Lexus IS convertible opens to the World
Lexus admits pure desire is the prime motivator in the purchases of luxury hardtops, so on looks alone the company has a winner in the all-new IS250C.
The glorious four-seat hardtop convertible shares its genes with the IS250 sedan and features a three-part hard-top which takes just 20 seconds to open.
Powered by Lexus’ 2.5-litre quad-cam V6, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential automatic, the IS250C is actually very sharply priced with the entry-level ‘Prestige’ model stickered at $79,900. That significantly undercuts European rivals including the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
According to Lexus, the IS250C is the only vehicle in its segment which can fit two full size golf bags and two 77-litre suit cases in the boot while the roof is folded. And with the roof closed, this cabriolet coupe delivers a huge 553 litres of boot capacity…who said convertibles aren’t practical for families?
At 4635mm, the IS250C is just 50mm longer than its sedan sibling but extensive chassis stiffening has been undertaken for the convertible including larger-section rocker panels and strengthening around the cabin perimeter, a tubular cross brace behind the dashboard and an additional rear floor cross member adjacent to the rear axle. In total there are seven underfloor bracing elements.
Shared with the IS250 sedan, the 2.5-litre powerplant delivers 153kW at 6400 rpm and peak torque of 252Nm at 4800rpm. It drives the rear wheels via a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel. Lexus says the combined cycle fuel economy is 9.3l/100kms and the CO2 emissions are 219g/km.
No word from the company on a ‘racy’ version powered by the rip-snorting 311kW/505Nm V8 fitted to its performance flagship the IS F.
On the suspension front Lexus engineers modified the IS250’s double-wishbone front/mutlilink rear set-up with recalibrated settings to suit the braced bodyshell. The rear strut towers were lowered to provide space in the boot for the folding roof.
Tyre sizes front/rear are different. Entry level IS250C ‘Prestige’ models feature 225/45 R17 rubber up front and 245/45 R17 rears while ‘Sports and ‘Sports Luxury’ models run 225/40 R18 fronts and 255/40 R 18 rears. ‘Prestige’ models have 10-spoke alloy wheels while the other two variants feature a five-spoke design.
High-tech features include Vehicle Swerve Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC).
Extensive work was done to minimize noise and NVH with the roof open or closed. Specific attention was given to over and under-body aerodynamics to reduce wind noise – including a specially designed under-body diffuser.
Inside is the usual array of beautifully crafted Lexus luxury features – modified for a 2+2-seater convertible coupe. For example the front seats have an arched rear frame which delivers an extra 20mm of leg and knee room for rear seat passengers.
Leather is plentiful – apart from the seats, the IS250C delivers a leather bound steering wheel and gear level plus leather centre console and body side mouldings. The unique climate control system has an ‘Open’ function that can double the normal airflow output to keep things toasty or cool with the roof down.
‘Mellow White’ and ‘Black’ are the two choices for interior colours. These are matched with a silver-accented trim on ‘Prestige’ and ‘Sports’ models while ’Sports Luxury’ buyers can choose either dark Brown or Grey Wood trims.
On the safety front, IS250C is equipped with unique head and torso side SRS airbags which were designed to reduce the chance of head injury in an accident when the roof is down. There are also head impact absorbing structures in the A pillar and roof rails.
The IS250C had an Australian connection even before it was launched internationally. Early last year a team of engineers tested prototype vehicles in the harsh Northern Territory conditions – researching driving performance, air-conditioning/roof operations and dust sealing.
Lexus Australia reckons the IS250C will deliver 25 sales per month and attract new customers to the brand. With 100 pre-orders before launch, that prediction seems to be on the mark.
