A convertible version of the Lexus IS has been rumored for the last few months now, and it looks as though those rumors may come to fruition in 2009, according to a new report. As previously speculated, the drop top IS will use a fully-retractable electronic hard top.
According to AutoTelegraaf, Lexus will bring convertible versions of the IS250 (IS250 C) and IS350 (IS350 C) to the U.S. in 2009, presumably to replace the lame duck SC430. However, Lexus will not be offering a drop-top version of the high-performance IS-F to go head-to-head with the BMW M3 convertible.
Despite getting the snub on an open air version, the IS-F will be getting a little extra attention from Lexus . AutoTelegraaf reports that Lexus is working on a lightweight version of the IS-F, much in the same vein as the now defunct BMW M3 CSL. However, no word on how much weight the sports sedan will lose or if there are any performance modifications in the cards.
As previously reported, AutoTelegraaf says that Lexus has put the brakes on its GS-F program.
