REPORTS: Lexus to build IS F convertible; existing IS droptops selling ahead of supply
2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C – Click above for high-res image gallery
Lexus has high hopes for its new IS250 C and IS350 C convertibles, and early returns give the Japanese automakers cause for optimism. Car and Driver is reporting that Toyota's upscale division will build a droptop version of its bonkers IS F sports sedan, and plans for that model are surely buttressed by brisk initial sales of the new IS convertible models. Wards Automotive says that IS250 C and IS350 C folding hardtop convertibles are being picked up faster than they can be made, prompting Toyota to increase production at its Kyushu plant in Japan to 1,200 units per month. The ISC is so hot in the Northeast that the region will begin receiving 225 units per month.
Scott Wracher, general manager of the brand's eastern area, says 85% of the convertible IS models will have the 204 hp, 2.5-liter V6, while only 15% will have the more potent 306 hp 3.5-liter V6. The manual transmission 250C stickers at $38,480, and $43,940 will net you the auto transmission-equipped IS 350 C (plus $875 for destination). The IS convertibles also have a lengthy list of expensive options, which will easily push the MSRP up to (and over) $50,000.
In related news, C&D's sources suggest that hopes for a roadster version of the on-again/off-again LF-A supercar (currently 'on again,' for those keeping tabs) are increasingly unlikely.
Photos copyright ©2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc
[Sources: Car and Driver; Wards Automotive]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
VP 4:35PM (7/08/2009)
On a related segment, can somebody explain the advertising campaign for the IS convertible? They never seem to air full ad, just bits and pieces. I never understood what i am supposed to take away from it all.
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Chris G. 5:35PM (7/08/2009)
I think the point of the ad campaign is to make the audience believe that they will feel like they are in some random action movie if they drive the car. Because when I think action movie, I immediately think of Lexus...
arinze 5:42PM (7/08/2009)
I really don't understand all the hate towards the IS line. They are competent cars and good looking in my opinion with superior reliability and resale value. I don't care who buys them. If I did, then I could never drive an M3, 911 or countless other cars because of the douches driving them.
arinze 5:45PM (7/08/2009)
And another thing. It seems like car enthusiasts like us always bash cars that don't have a 1001 horsepower or manual transmissions, but Lexus is enjoying good sales so obviously they are doing something right. Not every car needs to have a harsh ride or an overly twitchy steering.
Adis 2:16PM (7/09/2009)
Yea, I dont understand the dislike of this car.... I own a 2008 IS 250 and love the car. Before my IS I had a Acura TL and before that I had a Audi A4. Honestly, this car feels great on the road and the handling is great. Additionally, I have never recieved so many compliments on any of the other cars I've owned.
Jo Schmoe 4:41PM (7/08/2009)
In before all the haters who want to cry about the design of this car. Again, no one cares if you would never buy one because everyone else is buying one.
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Epyx 4:57PM (7/08/2009)
People bought lot's of Chrysler Sebring and LeBarron convertibles as well.... Cant account volume for substance. For some reason there is a big market for four seat, two door, bulbus convertables.
jinsei888 5:20PM (7/08/2009)
This is a blog for car enthusiasts, not marketing agents and bean counters.
Voicing our dislikes regarding automotive aesthetics and performance always reigns supreme over who-actually-buys-the-car data on Autoblog.
Continue your rants over ugly cars and pathetic performance, Autobloggers! STFU marketers and beancounters!
zamafir 5:43PM (7/08/2009)
I second jinsei888, all in favor of continuing our enthusiasts discussions on an enthusiast website?
Infra 12:20PM (7/09/2009)
@jinsei888
Let's get pedantic, shall we?
You are not an enthusiast as defined by : an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity. In this case, cars.
Were you a car enthusiast, you would recognize the good attributes in any car, no matter if it is necessarily a product you would buy or not. What is a much more fitting description for you is "fanboy" : highly devoted and biased in opinion towards a single subject or hobby within a given field.
By all means critique what you don't like, but outright dismissal because you don't "like" a certain type of car is inherently not the behavior of an "enthusiast".
Ben 4:57PM (7/08/2009)
Wow, an IS-F convertible would allow me to sever my head even faster-er than the hardtop.
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CBXweb 5:03PM (7/08/2009)
Weird, I have only seen one on the streets of Beverly Hills. Still see plenty of Range Rover Sports, I guess they have not exploded yet/ lease is not up.
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Rick Gee 5:14PM (7/08/2009)
Yuppies rejoice !
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SHANE FROM AUSTRALIA 5:53PM (7/08/2009)
While i truely appreciate the IS series particular the IS350 and IS-F and the new convertibles, i believe however Lexus should just leave the IS-F as a sedan only.
On another note, the LF-A is confirmed as go-ahead and scheduled for an unofficial launch at the Tokyo Motor Show in October alongside the new Toyobaru aka AE 086.
Keep up the good work Lexus ... !!
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JDM Life 7:57PM (7/08/2009)
Why you do believe they should leave it as the foor door only?
Every other car in its class has a drop version except the C63.
Kiiks 12:48AM (7/09/2009)
I think the swoopy widebody look of the F might actually be better suited for the convertible. I think the added design details on the IS-F don't quite match up with the otherwise attractive proportions of the IS sedan. They're not too bad on their own but there isn't a sense of unity in the design of the F sedan, almost like they didn't go far enough with the swoopy vents and flares an tried hard to make them fit within the lines of the IS. The couple would appear to have less flat sheetmetal between the fender flares and character lines and maybe the Lexus design team can make the F-style alterations flow better?
The rear wheel arch/fender really needs more attention. What if they took that line at the rear of the front wheel arch, between the front quarter panel and the wheel vent piece, and re-introduced that line just forward of the rear fender, angled it upwards some (like on the IS300, only a bit lower) and into the corner of the tail light. That line could then give the rear fender some more definition, maybe more track width and give it a more muscular stance. Did that make sense?
Mikeeeeeeee 5:59PM (7/08/2009)
Looks like a Toyota Solora fro probably $10,000 more!!!
there are suckers everywhere.
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SteveRB 2:38AM (7/09/2009)
Completely agree with you. Maybe it is better looking in person but from those photos, it is absolutely unremarkable.
BrianFL 6:17PM (7/08/2009)
Oh great. M ore of these things with spoiled snotty chicks behind the wheel.
MOTORISTS BEWARE:
This car increases texting while driving!
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Level 6:20PM (7/08/2009)
This is a chic's car....
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