2010 Lexus IS 250C - A Slow Step in the Right Direction for Lexus

The new and fresh Lexus IS 250C convertible is infinitely more attractive than the Toyota luxury division's only current convertible model, the Lexus SC 430. Unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the IS 250C convertible offers all the features buyers have come to expect from a luxury convertible, including a power-folding hard top, 6 speed automatic transmission and a decent, if underwhelming, gasoline V6 engine.

The redesigned Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 have seen near-universal acclaim as a luxury sport sedan veering more toward the luxury end of the spectrum than say, a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4. Despite being softer and more coddling toward occupants, IS 250 models remain fun to drive.

IS 250C Styling - A Little Soft, but it Works

In what is perhaps a wise sales move though probably not pleasing to sports car enthusiasts, the 2010 Lexus IS 250C convertible is given curvaceous styling that looks more like the outgoing SC 430 than the most hardcore of Lexus models, the IS-F. That said, the IS 250C is an attractive car all the way around, perhaps losing less in translation to open motoring than convertible models from competing luxury car marques.

The folding hard convertible top, which Lexus says stows away in the IS 250C trunk in 20 seconds, leaves behind a clean main body line with only minimally invasive breaks in the bodywork. Especially attractive is the subtle boattail rear spoiler not present on Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 models.

The effeminate SC 430, which replaced the enthusiast-favorite SC 400, has never been a favorite with sports car fans. The 2010 Lexus IS 250C is a big step in the right direction for Lexus convertible models, though we would still prefer more of the sharp lines from the sedan and "F" models.

IS 250C Performance - A Sad 208 Horsepower, but IS 350C to Follow?

The Paris 2008 debut for the IS 250C was all about the car's styling, but without the get-up-and-go of the Germans, will it really sell? Just as Ford moves more V6 Mustangs than the 300 horsepower V8 models, it is likely most buyers of a convertible Lexus are not so concerned about 0-60 times.

Giving up 60 horses to a V6 Toyota Camry is no way to win over performance luxury car buyers. A naturally aspirated 6 Cylinder motor making the same output as many four cylinders on the market begs the question as to what Lexus is thinking.

A Tiptronic-style 6 speed automatic should provide the gear ratios to ensure the IS 250C uses its full potential, and it would make no marketing sense whatsoever, if Lexus seeks to compete with Infiniti G37, BMW 3 Series, or Audi A4 convertible buyers.

A good start from Lexus, and a bold step up from the lackluster SC 430, but those who do bite the bullet and pick up an IS 250C when they become available worldwide next spring will likely wish for more.

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