2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the debut of Lexus in the US and almost as a present to drivers they have introduced their second convertible (the first was the SC 430) model. The 2010 Lexus IS Convertible comes in two versions, the IS 250C (with 204 horsepower) and the IS 350C (306 hp). We were able to take the IS 350C out for a test drive recently and it is really an impressive car.
Not just a chopped down IS, the IS 350C is a really well designed new model. The Lexus team took the basic look of the current IS model, removed the rear doors and added a three panel folding roof that retracts in to the trunk in 20 seconds. The result is a sleek but roomy convertible.
After hopping in the car and hitting the cool push button starter, I took off and could quickly feel the 3.5-liter 306 horsepower engine. The car is very responsive and drives more like a two seater than a sedan that seats four.
The 350C comes with a six speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controllers. The IS’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is present in this model and it controls power steering, vehicle stability, traction control and breaking (anti-lock and brake assist) systems.
