Lexus IS 250C
Where Do You Live?
Lexus joined the ranks of Volvo, Infiniti and BMW when it introduced its IS convertible model at the Paris motor show. The luxury auto manufacturer unleashes its “dark side.”
The Specs
Top Speed: 130 Miles per Hour
Acceleration: 0 to 60 in 8.8 Seconds
Engine Size: 2.499 liter / 152.5 cu in
Power: 204 bhp / 152 KW @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 252 Nm / 186 ft lbs @ 4800 rpm
Price at time of writing: $39,660
The Scoop
Being the last of the luxury automakers to roll out a convertible model gave Lexus the benefit of learning from its competitors’ experiences.A descent 20 seconds is needed to open the three-piece metal hardtop. The motion of opening or closing the convertible top doesn’t make the same thumping sounds as other comparable droptops. The smooth agility of the convertible top’s motion can be attributed to a complicated system that contains fifteen electric motors and 37 motion sensors that monitor movement of the top. According to Lexus, the IS 250C is the fastest-opening convertible of its type in the world.One of the points that work in this car's favour vs the competition is space in the boot and rear seats.
In terms of body, it’s all a matter of style.As ever the styling is up for debate. But the rear does look a little inflated.In most cases cars in that are similar with a brand share body panels to save costs. Lexus has opted to have the IS 250C only share a hood with the sedan.All the others panels are designed from scratch for the 250c.
Whether the car is being driven topless or not the challenge was to ensure the driving performance does not degrade. The IS 250C has been engineered to put forward minimal wind turbulence when driving with the top down and extensive revisions to the body structure and suspension impart the right degree of torsional rigidity to ensure a level of ride comfort appropriate for a Lexus. Though maintaining structural rigidity in convertible vehicles can be difficult to achieve, Lexus was able to do so by adding two major cross beams.One of them has been neatly placed under the rear seat while the other is beinh the headrests.
Two model grades are available – SE-I and SE-L – of which the cheaper SE-I is estimated to be the leading seller. From 660 you can get a new IS 250C SE-I.
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