Introduction

Lexus IS sedans and convertibles are quick, stylish rear-wheel-drive cars that combine sharp handling with luxury performance features. Trim, sleek and relatively light, they offer paddle-shift transmissions, good brakes and, in the IS 350, 0-60 acceleration as quick as 5.6 seconds. They are designed to offer comparable style and performance features as the BMW 3 Series cars and Mercedes CLK 350, but at a lower price. The Lexus IS models come in sedan and hardtop convertible versions and with a choice of engines ranging from sensible to sporty to raceworthy. For 2009, a new rear suspension has been employed for all models, and the steering has been retuned for improved steering feel and control. In addition, advanced dynamic handling technology formerly only offered on the Lexus IS 350 is now standard across the line. Significant styling revisions, inside and out, keep the IS sedans in tune with the sensibilities of the more sophisticated urban buyer. A broad range of engines, transmissions and drive systems are available in the IS line. The 306-horsepower IS 350 is the performance leader of the group, but the entry-level IS 250 offers all-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and class-leading fuel mileage. For the most involved driver, there is the captivating IS F, which boasts a top speed of 168 mph and is powered by a 416-hp 5.0-liter V8. The IS F can compete with the BMW M3. Convertible versions, called the IS C, are in the showroom. The 2010 Lexus IS 250 C and IS 350 C are true convertibles, converting from top-down roadster to hardtop coupe with the press of a button. The Lexus IS sedan is comfortable for two and can seat five, but it's not a family car like the Lexus ES 300. The back seat is not commodious, with rear legroom at a premium, though there is a car seat anchor for the little ones. Styling revisions for 2009 include subtle changes to the grille and front bumper, and the rear bumper and taillight clusters. There are new interior color schemes and wheel designs, and turn signals are now integrated into the side-view mirrors.

Walkaround

Lexus IS sedans employ tightly drawn, edgy bodywork to create a sophisticated, sporty identity. The convertible IS C and the high-performance IS F models have longer bodies and unique body panels, but all models share the Lexus IS family resemblance. A wide track and high rear deck give the IS the crouching, forward leaning stance of a sprinter in the blocks. The front tires are one size smaller than the rear tires, which accentuates the road-hungry look. Carefully shaped body contours, a subtle ducktail-curved trunk lid and aerodynamic taillights contribute to a sleek profile with a 0.28 coefficient of drag. High performance, high-efficiency LED taillights, brake lights and license plant lights are molded into the design. Two polished stainless steel exhaust pipes signal performance. For 2009, the IS grille and front bumper cover have been revised, as are the rear bumper cover and taillight clusters. New turn signals are now integrated into the exterior mirrors, and the 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels feature new designs for 2009. On rear-wheel drive models, the 18-inch wheels can be equipped with all-season tires. The IS C convertible retains the fundamental features and characteristics of the sedans, but in a two-door, four-passenger configuration. The windshield angle has been revised, and every body panel except the hood required some modification to blend with the folding roof. Visually, with the top down, the ISC looks lower and wider than the sedan. The IS C also has its own exclusive color, Cerulean Blue, which is a very pale, sky blue metallic. To make access to the rear more practical, the doors are longer, and they open wider. The rooftop folds up when the driver holds down a button on the dash, using 15 electric motors to convert for open-air driving in 20 seconds. In any convertible, frame strength is an important safety consideration. The frame of the IS C has been reinforced by use of thicker rocker panel structure, additional steel in the A and B pillars, and a system of V-shaped braces across the underbody. To reduce impingement on trunk space, the IS C body was enlarged by 2.25 inches to help accommodate the top mechanism.

Interior Features

The Lexus IS cabin uses sophisticated lighting and contemporary design to convey a sense of quality and luxury. The interior features intelligently designed displays and controls that are easy to see and use. A focused cockpit area conveys the sporting intentions of the car, while premium interior materials and attention to detail remain consistent the Lexus identity. Smartly integrated metallic or maple trim help create an elegant environment. Controls and gauges are designed to reduce visual clutter, including the bright, clear Optitron gauges. The multi-information display located within the speedometer integrates a trip computer that combines six different informational functions in one location, including outside temperature, driving range, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption since refueling, current fuel consumption, and average speed. The display also includes an oil-maintenance reminder and system warnings. Additional features are added to the multi-information display depending on selected options. When an IS model is equipped with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the display can show a car icon with the selected following distance. When equipped with Intuitive Park Assist, the display can show a car icon with the location and distance of objects detected near the bumpers. Standard amenities for the IS models include 10-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents and a pollen filter (plus a smog filter on IS 350). There is a power moonroof, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and power windows with automatic up/down feature and jam protection. The auto-dimming rear view mirror houses HomeLink garage door opener. The IS 250 AWD model comes standard with heated, leather-trimmed seats. Changes for 2009 include the fact that the paddle shifters now function in Drive mode, and some controls have been changed for improved convenience. The rear seat headrests are now foldable to aid rear visibility. New interior colors include Ecru and Light Gray, both with new contrast stitching on the seats, door panels, and console lid. The standard Lexus Premium Audio System features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 194 watts of total power and 13 speakers. Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) maintains consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds. A convenient mini-jack in the center console enables connection of an iPod or other digital music player. The center console has a 12-volt accessory power port. Optional packages up the ante. A Premium Plus Package, optional for all IS models, includes wood trim, perforated leather seating trim and heated and ventilated front seats. The Sport and Luxury option packages include three-position memory for seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt and telescopic steering column and auto-dimming outside mirrors. The IS C is different from the sedan in a number of ways. Like all hard-top convertibles, the IS C roof intrudes on trunk space when folded. With the top up, there is almost 11 cubic feet of trunk space; with the top down, just 2.3 cubic feet, assuming a standard spare tire. That's still enough for two golf bags, though the vinyl cargo cover may cause some consternation to the unschooled. To create more space, run-flat tires are offered as an option, which eliminates the need for a spare tire. Given that the open-air driving experience can be marred by ambient noise, wind and exposure to heat or cold, special attention has been paid to top-down comfort. Wind noise has been kept to an absolute minimum, and turbulence in the passenger cabin has been reduced by careful study of the mirrors and interior design. Indeed, this makes driving around the neighborhood with the top down most pleasant. The IS C instrument panel is shared with the IS sedan, but the dials are a different color, with more contrast to improve visibility when the top is down. Based on the roof position and the amount of sunlight, the climate control system compensates for ambient temperature by adjusting air outlet temperature and air flow volume. The audio system is also automatically equalized to maintain the current acoustic field, regardless of outside noise pollution, when the top is opened or closed. The 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system, available as a stand-alone option or in conjunction with the optional DVD touch-screen navigation system, features discrete 5.1 multi-channel playback with 7.1-channel speaker architecture. Its 10 amplifier channels provide 300 watts total output at 0.1 percent total harmonic distortion. The Mark Levinson system plays conventional CDs and DVDs, plus MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the optional navigation system's color seven-inch touch screen, though only when the parking brake is engaged.