02 Oct 08 13:08
Lexus has lifted the lid on its IS-series: the IS 250C, which goes on sale in the UK next summer, has a three-piece aluminium roof that folds away in just 20 seconds.
The roof design allows for a large boot and a decent-sized pair of rear seats, whilst the 250C should be as dynamic as its saloon-bodied counterparts; it comes with the 205bhp 2.5-litre V6.
Its chassis and body structure have been modified to maintain rigidity and ride comfort, and Lexus has paid attention to reducing wind turbulence and wind noise.
Most of the body panels are unique to this model - only the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors are shared with the saloon - and the IS 250C also has new front foglights, new taillights with LEDs, and an LED stop light in its boot spoiler. A neat pair of rollover hoops are positioned behind the rear seats, but otherwise, all elements of the roof structure fold away below the waistline. The boot is big enough to take a golf bag.
The instruments have been modified to maintain visibility in sunlight, and the climate control system gains speed-sensitivity. A 12-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system is fitted, which adapts according to whether the roof is up or down.
Safety equipment includes Lexus's Pre-Crash Safety system, which primes the brakes, airbags and seatbelts if a collision appears imminent, as well as the VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Control) with stability control, and larger side airbags. Lexus says that the IS 250C has been designed to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, even with the roof down.
Check out the rest of our Paris Motor Show coverage.
