have room for cargo. With the roof lowered, there is still enough trunk space for a set of golf clubs across the rear of the car. With the roof raised, there is 10.8 cubic feet of space, significantly larger than even the sedan trunk.

At the push of a button, the aluminum hardtop folds into the trunk is a short 20 seconds. With the roof up, the car is as tight, quiet and comfortable as a luxury coupe should be. With the roof down, there is very little buffeting from the wind even at highway speeds. Some convertibles use a wind blocker screen behind the front seats to stop the buffeting, but the IS convertible doesn’t need one.

Before the top is lowered, parking assist sensors at the rear of the vehicle look for objects that might interfere with the trunk lid opening rearward and will stop the sequence if necessary. The roof unlatches automatically and the rear window folds upside down into the storage space while the two roof panels slide over each other and into the trunk. The trunk lid lowers again to form a smooth rear deck with the roof completely concealed.

Inside, systems automatically compensate for the roof up or down. The audio system changes volume and equalizer levels to add more bass when the roof is down. The automatic climate control system adjusts both temperature and airflow to different outlets to maximize the interior comfort levels. The LCD information display changes contrast for better visibility with the roof down. Front seat passengers are also kept comfortable with seat coolers and heaters. Additional heating elements are placed in the shoulder area to provide extra heat with the top down on cool days.

The IC 250C and 350C are powered by a 2.5 liter V6 and 3.5 liter V6 respectively. The IS 250C comes with a 6 speed manual gearbox.  Most will likely order the optional 6 speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. With the gearshift moved to the Sport position, the paddle shifters select gears faster than anyone could with the manual gearbox and it does it smoothly too. The 2.5 liter engine puts out 204 horsepower which moves the car well. If you want really quick passing performance, the 306 horsepower of the 3.5 liter engine will provide it.

Besides the engine, the only differences between the two models are a few options only available on the IS 350C such as smog sensor on the automatic climate control, Lexus Pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise control. Both models can be ordered with a voice-activated hard drive-based navigation system and backup camera, and an upgraded Mark Levinson audio system with 6-CD changer and 12 speakers. Both get leather interior, Birds Eye Maple interior trim, a full range of safety systems including brake assist, ABS, Stability control, traction control and hill start assistance control (great with the manual transmission).

The Lexus IS convertible is a very good blend of performance and comfort. It is fun on a twisty road, top up or down, with very little body roll and good feedback though the electric power steering. When the sun is shining, cruising with the top down will bring a guaranteed smile to the passenger’s faces.

AT A GLANCE:

Configuration: Rear wheel drive four passenger hardtop convertible

Engine: IS250: 2.5 L V6 producing 204 horsepower and 185 ft lb torque

IS350: 3.5 L V6 producing 306 horsepower and 277 ft lb torque

Transmission: 6 speed automatic

Fuel Economy: ISC 250:City: 21 mpg; Hwy: 29 mpg

ISC 350:City 18 mpg; Hwy: 25 mpg

Suspension: Front: independent double wishbone, stabilizer bar; Rear: Independent multi-link, coil springs, stabilizer bar

Brakes: four wheel disc brakes with ABS, hill hold

Special Features/Options: automatic climate control, heated front seats, traction control, stability control, leather upholstery, push-start ignition system

MSRP: IS 250C: $38,490

Price as tested: IS 350C: $47,870 including $875 destination charges
 

Posted by: carshq on 9/04/2009 at 7:12 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink