Lexus IS Convertible coming next year, lightweight IS-F in the works

According to AutoTelegraaf, the first Lexus IS-F Convertible will come to the U.S. market next year. A diesel model has not yet been ruled out but Lexus has confirmed that it will not produce a drop-top 416-hp IS-F.

The Lexus IS Convertible will have a folding fully electric hardtop roof like the SC with an IS250 C and the IS 350 C badging on the back. The Japanese automaker says that it just doesn’t make business sense for it to offer a convertible IS-F.


Lexus also announced that it has no plans to build a GS-F - a high performance version of its GS mid-sized sedan. However, a lightweight IS-F is in the works. The model is currently undergoing testing and engineers have applied a lot of weight-saving techniques to the model.

Seems like BMW should reconsider canceling the E92 M3 CSL.


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HSCenterconsole - 8/27/2008 3:36:28 PM

+8 Boost

I would be curious to know the sales numbers for the M3, C63, and IS-F.

AMiodynski - 8/27/2008 7:51:10 PM

+4 Boost

Well, with less than 3,000 IS-F in the US, I don't see them high.

WorldofLuxury - 8/27/2008 8:25:00 PM

+1 Boost

It's a good thing that they limited the quantity. If they brought a little more in, there's no doubt that someone is gonna want them.
Exclusivity really does mean a lot. In this case, resale value should stay strong, and it should be even better when the M3, C63, RS4, and the IS F become classics altogether.

Just think about it...we're in the future with speedy Segways and a few people coming speeding towards us in their M, AMG, RS, and the F. Compact cars that don't hog the road...practical...and don't break down...
I can just bet that this has been the best decade in the automotive world!

dlin - 8/27/2008 3:58:49 PM

+1 Boost

The more the merrier.

M35MT - 8/27/2008 4:27:22 PM

+5 Boost

Those are BBS forged wheels, and they are the best wheels to ever grace a Lexus (and in my opinon some of the best looking wheels on the market).

M35MT - 8/27/2008 4:31:50 PM

+3 Boost

If they're smart with their $ they will probably save that for the next generation, unless I'm over estimating the costs of creating both an IS-F coupe and IS convertible.

Looks like they're taking the Audi route, as in the fact that the A4 cabrio is a 2 door although there is no A4 coupe (not unless you count the new A5).

SanJoseDriver - 8/27/2008 4:20:18 PM

+3 Boost

IS-F sales are 2500/year.

crackityjones - 9/1/2008 3:00:26 AM

+1 Boost

That is an incredible number for that car.

EL34 - 8/27/2008 4:25:38 PM

-1 Boost

Monkey see, monkey do.

:-\

M35MT - 8/27/2008 4:28:25 PM

-1 Boost

Do you mean BMW will be the monkey because it will bring the CSL back to the table with a light weight IS-F on the market?

Or are you just really a monkey hitting random buttons on the keyboard?

sector - 8/27/2008 4:29:25 PM

-2 Boost

What about just a coupe Lexus!

crackityjones - 9/1/2008 3:04:46 AM

+1 Boost

Thanks for providing some perspective here. And even if it were selling well...

It's hard to call a new model "rare." Low-production, maybe. A car that's been out several years and sold well, but in limited-numbers, that would constitute rare.

LexSucks - 8/28/2008 1:48:09 PM

-2 Boost

Be scared BMW. Be very scared!!

dayday - 8/29/2008 7:33:05 AM

+1 Boost

the lightweight IS-F sounds very nice!!!and i really hope BMW cancel the "Cancellation" of M3 CSL. then there will be a really exciting competition!

Agent63 - 8/29/2008 9:00:01 AM

+2 Boost

It doesn't matter if they make the IS convertible or if Lexus has the IS-F. Nothing else matters if the LF-A doesn't make its way to production. All the L-Finesse that started with the LF-A would mean nothing if the flagship car that inspired the rest of the lineup is thrown in the trash.