2010 Lexus IS 350C

Lexus rounds out its performance offerings with a retractable hardtop

By Nina Russin

2010 Lexus IS C

When Lexus introduced the first IS sedan for the 2000 model year, the automaker broke away from its comfort luxury tradition, in the hope of attracting performance enthusiasts. The tuner-inspired IS was a rousing success, inspiring product planners to expand its high-performance line-up. In 2005 Lexus introduced the IS 250 and IS 350, giving buyers several engine and transmission options, along with available all-wheel drive.

More recently, the V-8 powered IS F pushed the performance envelope to the extreme. While sales have been soft, the IS F is an appropriate halo for the series: proof that Lexus engineers are capable of going head to head against the best Europe has to offer.

The first IS convertible is the next step in Lexus’ strategy to attract upwardly mobile car buffs. Strategists anticipate convertible sales could boost IS sales 25 percent, based on statistics from BMW and other key competitors. While Lexus has no plans to produce an IS F convertible, F-Sport accessories give IS C buyers the opportunity to hot rod their drop tops. Read the rest of this entry »