PARIS — Lexus confirmed today that it will debut its 2010 IS 250 hardtop convertible at the 2008 Paris Auto Show on October 2. The IS 250 C arrives on the heels of the ultrahigh-performance IS F as the third model in the IS lineup, and it should hit the U.S. market next spring.
It will be the second Lexus to dazzle with a folding hardtop, the now aging SC 430 being the first. But it will be the first four-seat convertible to wear a Lexus badge. Although we expect the car's folding hardtop to eat into the IS's rear seat and trunk volume, it will have a rear seat, much like the BMW 3 Series convertible and the Mercedes CLK convertible.
Unlike the Infiniti G37 and BMW 3 Series, however, which offer a sedan, coupe and hardtop convertible, Lexus is expected to build only a sedan and convertible, and will not offer a coupe version of the IS. An IS 350 convertible is also likely to join the mix, as is a V8-powered IS F convertible to combat the BMW M3 drop top. Just don't expect an all-wheel-drive IS 250 C to find its way to production.
The car's first US appearance is expected be the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November.
What this means to you: Forget the SC 430; this is the Lexus convertible we've been waiting for. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
It will be the second Lexus to dazzle with a folding hardtop, the now aging SC 430 being the first. But it will be the first four-seat convertible to wear a Lexus badge. Although we expect the car's folding hardtop to eat into the IS's rear seat and trunk volume, it will have a rear seat, much like the BMW 3 Series convertible and the Mercedes CLK convertible.
Unlike the Infiniti G37 and BMW 3 Series, however, which offer a sedan, coupe and hardtop convertible, Lexus is expected to build only a sedan and convertible, and will not offer a coupe version of the IS. An IS 350 convertible is also likely to join the mix, as is a V8-powered IS F convertible to combat the BMW M3 drop top. Just don't expect an all-wheel-drive IS 250 C to find its way to production.
The car's first US appearance is expected be the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November.
What this means to you: Forget the SC 430; this is the Lexus convertible we've been waiting for. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
Add A Comment »