2009 Lexus IS Convertible
Looking to expand on the success of its sporty IS sedan series, Toyota's upscale Lexus division used the Los Angeles show for the North American debut of the Lexus IS 250 and 350 Convertible. This slick piece of engineering takes the 4-door IS and transforms it into a 2- door coupe with a retractable hardtop.
The new IS features a three-part aluminum rectractable hardtop that opens or closes is just 20 seconds. Buyers can choose between the IS 250C which is equipped with a 204-bhp 2.5-liter V -6, which can be specified with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The range topping IS 350C has a 306-bhp V-6 equipped with a 6-speed automatic.
In developing this all-new design, only the hood, headlamps, door handles and mirrors are shared by the sedan. The front overhang is increased slightly and incorporates a new front fascia with fog lamps integrated into the front air dam. The fenders have muscular wheel arches and the body flows into a slightly raised rear deck, so designed to accommodate the three-piece hardtop beneath a hard tonneau. In profile, the shape is seamless, accented only by the raised roll hoops for the two rear-seat passengers.
Longer doors help with rear-seat access, which is also facilitated by a one-touch power fold-and-slide feature on the front bucket seats. Like the front end of the car, the rear has been lengthened, which improves luggage space in the trunk. In fact, the IS convertible has more luggage space than the sedan even with its three-piece top stowed.
