Lexus currently offers a range of F-Sport products for its IS C convertible models – the IS 250C and IS 350C – but even in hopped up F-Sport guise, the Lexus drop tops still leave plenty to be desired in the performance category. However, Lexus will reportedly add a bit of spice to the IS C lineup with an open air version of the IS F.
According to Car and Driver, Lexus is readying a convertible version of its fire-breathing IS F for early 2011. The drop top version of the IS F will use the same 416 horsepower 5.0L V8 found in the IS F sedan. The IS F convertible will also borrow the sedan’s eight-speed transmission.
Although the IS F convertible will undoubtedly be the highest performing Lexus convertible, it should be just a step or two slower than its four-door counterpart. The IS C convertibles weigh about 400 pounds more than their sedan counterparts, meaning you can expect the same weigh penalty from the IS F convertible.
The IS F convertible should also give Lexus better footing against rival BMW. The IS F already competes against the M3 Sedan and the IS F convertible would logically be a natural competitor for the M3 Convertible.
If the latest reports prove to be true, expect to see the IS F convertible bow sometime late next year.
07/08, 6:10 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
No way… Didn’t see this coming
07/08, 6:17 PM
posted by:
Pazzo Canguri
Dont do it lexus, i hate the is250c it just looks wrong, i like the stock ISF but when they did the IS as a convertible it just went wrong in my opinion…..dont like it…
07/08, 6:18 PM
posted by:
phiftywon
High performance drop tops are the ultimate in poser-mobiles.
07/08, 6:27 PM
posted by:
AutoCritical
I agree with Jake66 – bit if a shock, not sure how appropriate it would be….
07/08, 6:28 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
this car is a MISTAKE!!!! they should have left the is alone with it’s 4 doors!
07/08, 6:33 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
Oh this is exciting. A blind man can see the true potential and meaning of this car (total sarcasm). I think Lexus is sniffing on BMW’s ass farts or something. I honestly dont see why we need this car when nothing but old retired ladies and fags driving them around. Why do they need that kind of speed? Even if it was a closed coupe version, this car looks so gay as a coupe that true enthusiast wouldn’t dare and try to take on an M3 coupe. Waste of time and waste of PR.
07/08, 7:20 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
WHY? Ugly is as ugly does, and now they want to make an F(AIL) version?
07/08, 7:35 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
LLLLNo.3,
I found your last comment to be rather hilarious!!!! thank you very much for the laugh!
07/08, 7:52 PM
posted by:
Bavarian_818
This is old news! The billboards promoting this have been all over LA for weeks! Thanks for the upto date info LLN
07/08, 9:57 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
More iterations of UGLY from these designers.
07/08, 10:26 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I don’t care if it’s topless or not, no stick- no sale.
07/09, 1:45 AM
posted by:
brocky
LOL… I feel the same way johnnycanuck. But more than lack of sales, my appreciation for such performance vehicles just drop because of their lack of 6 speed manual transmissions.
07/09, 4:31 AM
posted by:
F50
Lexus should have built an all-new Coupe using the IS Platform and tech. replacing the SC430, and having a design that actually works for Convertibles and Coupes.
07/09, 8:17 AM
posted by:
ricky_b
Now that they’ve really improved the IS over previous generations, I wish they would bring back the wagon/hatch version. For where I live, it would also be nice to get the 350 in AWD; it’s either 250 AWD (a dog) or 350 RWD which isn’t as pleasant in the winter.
07/09, 11:14 AM
posted by:
Fromes
Am I the only person here that likes the idea of a 400 plus horsepower drop top? I love the standard IS-F but I think I would love a convertable version even more, if you guys what something with a stick and plenty of room go buy an outback, but if you want to hear that awesome V8 sound while carving up a mountain road on a warm summer night, get this thing…lord willin I will consider getting one. Do a lot of posers drive these? sure but a lot of posers drive Corvettes, Mustangs, M3s, TTs, Boxsters, 650is, CLKs, SLs, Ferraris and Lambos too, its because of all the posers spending money that these companies can afford to build them in the first place, I dont care what reasons other people have for buying them, Just know I have my own and its that I think few things are better in the automotive world then driving a high performance car with the roof off…just my 2 cents.
07/11, 4:45 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Alteeza!