Lexus IS 250c – An Overview

The new Lexus IS 250C is a combination of sharp styling of the IS saloon range and open top engineering creativity. This car offers top-down driving pleasure with uncompromised dynamic performance. This is the third model in the IS range. The IS 250C joins the petrol and diesel IS saloons and the ultra-high performance IS-F.

The Lexus IS 250C is powered with 104bhp (208 DIN hp) 2.5-litre V6 engine with six-speed automatic/manual transmission. It is lavishly styled to minimize wind turbulence while driving without roof. Its extensive revisions to the body and suspension provide a higher level of torsion rigidity. This provides a great ride comfort when the car is in coupe guise. When it is about safety concerns, the IS 250C is tested in independent Euro NCAP crash testing, where it achieved a top five-star rating.

This car is built on the L-finesse design characteristics of the IS saloon with elegant proportions, sweeping lines and contrasting convex and concave surfacing. Though it has close relationship with the saloon, it only shares few common body elements, which are bonnet, headlamps, door handles and door mirrors. All the remaining body panels have been redesigned to harmonize with the folding roof of the convertible. There is also an edition of new fog lamp design, which is integrated in the deep front air dam.

This car is a great example of high levels of interior luxury, and practical innovation to ensure the best on-board entertainment systems work effectively when driving in convertible mode. The front seats are low profile, which have been heated, and ventilated, and the rear two full size seats are set 30mm further inboard to optimise headroom, and separated by a centre console with integrated cup holders. The other specialised features regarding the interior includes the technologies like automatic climate control, 12 speakers 350W with Mark Levinson stereo surround system, LCD touch screen for the audio, and navigation system, and 40 GB HDD capacity navigation system.

It requires only 20 seconds for the hardtop to draw back. For this operation, there are 15 motors, and 35 sensors to achieve unparalleled level of smooth, seamless, and silent operation. This operation is activated by a button on the dashboard, and has a unique roof break component, which slows the closing action as the hardtop approaches the top edge of the windscreen.

The design of the car has been kept to achieve the lowest possible drag coefficient with minimal wind turbulence affecting the open cabin. The coupe-convertible has a drag coefficient of 0.29, and it compares favourably with the 0.27 rating for the IS saloon. Special attention has been paid by the engineers to reduce the wind turbulence, and generating the most comfortable airflow characteristics for occupants when the roof is stowed.

Made to achieve the best ride comfort, the IS 250C has finely tuned front suspension coil springs, and dampers. The torsion stiffness of the suspension bushing has also been decreased, and the shape of the front anti-roll bar has been changed. A gear ratio for maximum vehicle controllability and stability is also an impressive feature.

The car is an example of world-class safety in both coupe, and convertible configuration. It is equipped with the highest content of active and passive safety technology in the segment, including Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) of the Lexus. This Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is specially altered for an open-body car, and to ensure shorter stopping distances on split-friction road surfaces, a revised Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system, and the first twin-chamber passenger front airbag. For further improvements, the car has been equipped with the larger design side airbag for head protection in the case of a side impact.

For more information about the Lexus IS 250c range, visit the Lexus website.