Here's the BMW 3 Series fighter we've been expecting from Lexus for years. Dubbed the 2010 Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C, this new two-door features a three-piece retractable hardtop that folds away in 21 seconds, according to Lexus. The collapsible roof is made entirely of aluminum to save weight and all the seals have been optimized to deliver the same interior noise levels as the IS sedans. There will be no hardtop coupe, so if you were hoping for a two-door IS-F you're out of luck for now.
Compared to the sedans, the IS 250/350C is identical underneath the skin; same engine lineup and same suspension except for a few tweaks to compensate for the added weight of the convertible roof. The doors are 11.8 inches longer and there are 2 additional inches of rear overhang in order to maintain sufficient cargo room in the trunk -- two golf bags' worth with the top up, according to Lexus. A revised gauge cluster is said to be easier to read in bright sunlight, while the climate control and audio systems are both speed-sensitive to compensate for top-down driving.
It's classic Lexus in terms of precise execution, but the result is an awkward mess of conflicting lines and odd proportions. The A-pillars are too short compared to the long nose, and the rear end appears abnormally high and bulky. Put it next to a 3 Series convertible and the Lexus would look even more thrown together. You'll be able to judge for yourself next year as the IS 250/350C is scheduled to go on sale late next spring. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
frank908 says:
07:34 AM, 10/ 2/08
Hmmm, with the top up, it looks like the current Chrysler Sebring. And that ain't good thing. Kindda goofy look'n.
billt9 says:
08:35 AM, 10/ 2/08
Completely retarded. Fail.
rick8365 says:
10:38 AM, 10/ 2/08
I no like either - a little too Solara too (IMO).
ateixeira says:
01:59 PM, 10/ 2/08
It's a Solara with a useless back seat.
Being RWD won't save this one.
The IS sedan was too small a starting point to be practical.
With the SC430 already a 2+2, why didn't they give us a true 4 seater?
sideswiper says:
02:54 PM, 10/ 2/08
I'm anything but a Lexus fan, but I think the design actually works. What I don't believe however, is that anyone will want it, save a few upper-class soccer moms that don't want the same Bimmer as their neighbor.
bmw335xi says:
04:11 PM, 10/ 2/08
i just cant see a is converible. i mean coupe fist please. it just doesnt look right to me. That should be one europe keeps!
iancar says:
05:55 PM, 10/ 2/08
Is it just me or every brillant Japanese car has a born-rival? EVO vs STI, Civic vs Corolla/Levin, Supra vs GT-R, Odyssey vs Sienna, etc.
blueguydotcom says:
07:44 PM, 10/ 2/08
Wow, that looks like a mistake.
cjasis says:
07:39 AM, 10/ 3/08
I'm a fan of Lexus because they bring to the market well executed, dead reliable, non offense cars that are great values.
But this thing is ugly. And ugly cars don't even merit a test drive, let alone consideration, in my household.
truckstopper says:
07:41 AM, 10/ 3/08
I'm not sure they designed the IS sedan with a convertible in mind... doesn't translate nearly as well as the 3-series.
zoolander1 says:
11:30 AM, 10/ 3/08
I own a 2007 IS350 that I bought over the BMW 330is because of reliability. Lexus is a much more reliable car. As far as looks, no Japanese or American car can match European design.
I've always found coupe versions of sedans sexier. The IS was never designed to be a coupe. The proof is, there is not a coupe version of the IS.
The design looks akward, ugly, not well thought, unfinished, unpolished, rough, like a project.
Reliability won't save this one. this convertible needs to go back to the drawing boards... BUT, there will always be people that would do anything to drive a car with the big L on their front grill.
julian905 says:
02:30 PM, 10/ 3/08
hahaha it's funny how someone said it looks like a chrysler sebring convertible - WHICH IS THE UGLIEST CONVERTIBLE ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW!
BUT.. i'm not happy that they're not making a simple coupe version of the IS. NOW - people will respond with "buddy, it's a hardtop convertible, it's just the same as a couple, if not better".
compare the new COUPE M3 to the Retractable hardtop M3... not quite the same...
COME ON LEXUS - please make a coupe!
ps. then IS-F it ;)
kmircarlover says:
02:53 PM, 10/ 3/08
omg how ugly from the side, wow what a horrible flop. it looks ok with the top down though...but up it looks like a sebring. :(
naxet says:
06:17 PM, 10/ 3/08
even the paid models in these pictures look unimpressed with the Lexus IS350 convertible.
nerv2010 says:
08:53 AM, 10/ 4/08
Hey ateixeira,
Lexus does offer a true 4 seater, it's called the GS. If they made a larger S series, it would compete too much with the existing GS lineup.
I was waiting for this to come out but it doesn't look too pretty so far. I'll have to check it out in person when they hit the lots. What did they do to the wheels? Those rims are hideous!
As for those that don't think Lexus thought of a coupe, look back at the IS prototype. They sure were. Too bad that didn't hit the production line.
alexis4 says:
10:08 AM, 12/30/08
This car will sell in small numbers - it's not mainstream. It will still probably outsell the SC, though. This is a sporty Lexus, more a drivers car, and will attract more male buyers. www.lexusenglewood.com
damlex says:
11:43 AM, 02/12/09
Lexus has been very disappointing as of late and this just adds to it. With no sports coupe after 09 what are grownup kids supposed to drive? The SC is dead, long live the SC!!!