Paris Show: Lexus IS 250C convertible
Author: Nick Moreton
Published: 03 October 2008
With a three-piece aluminium folding roof that folds up or down in a world best 20 seconds, the Lexus IS 250C was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show yesterday ahead of going on sale across Europe next summer.
Although it shares its smooth 205bhp, 2.5-litre petrol V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the IS 250 saloon, only the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors are the same, with everything else redesigned to ensure they "harmonise" with the roof.
Where most folding roofs compromise space in the back, Lexus has got round this by adding 50mm onto the rear overhang compared to its saloon sister.
This, combined with an 'ultra-compact' roof design, gives a large boot space, while 300mm more door length and sliding front seats gives easy access and generous accommodation for rear passengers.
The IS 250C has been styled to offer minimal wind turbulence with the top down, and, with extensive revisions to the body structure and suspension providing enhanced torsional stiffness, the car's low NVH performance is on a par with the saloon.
A number of technical revisions ensure the 250C's on-board comfort and entertainment systems operate effectively when the roof is down.
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