Lexus IS 250C Convertible
Lexus Convertible Spied in NT
Lexus engineers followed a familiar path used by many international car companies in using the harsh summer heat of the Northern Territory for testing the new IS 250C convertible.
In heat soak tests, a black IS 250C was left closed in broad daylight allowing internal temperatures to crack 100 degrees centigrade for more than four hours before the vehicle was started and air-conditioning performance was evaluated. Sounds like any day in summer at an Aussie beach to us!
Dust intrusion, on-road performance and convertible roof operations were also tested in the extreme conditions.
The harsh outback roads were also a perfect venue to evaluate scuttle shake – when a closed convertible roof rubs against the windscreen surround.
Many European and Japanese automotive companies take advantage of the summer conditions ‘Downunder’ to undertake testing procedures during the Northern Hemisphere winter.
“Australia has played host to the testing of numerous Lexus models including the first ever Lexus LS 400 and the LX 570 luxury SUV,” explained Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Rocca.
Look for the new IS 250C – as tested on the roads between Darwin and Alice Springs – in Lexus Australia dealerships in Spring.
