This post is created by moiez
When Lexus researched the target demographic for its IS 250C and IS 350C, respondents were asked what they wanted to do with – and in – their convertibles. When the answers came back, Lexus discovered that no matter how much driving and champagne and sun and moonlight were involved, the scenario always included at least two people doing one thing: engaging in NSFW activities. So the new IS convertible was designed to fulfill those dreams, and according to Lexus, this duo of folding tin-tops represents the automaker's wild side. But does Lexus even have a wild side? Make the jump to find out.
The IS is classed as an entry-level luxury convertible, and as such, it lines up against competitors like the BMW 328i, Volvo C70, upcoming Audi A5 cabrio and the now-departed Mercedes CLK350 convertible. Despite its various and sundry competition, it's clear that the IS C's design couldn't be confused for anything outside of the Lexus stable. The changes made to its rear-end are thorough and create a compelling and markedly different look from its sedan counterpart (the two don't share any body panels). The front and rear fascias have been redesigned with greater angularity: the front intakes dip lower and the "arrowhead" face is more pronounced, while out back, a high-mounted LED brake light notates an arched deck lid, and the trunk and fascia angles are even more acute, with the taillights nearly piercing the license plate area.
Naturally, with any new model from Lexus, there's bound to be new luxury bits on top of the regular luxury bits found in the standard IS. The HVAC output and stereo volume auto-adjust based on the top's position and a solar input control provides increased response to the sun when enjoying the environment. If you opt for the Luxury Package, the ten-way adjustable seats include a one-touch tilt and slide function. Tack on the Intuitive Parking Assist system and radar will detect obstacles towards the rear of the convertible that could impede the operation of the roof. Also new for the IS Convertible: the front seats have increased ventilation for cooling, and the heating elements have been included in the seat shoulders – good stuff for when the top is down in chilly weather. Additionally, Bluetooth music players can be paired for wireless operation, the nav uses an auto-fill feature like predictive text, voice commands can be more informal (e.g. "Call Bob at home"), and there's even an option for Hill Start Assist on manual transmission cars.
A quick refresher on the sedan's dynamics are in order: The six-speed IS 250 four-door covers the fundamentals reasonably well. It's brisk: keep the revs above three grand and you'll hear the sound and feel the urge. It's comforting: the nicely finished cabin has the right controls in the right places. And it handles: the chunky steering wheel offers balanced resistance to inputs, and if you're steady with the controls and pay attention to your line, the IS250 stays admirably flat and composed around corners. It's a 50-50 balance of sport and luxury, with the only issues being a wobbly gearshift (new bushings would fix that) and the snappy brake and clutch (a more involved fix, but two things now synonymous with the brand). It's the kind of sedan that reminds you horsepower isn't everything, as the IS 250 has just 204 hp to motivate its 3,455-pound four-door frame.
If you're among those who want the IS C but don't want to sacrifice anything, know that this is the kind of car that the F-Sport line was made for. Aesthetically, the 19-inch wheels, giant brakes and big blue calipers change the car's look from mere bunny rabbit to something that ought to be called "Thumper." On the 350C, you can leave the engine as is, just add the Bilstein shocks, sway bar kit, and performance exhaust and you'll not only look the business, you'll do it as well.
While Lexus contends that the IS C represents its wilder side, we'd qualify that with: "It depends on what you consider wild." We're talking about the wild side of one of the most historically conservative brands in all of autodome, which means our starting point could be considered further to the right than other brands. If you like your wild on the go, then the IS 350 sedan is practically untamed Africa, the IS 350 C is a great zoo, and the IS 250 C is a petting zoo with a cow, some ducks and a couple of sheep. If you think "wild" means you need to apply sunscreen at stoplights, either IS C fulfills the definition.
Viewed through the lens of brand, if you want a convertible Lexus and you have anywhere from $38,480 to spend on the IS 250 C manual to $43,940 for the IS 350 C (plus $875 for destination), then all you need do is choose a droptop and you'll be happy. And as for those salacious dreams that convertible owners are apparently full of, a quick drive will provide plenty of opportunity to decide whether there's enough soul in this topless model for you. In either case, at least as compared to Lexus' aging SC430, we think that there's more 'wild' in either IS C than there is in a whole year's worth of Animal Planet.
No comments:
Post a Comment