The Lexus IS 350C coupe/convertible is a perfectly serviceable luxury convertible (other than the loaded-diaper rear end that sometimes comes along with hardtop convertibles).
The problem, at least for enthusiastic drivers, is that the Lexus is a little sedate compared to, say, the 3-series convertible. We once described it as a rolling golf resort. Lexus has announced for 2011 that it will amp-up with sporting side of car with a limited edition (100 copies) F-Sport Special Edition. That little honey will cost $58,375 including destination charge when it arrives in dealerships later this month.
Many of the pieces that make up the F-Sport Special Edition were already available as accessories through F-Sport. We tested an IS 350C last year loaded with most of the same pieces and came away impressed with the thing, particularly the suspension modifications that tightened-up the car's responses.
The F-Sport Special Edition comes with the same Michelin Pilot Sport-shod 19-inch wheels as did our tester. It also has the sport springs that lower the ride height by about an inch, retuned dampers, fatter antiroll bars and upgraded brakes that our tester did. Predictably, the Special Edition also adds a bunch of F-Sport emblems. It also appears to come equipped with just about every option available on the IS line such as heated and ventilated front seats, back-up camera and adaptive front lights among many, many other items.
blueguydotcom says:
02:53 PM, 03/ 8/10
Seems as silly as getting an M3 convertible.
brn says:
04:05 PM, 03/ 8/10
A 350C costs as much as a (maxed out) F350.
No point here. Just noticed more than one number matches...
inlinesix says:
07:43 PM, 03/ 8/10
I was disappointed in the F Sport they let us drive around the middle of the SEMA convention buildings. Not worth the cash.
kingkhalas says:
10:55 AM, 03/ 9/10
ridiculous price.
Might as well get an M3.