Prince Edward County, Ontario - It’s easy to forget that Lexus has aconvertible in its lineup. After all, the $78,000 SC 430, which was thebrand’s first convertible when it was launched in 2002, is hardlyattainable for the majority of those aspiring to topless driving.
Its polarizing looks also scratch it off many shopping lists, andwhile its V8 engine is powerful, the SC is more boulevard cruiser thantop-down sportster.
Enter the 2010 IS C, a new hardtop convertible in what Lexus callsthe “luxury low” segment, where its key competitors will be cars likethe BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37. The IS C, as its name suggests, isbased on the same underpinnings as the entry-level IS sedan. While thismakes it a more affordable convertible than the SC, the IS C’s startingprice of $52,100 is hardly chump change. It is, however, notably lessexpensive than the 3 Series convertible ($55,600 for the 328i model)and the recently introduced G37 ($57,400).
Convertibles are low-volume sellers, so many carmakers opt to trimpowertrain options when offering a droptop based on an existing sedanplatform. This isn’t the case with the IS C, which is available withthe same 2.5- and 3.5-litre engines (in the IS 250 C and 350 C,respectively) as the IS sedan. Transmission choices are the same, aswell, with the IS 250 C getting a standard six-speed manual andoptional six-speed automatic, and the IS 350 C getting only theautomatic. The only drivetrain offering not carried over from the sedanlineup is the all-wheel drive system offered in the four-door IS 250.
2010 Lexus IS 250C. Click image to enlarge |
As mentioned, the IS 250 C sells for $52,100, while the IS 350 C starts at $60,400.
The IS C’s top was designed in-house by Lexus engineers. Foldinghardtops are old hat now, with Lexus’ own SC having a metal top sinceits last redesign in 2002. The IS C’s claim to fame, according toLexus, is that its roof’s 20-second fold-away makes it the fastestfolding hardtop in what Lexus calls the “luxury low” segment, whichpresumably includes the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G37 convertibles, twoof the IS’ closest competitors. While the IS C is generally agreat-looking car, it’s clear it was designed to look best with theroof stowed.
I wouldn’t call the IS C a particularly sporty car - best to go withthe IS sedan if that’s what you’re after - but it was still fun to tossit around during a short drive on the scenic roads of Prince EdwardCounty in southeastern Ontario. No doubt, drivers after nothing morethan a healthy dose of Vitamin D while driving a stylish car will findlittle to complain about in the IS C.
As is common with convertibles derived from sedan platforms, the ISC received a number of structural upgrades to help make up for the bodyrigidity lost with the sedan’s fixed roof. The result is a car thatdoes feel quite solid, though some “cowl shake” and shuddering isnoticeable when driving rough roads with the top down.
The extra structural bracing adds weight to the IS C; curb weight inthe heaviest model - the IS 350 C - is 1,760 kg (3,880 lb), compared to1,600 kg (3,527 lb) for the IS 350 sedan.
2010 Lexus IS 250C. Click image to enlarge |
Any performance deficit the porkier convertible suffers is smallenough to be negligible by seat-of-the-pants measurements. Likewise,the reduction in the car’s handling ability, caused by theconvertible’s reduced structural strength, isn’t detectable in casualdriving. However, this car doesn’t feel as substantial on the road asthe heavier BMW 3 Series ‘vert.
That extra weight does take a small toll on fuel consumption: the IS250 C automatic is rated 9.8/6.7 L/100 km (city/highway), compared to9.8/6.8 for the IS 250 auto sedan. The IS 350 C’s ratings of 11.5/7.9are also up from 10.9/7.8 in the 350 sedan.
Unless you must have a manual transmission, I would avoid the oneoffered in the IS C. It’s a real disappointment, quite frankly; it’snext to impossible to shift smoothly. Thankfully, the six-speedautomatic is well-matched to either engine, so this is the recommendedgearbox.
With the top up, trunk space is a very large 550 litres, compared to378 in the IS sedan. The extra space was achieved, partly, bystretching the IS C’s overall length by about 2.5 inches compared tothe sedan (the IS C measures 4,635 mm/182.5 in). With the top down,however, cargo space shrinks to a space about large enough for a singlegolf bag.
The only body panel the IS C shares with the IS sedans is its hood; everything else is unique to the convertible model.
Interior space and comfort are good up front, though Lexus’ effortsto make the rear seat usable - scalloping the front seatbacks to createmore knee room; front seats that power forward to allow rear seataccess - only do so much; you wouldn’t want to spend much time backthere.
Lexus offers a variety of aftermarket performance parts for the ISC; the silver model photographed for this article sported 18-inchwheels and lowering springs from the Lexus aftermarket catalog.
The 2010 Lexus IS C is on sale now. |
發表於 2009-7-26 10:28 AM
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