Lexus IS Convertible - A Stylish Coupe with Luxurious Amenities
08/17/2012
Lexus
The sophisticated Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C continues to blend the expressive stylishness of a hardtop convertible with the quietness and comfort of a coupe. The IS convertible's quickly goes from a hardtop to a convertible in less than 21 seconds. The IS 250C and IS 350C's exterior design has its lineage in the IS sedan but possesses its own dynamic styling, with unique characteristics coming to life when interchanging between convertible and coupe configurations.
The convertible's three-piece hardtop provides open-air freedom with the top down through the operation of a convenient single switch. Constructed primarily of lightweight aluminum, the hardtop provides surprising storage space, with low noise and increased security not typically found in soft-top convertibles. The top completely retracts with no elements remaining in view.
The four-link roof assembly, also made of aluminum for a lightweight design, provides smooth, even movement. Each component is motor driven with detection switches, allowing the control unit to know their exact position at all times. The back window's reinforced glass construction lends itself to reduced weight.
A roof-speed brake-control system decreases the roof speed as it approaches the end of the closing operation in either direction, ensuring an elegant and quiet movement. On models equipped with available Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), sonar sensors in the rear bumper will stop the movement of the luggage door at the start of operation if it detects an obstacle will interfere. Also, a visual warning will appear on the instrument panel if a detected obstacle may soon interfere with top operation.
When the IS convertible's top is opened or closed, the power windows will automatically lower if in the closed position, and raise back up when the operating switch is held. When the top is up, the door windows automatically lower 15 mm when the door opens, and then raise back into a fully closed position when the door closes. The aluminum hardtop features an automatic front lock assembly that provides the interior security not found in most soft-top convertibles. When the top is stowed in the down position in the rear of the IS convertible, the lock assembly is engaged to keep the panel in a fixed, stable position.
The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) is packaged with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. PCS relies on the radar sensor to detect certain obstacles in front of the car, and a PCS computer with sensor inputs from vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate is designed to determine whether a collision is unavoidable. In such a situation, PCS alerts the driver via sound and visual warnings while preemptively retracting front seat belts and pre-initializing Brake Assist (BA) so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.
Navigation equipped vehicles feature Lexus Enform(R) with App Suite which leverages the customers' mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. Users can conduct local searches through Bing(TM), utilize voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable(R), get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com, tap into internet radio, including Pandora(R) or iHeartRadio, search business reviews on Yelp and check in on Facebook places. A one-year trial subscription is included for the App Suite.
F SPORT Performance Accessories are available for the IS convertible and include performance enhancing parts such as 19-inch forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. F Sport Performance Accessories by Lexus U.S.A. are engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). When installed by an authorized dealer, the accessories are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.