The IS Convertible Unveiled At Paris Motorshow 08

October 2, 2008 – Paris, France – Making its world debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show and on sale throughout Europe in the summer of 2009, the new IS 250C combines the award winning design of the IS sports sedan range with utstanding
open-top engineering ingenuity.

• Engineering ingenuity creates a unique fusion of sporting elegance, top-down driving pleasure and uncompromised driving dynamics
• World’s fastest three-part roof opening time of 20 seconds
• Aerodynamic design and wind stream management combine the lowest possible drag coefficient with minimal interior wind turbulence
• Spacious rear passenger accommodation with one-touch front seat fold and slide for easy access
• Ultra-compact aluminium folding roof packaging generates significantly enlarged luggage space 

Reflecting Lexus’ legendary quality and attention to detail in every aspect of its construction, the new IS 250C convertible has been designed toexceed customer ownership expectations in every respect. Representing aunique fusion of top-down driving pleasure and uncompromised dynamic performance, its lightweight folding aluminium roof structure boasts the
world’s fastest three-part roof opening time of just 20 seconds.

Sharing the IS 250’s 153kW/208DIN hp, 2.5-litre ultra-smooth V6 powerplant and 6-speed automatic transmission, the new Lexus convertible has been styled to offer minimal wind turbulence when driving with the hard top stowed. Extensive revisions to body structure and suspension equip the IS 250C with the torsional stiffness necessary to promote ride comfort appropriate to the marque and, in coupe guise, thereduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics on a par with those of the IS sedan.

Thanks to the remarkably compact packaging of its three-part folding roof mechanism, the IS 250C offers a large boot space, generous rear seat access and spacious rear passenger accommodation.

The new coupe/convertible is the third addition to the IS model range, joining petrol and diesel engined versions of the IS sedan, and the ultra high performance, 5.0 litre V8 powered IS F, which introduces the Lexus “F Sports” designation to the premium automotive segment for the first time.

Exterior design

Building on the elegant proportions, sweeping sculptural lines and powerful contrasts in convex and concave surfacing which identify the Lexus IS sedan range, the new IS 250C’s design combines the muscular appeal of a dynamic, sporting coupe with the open-topped elegance of a stylish, comfortable and superbly refined convertible.

Offering a unique style which differentiates the IS 250C from conventional convertibles, only the IS 250C’s bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors are common to the IS sedan. All other body panels have been redesigned to harmonise perfectly with the integration of the new convertible’s three-part, aluminium folding roof.

A new fog lamp design is integrated within the deep front air dam. In profile, the coupe/convertible’s powerful, sporting stance is characterised by elegant, muscular coachwork below a pronounced, rising beltline which kicks up towards the rear. The steeply raked windscreen flows seamlessly into the smooth, clean, aerodynamic arc of a roofline which penetrates the boot surface via a crisp, elegant C pillar design incorporated within the folding roof structure. In coupe guise, the cabin tapers elegantly to the rear, allowing for a fluid roofline transition from C pillar to luggage compartment.
To the rear, the IS 250C features new combination tail lamp clusters with instantly recognisable, linear LED illumination, and a high-mounted LED stop light integrated within a sleek spoiler on the upper boot lip.

Credit: Lexus Europe

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