Spy photographers have spotted what appears to be a test mule for a Lexus IS convertible. According to the information accompanying the shots, the convertible IS is slated for a 2009 introduction and will be offered with the current IS’ range of engines — from its Euro-spec 177 horsepower diesel to the fire-breathing 423 horsepower unit found in the IS-F.
It remains unclear if the IS convertible would use a soft or retractable hardtop. Before the launch of the IS, rumors circulated that Lexus was developing a soft-top variation, although the design reportedly never passed final review.
If Lexus does decide to make a convertible IS, that means a coupe-variant could also be in the works. A full lineup of a sedan, convertible and coupe seems to make sense for the IS since it goes head-to-head with the BMW M3, which offers all three body styles.
If the convertible has the green light for a 2009 launch, expect more spy photos in the coming months.
02/26, 3:17 PM
posted by:
mars_Smiley
the ride was already pretty soft on the hard top, i hope they give major support to make it just as strong now..
02/26, 3:18 PM
posted by:
Commodore
fire-breathing 423 HP in the IS-F? Is that a joke
What cool adjective would you use to describe the LSA in the CTS-V?
Or would you use any adjective at all on an American car
02/26, 3:19 PM
posted by:
mars_Smiley
1st POST btw!
02/26, 3:30 PM
posted by:
Veda
Not sure about putting that engine in a Lexus convertible yet… but there are enough girls with IS250’s running around Newport Beach to warrant a case for a convertible.
02/26, 4:02 PM
posted by:
frylock350
@Commodore,
For a Lexus that IS fire-breathing. For an American car, absurd amounts of power is practically expected.
02/26, 4:28 PM
posted by:
MY Si
Fire Breathing…..hmm… nah dont see it. The IS and IS-F are great rides with great engines but they are not that powerful. Cadillac and BMW will come out with the convertible versions of the CTS-V and M3. Personally id buy the Lexus for its reliability but the CTS-V…. I love it.
02/26, 4:57 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
If ever there was a photo looking for a caption…’hey, you guys run into my f*cking caw and I don’t even know what kind of ****ty f*cking caw this is. How come you got so much **** stuck on this f*cking caw? You going to the f*cking moon or someting?’
02/26, 5:36 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
The Lexus IS…. IS very nice. I like the exterior, more so than anything else on the market, but the interior is so conservative, and it feels a little spongy… I’m not talking specifically about the suspension.
02/26, 6:10 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
My trailblazer has 400 gargantuan horsepower.
02/26, 6:12 PM
posted by:
audi-lover
sounds good but i’d bet its 0-60 time sucks
02/26, 6:13 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
I guess Japanese horsepower has more spice to it.
02/26, 7:23 PM
posted by:
F451
Chick automobile.
02/26, 8:53 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Hmm a convertible hard top or soft top IS. Yeah it’ll be very popular with the ladies. Just like me…
02/26, 9:34 PM
posted by:
GS400
I love how that low life Commodore forgets the fact that: V6 3.5L IS350 rapes V6 3.6L CTS. V6 3.5L GS350 rapes V6 3.6L STS. V6 4.6L GS460 rapes 4.6L V8 STS. Basically, head to head, everything compariable in line up, Lexus is vastly quicker than Caddies. He picks one model that the Caddie trumps, and he’s sitting here saying Lexus are slow. Get your head checked, you illusional kid.
02/26, 9:53 PM
posted by:
autonut
I think IS is the best looking Lexus. This form loves small dimensions. With 3.5L motor it will be in old M3 category, and frankly I don’t know if someone can utilize more in a small convertible. I could live with 2.5L 205 hp mated to 6 speed manual.
02/27, 9:59 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
My Jeep has 210 vagina-pounding horsepower
02/27, 12:12 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
^LOL
02/27, 11:28 PM
posted by:
bigp
wow bmw has an problem now.the is soft top or hard will be an much better buy, only if they add about 10 2 20 more hp
03/01, 1:23 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Alteeza!
fairlight: you’re half-right.I think at least one non-transvestite would drive thios faux-luxury car.