View Poll Results: Initial Thoughts?
I likey, need to see in person
58
26.98%
No thanks, will need to see in person
58
26.98%
Undecided
25
11.63%
Liked the concept instead
15
6.98%
I will buy it
10
4.65%
Will stick to my 4 door or buy a new 4 door IS, was waiting to see this.
37
17.21%
Will go buy an IS-F, was waiting to see this.
12
5.58%
Voters: 215. You may not vote on this poll
Official Thread: Lexus IS 250C Coupe-Convertible: First Photos and Details
10-02-08, 07:50 AM
#61
Lexus Connoisseur
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
• 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
10-02-08, 08:11 AM
#63
kinda looks volvo-ish. no?
i think in any other market, it would be a hot seller (think of how good it'll look lowered) but right now i don't think the economy is prepared for this... just like it wasn't prepared for the ls460 when it first came out..
sad to say but i think it's true.
c.
i think in any other market, it would be a hot seller (think of how good it'll look lowered) but right now i don't think the economy is prepared for this... just like it wasn't prepared for the ls460 when it first came out..
sad to say but i think it's true.c.
10-02-08, 08:20 AM
#64
Lexus Test Driver
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my impressions with the first pics were that it looked awful, but after seeing the newer pics i think it looks great, think about it with a nice lip kit and some rims, that thing will look sick
10-02-08, 08:21 AM
#65
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The back is just way too long for a coupe, it seems like all Lexus did was put in 2 stretched out doors and add a hardtop... It took them this long to come out with this???? I'll still have to see it in person but so far from the pics I'm pretty disappointed...
10-02-08, 08:47 AM
#66
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I think it looks alright, maybe better in person. I think the subtle differences are nice. The rear lights are not that shabby and I noticed a little air diffuser underneath the rear bumper from some photo's online. Overall, not bad, maybe would look sleeker in a black colored car.
10-02-08, 09:54 AM
#69
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It's like they tried, so hard, to copy BMW, and then failed.
What a total disappointment.
The side profile is such a blatant ripoff of BMW, I'd be embarrassed to be driving the IS250C for fear of pulling up next to a 3-series convertible at a stop light, and watching the driver roll his eyes at me.
What has happened to Lexus? First they destroy a lot of what we all liked about the 2006-2008 IS, and now they make a convertible version that's an ugly attempt at copying BMW. It's so sad.
It's like they tried, so hard, to copy BMW, and then failed.
What a total disappointment.
The side profile is such a blatant ripoff of BMW, I'd be embarrassed to be driving the IS250C for fear of pulling up next to a 3-series convertible at a stop light, and watching the driver roll his eyes at me.
What has happened to Lexus? First they destroy a lot of what we all liked about the 2006-2008 IS, and now they make a convertible version that's an ugly attempt at copying BMW. It's so sad.
10-02-08, 09:57 AM
#70
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Wow. Can it be any more obvious?
Lexus basically just put "L" emblems on the 3-series, made the rear end even more ugly than their ugly attempt at updating the 2009 IS, and called it a day.
The sideskirts. The 3-piece top. The side crease in the metal. The lines. The shape. The illumination of the tail lights. It's all BMW.
10-02-08, 10:45 AM
#71
Pole Position
top down actually doesnt look that bad
Rear lights remind me of the LX rear which i think has the nicest rear lights in the Lexus lineup. so thats a plus.
still they shouldnt have gone this route. A coupe alone would have been good. maybe thats next
.
Rear lights remind me of the LX rear which i think has the nicest rear lights in the Lexus lineup. so thats a plus.
still they shouldnt have gone this route. A coupe alone would have been good. maybe thats next
.
10-02-08, 10:54 AM
#72
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Sorry. This is such a disappointment to me. Where is the option for "full of loose" ?
The IS is such sexy car, it was almost inconceivable to me, that it could be made unattractive. Once again, Lexus has come from out of left field and totally screwed up a good thing.
I was also expecting the roof from the LF-C concept. What is with this mundane drop top? If by some chance you were saving it for the SC fine, I'll let you have that.
Otherwise..... thumbs down.
So sad right now..................
The IS is such sexy car, it was almost inconceivable to me, that it could be made unattractive. Once again, Lexus has come from out of left field and totally screwed up a good thing.
I was also expecting the roof from the LF-C concept. What is with this mundane drop top? If by some chance you were saving it for the SC fine, I'll let you have that.
Otherwise..... thumbs down.
So sad right now..................
10-02-08, 11:04 AM
#73
Lexus Connoisseur
Haha, yet again, trigger happy quick to judge comments and they still haven't seen it in person. LOL
