2010 Lexus IS 350C

2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350C – Click above for high-res image gallery When Lexus researched the target demographic for its IS 250C and IS 350C, respondents were asked what they wanted to do with – and in – their convertibles. When the answers came back, Lexus discovered that no matter how much driving and champagne and sun and moonlight were involved, the scenario always included at least two people doing one thing: engaging in NSFW activities. So the new IS convertible was designed to fulfill those dreams, and according to Lexus, this duo of folding tin-tops represents the automaker's wild side. But does Lexus even have a wild side? Make the jump to find out. %Gallery-63602% Photos copyright ©2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc Shot with a Nikon D70 and Nikon 18-200 lens The IS is classed as an entry-level luxury convertible, and as such, it lines up against competitors like the BMW 328i, Volvo C70, upcoming Audi A5 cabrio and the now-departed Mercedes CLK350 convertible. Despite its various and sundry competition, it's clear that the IS C's design couldn't be confused for anything outside of the Lexus stable. The changes made to its rear-end are thorough and create a compelling and markedly different look from its sedan counterpart (the two don't share any body panels). The front and rear fascias have been redesigned with greater angularity: the front intakes dip lower and the "arrowhead" face is more pronounced, while out back, a high-mounted LED brake light notates an arched deck lid, and the trunk and fascia angles are even more acute, with the taillights nearly piercing the license plate area. The voluminous back end looks more like the C70 than the 328. The convertible has the same width and wheelbase as the sedan, but it's 2.2-inches longer, and aside from housing the retractable roof, that extra bit of metal visually reduces the IS' heightened rump. From the side, the eye makes an easy sweep over the convertible, aided by the sculpted shoulders where the C-pillar meets the trunk, topped by ridges that glide down to the rear. With the top up, you get 10.8 cubic feet of space – enough, we're told, to fit four folks and their golf bags. With the top down, you'll have 2.36 cubic feet to work with, and if you opt for the run-flat tires, a little bit more. That junk-swallowing trunk is needed to house "the world's fastest opening three-piece metal hardtop." Fifteen motors and 37 sensors put it away and get it back out in 20 seconds. That's the good part. The not-so-good part is that you can't stow the roof while the car is in motion. Most of the time, this won't make much difference, but if you ever need to put the top up at a stoplight – especially if it's a light you're unfamiliar with – then 20 seconds feels like an archaeological era. If the light turns green while you're still doing your thing, your choice …
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