Segment: Coupe Cabrio
Production years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Lexus introduced the open-top version of the IS range at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Despite the bad timing due to the world financial crisis, it managed to survive until its replacement arrived in 2014.
The Japanese carmaker tried to take a slice of the European premium car market. Thus, Lexus tried to hit the competition in the convertible segment with a retractable hard-top vehicle, which neither of its competitors had. And thus, the IS C was born. Unfortunately for Toyota's premium brand, it was bad timing.
Lexus' designers made a similar front fascia for the convertible version of the four-door IS, following the new-edge design language with sharp, rounded lines and curved panels. Between the narrowed headlights, the carmaker installed a waterfall-style chromed grille that sported the L-badge in the middle. From its profile, any resemblance between the convertible and the sedan stopped. The retractable hard-top could have been open or closed in just 20 seconds, which was remarkable for a four-seat vehicle. There were no fewer than 15 motors and 35 sensors involved in that movement.
The carmaker found a way to squeeze four seats inside the cockpit, even though those placed behind were mostly useless. Due to the retractable roof, the carmaker had to move the back seats forward, leading to minimal legroom for the rear passengers. The dashboard sported the same design as its four-door sibling. Lexus tried to make a stand in the segment and provided the IS C with a leather-wrapped interior. Moreover, it added more features as standard.
Under the hood, Lexus installed a choice of two engines, both with six cylinders. They did provide similar power as its main competitors, but there were only two, which didn't help Lexus' sales department.
ENGINE SPECS - 250 6AT (204 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2500 cm3 |
Power: | 152 KW @ 6400 RPM 207 HP @ 6400 RPM 204 BHP @ 6400 RPM |
Torque: | 185 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM 251 Nm @ 4800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 134 mph (216 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.4 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/40 R18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 182.5 in (4636 mm) |
Width: | 70.9 in (1801 mm) |
Height: | 55.9 in (1420 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.4/60 in (1,534/1,524 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.5 in (2731 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.8 cuFT (306 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3840 lbs (1742 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4574 lbs (2075 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18 mpg US (13.1 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 26 mpg US (9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 219 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 350 6AT (306 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3500 cm3 |
Power: | 228 KW @ 6400 RPM 310 HP @ 6400 RPM 306 BHP @ 6400 RPM |
Torque: | 277 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM 376 Nm @ 4800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 141 mph (227 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 5.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/40 R18 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 182.5 in (4636 mm) |
Width: | 70.9 in (1801 mm) |
Height: | 55.9 in (1420 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 60.4/60 in (1,534/1,524 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.5 in (2731 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 10.8 cuFT (306 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3880 lbs (1760 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4574 lbs (2075 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 18 mpg US (13.1 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 21.5 mpg US (10.9 L/100Km) |