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2014 Lexus IS C delivers best of coupe and convertible worlds

07 Oct 2013|6,177 views

Expectedly, the Lexus IS will see a coupe and convertible variant, with an interior trim revised for the optional F SPORT package.

The Lexus IS C is strictly a four-seat car, with a high level of luxury as standard.

Constructed primarily of lightweight aluminum, the retractable hardtop features an automatic front lock assembly that provides the interior security not found in most soft-top convertibles. When the top is stowed, a lock assembly engages to keep the panel in a fixed, stable position.

Lexus offered the first retractable hardtop in the premium-luxury segment with the SC 430 and applied engineering ideas from that car to the IS C models. Two versions of the 2014 IS C are available, the IS 250C is powered by a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 engine and the IS 350C gets a more potent 306bhp 3.5-litre V6. Both models come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The IS C models cut a sharp profile, which looks sharper still with the addition of the available F SPORT package. This package's combination of sport-tuned suspension, F SPORT 18-inch wheels, exclusive interior trim and aerodynamic body features give the IS C models a decidedly sporty stance, with enhanced agility to match.

The leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable front seats have power lumbar support. The two rear seats are positioned slightly inboard to maximise room and comfort, and Lexus ensured easy ingress/egress with a one-touch feature that automatically folds a front seat and moves it forward. The rear-seat console includes cup holders and storage.

When there are no rear-seat passengers, the driver can enhance visibility by lowering the rear headrests using a lever located on the front of the rear console.

Just 20 seconds separates coupe from convertible worlds in the 2014 Lexus IS C models. That's how long it takes for the three-panel aluminum roof to lower once the driver has pushed the switch. The coupe's retractable hardtop disappears beneath a locking panel, with no need for the driver to secure a tonneau cover or hold-down snaps.

Constructed primarily of lightweight aluminum, the retractable hardtop features an automatic front lock assembly that provides the interior security not found in most soft-top convertibles. When the top is stowed, a lock assembly engages to keep the panel in a fixed, stable position.

Lexus offered the first retractable hardtop in the premium-luxury segment with the SC 430 and applied engineering ideas from that car to the IS C models. Two versions of the 2014 IS C are available, the IS 250C is powered by a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 engine and the IS 350C gets a more potent 306bhp 3.5-litre V6. Both models come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The IS C models cut a sharp profile, which looks sharper still with the addition of the available F SPORT package. This package's combination of sport-tuned suspension, F SPORT 18-inch wheels, exclusive interior trim and aerodynamic body features give the IS C models a decidedly sporty stance, with enhanced agility to match.

The leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable front seats have power lumbar support. The two rear seats are positioned slightly inboard to maximise room and comfort, and Lexus ensured easy ingress/egress with a one-touch feature that automatically folds a front seat and moves it forward. The rear-seat console includes cup holders and storage.

When there are no rear-seat passengers, the driver can enhance visibility by lowering the rear headrests using a lever located on the front of the rear console.