IS250C comes with extended rear overhang to overcome 3-series' weakpoint
Lexus has revealed its third body variation in the IS lineup: coupe'/convertible joining the saloon and bespoke high-performance IS-F. The folding hard-top is made from aluminium and can be stowed in a claimed 20sec.
Power comes from the saloon's 2.5-litre V6 albeit tweaked down from 212hp to 208, plus the six-speed automatic gearbox. Body stiffness is said to be same as in the saloon to maintain handling and ride factors.
To give the IS250C added practicality, the rear overhang is longer by 50mm than the saloon's to allow owners to stow a golf bag when driving roof-down to counter BMW 3-series' weakpoint. Access to the rear seats is a one-touch operation.
The IS250C is a 2+2 with a centre console dividing the rear seats like in the 3-series. Lexus says that the 12-speaker audio system from Mark Levinson can automatically adjust the bass sound when the car is driven roof-down.
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| Rear longer by 50mm. |
Other premium brands that have taken the CC route are 3-series, Infiniti G37 and Volvo C70. However, the 3-series and G37 still have pure hard-top coupe's for driving enthusiasts to choose from.
The IS250C is expected to come to Thailand by mid-2009. Even though the imported IS250 saloon matches the Thai-built 325i at some B3.3m, expect Lexus to subsidise less for the IS250C which would go way over B4m. The 325i Convertible costs B5.2m.
KEY QUESTION: Will next year's all-new CLK from Mercedes-Benz sport a two-in-one CC body, instead of the current hard-top coupe' and soft-top convertible model?
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