VIDEO: Lexus IS250C folding its hard top
Click above to watch video after the jump
It's always fun to see the engineering behind hard top convertibles. The latest member of the breed comes from Lexus in the form of the 2009 IS250C. This new derivative of the IS250 sedan sports a three-piece aluminum roof that retracts in a "world's fastest" 20 seconds. Video proof of the event taking place has been released and we've embedded it after the break. The new 250C's most logical competitor comes from BMW, whose 3 Series convertible features a folding hard top of its very own. When the new Lexus goes on sale next summer in Europe, followed shortly thereafter in the United States, it will offer buyers a replacement for the expensive SC 430, which is set to make a graceful exit from the marketplace in short order.
Gallery: 2009 Lexus IS250C LIVE
[Source: Paultan]
Video:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jeff 7:36PM (10/03/2008)
it's still ugly!
Reply
JetMech 7:37PM (10/03/2008)
Affirmative.
john 7:39PM (10/03/2008)
wow...so dramatic-__-
zamafir 8:03PM (10/03/2008)
that's never stopped lexus from selling before, even with this solara knock off.
Domestic 6.0 11:14PM (10/03/2008)
Its ok but its no sc430
cFoo 7:36PM (10/03/2008)
Hardtop up or down..the poor IS has been Bangled.
Reply
Torrent 7:43PM (10/03/2008)
100% Whole-Grain suckage.
No Additives......
Reply
whatchatalkingaboutwillis 7:56PM (10/03/2008)
I like the way the IS looks... don't like the way it drives though.
Reply
Mi key 7:59PM (10/03/2008)
Its pretty nice except for the upturn in the rear window. Its o.k. in the sedan but looks a bit awkward on this. Also why no sunroof like the VW Eos. In my opinion the Eos roof should be standard on all cars in this segment.
Reply
Typesbad 8:41PM (10/03/2008)
I have yet to see a four seat hard top convertible that looks good with the top up, and this is no exception. To me, it is all about the long trunk required to stow the top and the upright angle of the c-pillar. It makes them all look like two-door sedans. I think I'll stick with the more graceful appearance of soft tops, at least as long as I continue to live in Southern California.
I like the appearance of the IS sedan.
Reply
Nuieve 2:20AM (10/05/2008)
What about Mercedes SL or SLK?
Nuieve 2:23AM (10/05/2008)
Sorry, never mind my previous Mercedes comment... didn't notice 4-seat mention... Anyway, BMW 335, VW EOS and Volvo C70 hardtops look alright imo...
Seminole 8:35PM (10/03/2008)
All the dramatic music, closeup shots, and strange angles in the world couldn't make the 250c look better.
Reply
dea911 2:32AM (10/04/2008)
word!!!
Raz 8:49PM (10/03/2008)
EPIC FAIL!
Reply
Dan 10:38PM (10/03/2008)
Wasn't the Miata like 13 seconds a year ago?
Reply
Prime 11:37PM (10/03/2008)
hardtop
Dan 11:43PM (10/03/2008)
Yes, the hardtop
Craig 9:59PM (10/04/2008)
MX-5/Miata does its roof thing in 12 seconds. Much faster than the 20 seconds that the Lexus does.
Maybe Toyota are claiming that it is the world's fastest 4 seat convertible hardtop that is RWD and less than 3L in capacity. You only have to beat 2 or three other cars.
mkevin88 11:56PM (10/03/2008)
i was just thinking about how nice the 4 door IS looks as one passed me today...now i come home and see this thing....it only makes the 4 door look that much better
Reply