2008 Paris Motor Show: Lexus IS 250C

Lexus debuted the convertible version of its popular IS model to some rather mixed reviews. Basically, half love it and half hate it. I suppose that I belong to the latter group, not because I hate it, but because I don’t love it. All it is is an IS (wow that was awkward to write) without the roof. In two words, so what?

But I digress, for I do realize that there are some of you who adore Lexus, and would settle for nothing less than a review that gives due credit to a new addition of the Big L’s line-up. So here we go:

Starting off with the styling (and I’m doing my best NOT to focus on that pretty girl), sports car fans might be disappointed that the 250C is softer and milder than the hardcore IS-F, but it’s understandable given its anemic 208 horsepower engine (more on that sad fact later). I’ve always thought that the cut-off look in the back is out of proportion, but it does a nice job of hiding the mechanized hard top. I wish they would do something about the “pinched squirrel look”, but I know some people who think it looks great. To each his own.

More info and pictures (courtesy of RPMGO) after the jump.

Whoa, my dedication to focusing solely on the Lexus just slipped a bit…

Now to the engine, which is the only real sad news about the IS250 C. The shockingly pathetic V6 produces only 208 horsepower. Okay, like, seriously? 60 less horsepower than Toyota Camry? How is that supposed to win over sports car lovers? Then again, how many people in the market for a sports sedan really care about performance? Nowadays it seems like the biggest factors are looks and fuel economy. And not necessarily in that order.

The interior isn’t very exciting, but it offers the quality, comfort, and luxury that has propelled Lexus straight into the face of the likes of Cadillac, BMW, and Mercedes. I hear that the 12 speaker Mark Levinson sound unit is killer though.

I wish I could do a spec sheet, but Lexus has not yet released any details save for the fact that it is powered by the previously mentioned wussy 2.5 liter V6.

Filed Under: Car News • Lexus • Paris Motor Show