World debut for Lexus IS 250C at Paris motor show

Lexus IS 250C - Powered by 205bhp (208 DIN hp) V6 petrol engine with six-speed automatic transmission, on sale Summer 2009

The IS 250C displays Lexus quality and attention to detail in every aspect of its construction and is designed to exceed customer expectations.

The IS 250C shares its smooth 205bhp (208 DIN hp) 2.5-litre petrol V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the IS 250 saloon. It has been styled to offer minimal wind turbulence when driving with the top down and extensive revisions to the body structure and suspension provide the right degree of torsional stiffness to ensure a level of ride comfort appropriate for a Lexus. In coupe trim, the car’s low NVH performance is on a par with that of the IS saloon.

Thanks to the remarkably compact packaging of the three-part roof mechanism, there is a large boot space, together with easy rear seat access and generous accommodation for rear passengers.

The IS 250 C builds on the elegant proportions, sweeping, sculptural lines and contrasting convex and concave surfacing of the IS saloon range to combine the muscular appeal of a sports coupe with the stylish lines of a convertible.

Only the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors are shared with the IS saloon, all other body panels have been redesigned to ensure they harmonise perfectly with the three-part folding roof.

The steeply raked windscreen flows seamlessly into the aerodynamic arc of the roof line. This meets the surface of the boot with a crisp C-pillar that is incorporated in the roof structure. In coupe form the cabin tapers to the rear to give a flowing line from the roof through the C pillar to the luggage compartment. At the rear there are new lamp clusters with LED illumination and a high-mounted LED stop light integrated in the boot lip spoiler.

With the hard top down, the IS 250C has a seamless and elegant profile that is punctuated only by an integral roll-over hoop behind the rear seat headrests. No roof mechanism elements remain in view or project above the car’s waistline, with the complete structure concealed beneath the boot surface and flush-fitting rear parcel shelf.

The roof is made entirely of lightweight aluminium and gives an unparalleled smooth, seamless and silent operation. It is raised and lowered by means of a dashboard button and features a unique “roof brake” mechanism, which slows the closing of the hard top as it approaches the top edge of the windscreen. Unlike other systems in which the weight of the roof causes the closing speed to increase just before the point of closure, it descends smoothly into place.

The IS 250C has been designed to combine the lowest possible drag coefficient with minimal wind turbulence affecting the cabin when the roof is down. Key features include a steeply raked windscreen, ultra-smooth cabin profile, aerodynamically efficient “duck tail” rear styling that gives an “airkick” effect, detail rear lamp cluster design and a an array of underbody covers. With the hard top in place the drag coefficient is 0.29, which compares very favourably with the 0.27 Cd of the saloon.

The IS 250C has been designed to achieve a five-star frontal impact rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, with world-class safety performance in both coupe and convertible configuration. Numerous changes in the body structure enhance collision strength, roll-over protection and torsional rigidity, minimising cowl shake and optimising chassis control.

For added protection when driving with the roof down, the IS 250C is equipped with new-design larger side airbags that provide head protection in the event of a side impact. The bodyshell also features additional energy-absorbing side impact pads for both front and rear seat occupants.