Kingston, Ontario - You like to feel the wind in your hair while driving a 4-passenger premium compact... provided that it's a Japanese car? Well, lucky you, there will soon be an alternative to European coupe-convertibles, or CC. This one will grace the showrooms of Lexus and bear the name 'IS C'.
Upon its original introduction in 1999, the company wanted to make the IS sedan a Japanese 3-Series. The thinking heads at Toyota didn't waste any time to diversify the model's lineup since they knew this car would serve to attract younger buyers to Lexus dealerships, much like the upcoming HS 250h compact hybrid will.
New powertrains were added along with a wagon variant called SportCross. The latter received mixed reviews and was discontinued in 2005 after just three years on the market.
Now, the automaker is striking back with a sporty CC based on the regular sedan. Available in two trim levels, this limited-production model is expected to sell anywhere between 200 and 300 units a year in Canada. Meanwhile, IS sales are ten times higher.
The 2010 IS C will allow Lexus to rival German brands in a very exclusive segment that targets wealthy consumers, namely 4-passenger premium compact cabriolets. The competition includes the BMW 328i and 335i Cabriolet, the Audi A4 Cabriolet, the Volvo C70, the Saab 9-3 Convertible and, to some extent, the Volkswagen Eos.
All-new
The Lexus IS C shares its platform, powertrains and most of the dashboard with the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans. Everything else is all new, including every single body panel save for the hood. The IS C was fully designed and engineered as a sports coupe with a retractable hardtop.
The chassis was obviously reinforced to achieve satisfying body rigidity. The rear overhang is also 5-centimeter longer for greater trunk capacity. With 553 litres of room at your disposal, the boot is big enough to fit a pair of large golf bags -- with the roof up, of course.
A topless IS C, on the other hand, offers a meager 205 litres of room for your luggage, so bring your swimsuit and toothbrush and leave the rest at home. Also, the cargo hold is actually a shallow area that stretches along the width of the trunk; in other words, tall items don't fit in. Granted, the BMW 328i Cabriolet is in a similar situation, with only 5 litres more when the roof is down!
 |
| The Lexus IS C offers the benefits of both coupe and convertible. |
Upon its original introduction in 1999, the company wanted to make the IS sedan a Japanese 3-Series. The thinking heads at Toyota didn't waste any time to diversify the model's lineup since they knew this car would serve to attract younger buyers to Lexus dealerships, much like the upcoming HS 250h compact hybrid will.
New powertrains were added along with a wagon variant called SportCross. The latter received mixed reviews and was discontinued in 2005 after just three years on the market.
Now, the automaker is striking back with a sporty CC based on the regular sedan. Available in two trim levels, this limited-production model is expected to sell anywhere between 200 and 300 units a year in Canada. Meanwhile, IS sales are ten times higher.
The 2010 IS C will allow Lexus to rival German brands in a very exclusive segment that targets wealthy consumers, namely 4-passenger premium compact cabriolets. The competition includes the BMW 328i and 335i Cabriolet, the Audi A4 Cabriolet, the Volvo C70, the Saab 9-3 Convertible and, to some extent, the Volkswagen Eos.
All-new
The Lexus IS C shares its platform, powertrains and most of the dashboard with the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans. Everything else is all new, including every single body panel save for the hood. The IS C was fully designed and engineered as a sports coupe with a retractable hardtop.
The chassis was obviously reinforced to achieve satisfying body rigidity. The rear overhang is also 5-centimeter longer for greater trunk capacity. With 553 litres of room at your disposal, the boot is big enough to fit a pair of large golf bags -- with the roof up, of course.
A topless IS C, on the other hand, offers a meager 205 litres of room for your luggage, so bring your swimsuit and toothbrush and leave the rest at home. Also, the cargo hold is actually a shallow area that stretches along the width of the trunk; in other words, tall items don't fit in. Granted, the BMW 328i Cabriolet is in a similar situation, with only 5 litres more when the roof is down!
 |
| The Lexus IS C shares its platform, powertrains and most of the dashboard with the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans. |