It's Official Lexus IS 250 Convertible Will Debut At Paris Motor Show

International debut for IS 250 C at the Mondial de l'Automobile LF-Xh hybrid concept car, highlighting a new tonality of L-finesse design LS 460 with permanent All-Wheel Drive

Lexus will reveal the new IS 250 Convertible during its press conference at the Paris Motor Show on 2 October.

Following the launch earlier this year of the ultra-high performance IS F, this will be the third derivative in the IS range.

Also on display at Paris will be the LF-Xh hybrid concept vehicle, the new LS 460 AWD with permanent all-wheel drive and a full-line up of Lexus Hybrid Drive models.

Lexus remains the first - and only - premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive hybrid model range, comprising the RX 400h, the world's first hybrid SUV; the GS 450h performance hybrid saloon; and the ultra-luxurious LS 600h flagship limousine.

LF-Xh hybrid concept

The Lexus LF-Xh hybrid concept car highlighted the potential for Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy to be applied to different artistic and creative spheres far beyond the language of car design when it made its European debut at the Museo della Permanente art gallery during Milan Design Week earlier this year.

Now appearing in the more conventional surroundings of an international motor show, the LF-Xh features powerful, highly sculptural bodywork, an elegant, user-intuitive interior and an all-wheel drive Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which combines a powerful V6 petrol engine with high output electric motors. Finished all in black, the LF-Xh has a dynamic presence. Its combination of advanced environmental technology, outstanding driving performance, near-silent operation, excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions perfectly reflects Lexus's forward-thinking mindset for a future generation of vehicles.

LS 460 AWD

Two years on from the European launch of the fourth generation of Lexus's flagship saloon, the LS 460's outstanding performance, sure-footed dynamic abilities and ground-breaking active safety systems have been further strengthened by the addition of permanent all-wheel drive.

The all-wheel drive system has a three-differential configuration, with a highly compact Type C TORSEN® Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that distributes drive power between the front and rear axles with a 40:60 rear axle torque bias. The highly responsive torque distribution is continuously controlled and optimised according to driving conditions, and can be varied between a 50:50 to 30:70 split between front and rear axles. This enhances the vehicle's grip, traction and cornering stability under acceleration to class-leading levels.

Further information and images will be released at the Lexus press conference at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday, 2 October, at 2.45pm in Hall 4.

B7FAN - 9/10/2008 3:13:18 PM

+8 Boost

cant wait to see what it looks like. Does anyone know it it will have a hard or soft top. I am a fan of soft tops I was just wondering

Agent009 - 9/10/2008 3:15:21 PM

+3 Boost

If they are smart it will be a hard top. This will kill the need for a convertible and a coupe with one shot.

charlik05 - 9/10/2008 3:28:19 PM

+3 Boost

in theory yes,

but for some reason all car makers are keeping both

bmw 3 series coupe and hardtop convertible
pontiac g6 coupe and hardtop convertible
infiniti g37 coupe and hardtop convertible

Agent009 - 9/10/2008 4:08:38 PM

-2 Boost

My inside sources say Lexus will not make a coupe in this generation body style. So the best you can hope for is a hard top for now.

hao420 - 9/10/2008 4:55:34 PM

+1 Boost

Watch out 3-series,thats what Lexus promise......

America - 9/10/2008 8:55:01 PM

+1 Boost

All your base are belong to us

crackityjones - 9/12/2008 3:13:45 AM

+2 Boost

While it's fashionable for Lexus enthusiasts to say, watch out BMW, the back seat of the IS is so tight, it narrows the appeal of the vehicle to a huge degree.

If you're single, or a childless couple, I bet it's a good sell. But, lo, you can get a real backseat in the 3-Series and you don't even have to bring up the German performance thing. Apples to apples, the 3-Series is a more versatile car.

I'm not saying the IS isn't a good car, but I bet the IS grows in interior dimensions in the next major revision. It lacks the basic 4-adults fit that other compact sport sedans have, the A4, C-class, etc.

Because I say it has limited appeal doesn't mean I'm slamming the car. It's the best Lexus they make, IMO.

w209w114 - 9/10/2008 3:23:22 PM

+1 Boost

Cant lexus just DUMP that 250 engine already and replace it with a good Turbo 4?

Here are the specs,

2,499 cc 2.5 liters V 6 front engine with 83 mm bore, 77 mm stroke, 12 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder 4GR-FSE
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- 17.1 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 152 kW , 204 HP SAE @ 6,400 rpm; 185 ft lb , 251 Nm @ 4,800 rpm

0-60mph approaching 8 seconds

COME ON LEXUS, Give us something better than that embarassment.

ghosthunter - 9/10/2008 3:47:01 PM

+1 Boost

and somehow you think the C240, with 2597 CC engine and output 168 hp, is somehow much better than the 4GR-FSE?
and a super charged C180 and C200 ouput more power?
and why didn't say anything about the 204 hp C230/C250?

MBKing - 9/10/2008 3:56:02 PM

+3 Boost

C240 was the biggest joke engine for the c-class ever. For what it was the c230's weren't to bad, the supercharger really made it feel like you were moving in first and second gear. Don't even speak of the 240 though, worst crap ever. I feel like a 200hp 2.5 litre is pretty good. How many horses are in the 2.0T audi?

Willis - 9/10/2008 4:03:08 PM

-1 Boost

The people who generally bought the C240 didn't give a rats ass about performance. 80 year olds and college girls were the main buyers I can imagine and they were after comfort.

Fact is, the IS250 is pretty slow in this day and age and different gear ratios wouldn't hurt to make it a bit faster and more fun.

Willis - 9/10/2008 4:03:09 PM

-1 Boost

The people who generally bought the C240 didn't give a rats ass about performance. 80 year olds and college girls were the main buyers I can imagine and they were after comfort.

Fact is, the IS250 is pretty slow in this day and age and different gear ratios wouldn't hurt to make it a bit faster and more fun.

M35MT - 9/10/2008 4:54:37 PM

+3 Boost

I've actually test-driven an IS250 AWD, and when driving normally (on-ramps, normal open roads) the power delivery is smooth and the shifts are seamless, very satisfying...however...if/when you actually want to stomp on it and acclerate quickly, that's when your realize the car can't "drag race" to save it's life.

Agent009 - 9/10/2008 5:53:38 PM

+4 Boost

The 250 makes the most sense. Last sales break out I saw indicates the IS250 outsells the 350 by a 10 to 1 margin.

Sure the 350 sounds better in theory, but historically few Lexus buyers shell out for the more expensive option.

ghosthunter - 9/10/2008 7:27:34 PM

+9 Boost

IS 350 (or IS F) is there to sell the IS250, sounds funny, but it is true. create a higher power edition to create a good review in order to move the average edition (or cheap edition).

Merc and BMW does that a lot. so much so they offer at least 4 engine choices for every C or 3 series (or 2 if you are in the U.S.) we see all the praises for 335, yet 328 countes about 90% of sales. sames thing goes for M35/M45. 550i/528i, Lancer/EVO.

bottom line: there is nothing wrong with offering a lower hp engine, becasue it sales.

BMW995 - 9/11/2008 10:57:22 AM

+2 Boost

w209, I have a IS250 and I definitely do not consider the engine an embarrasment; in fact that is IMO one of the best features of the car. Good power, smooth running, terrific fuel economy (I get 25 city, 34 highway). It has direct injection (10+% increase in power and fuel mileage) and always has power to spare.
I drove the IS350 and immediately compared it with the Corvette - probably a lot more power than most would ever need.
Try driving the IS250; you'll probably like it especially with $4/gal gasoline.

markanthony0419 - 9/10/2008 3:53:19 PM

-7 Boost

the is 250 is a piece of crap hardtop softtop coupe or sadan doesnt matter what we are talking.

bull10001000 - 9/10/2008 10:46:58 PM

0 Boost

what crappy german car you drive buddy

OneOfOne - 9/14/2008 7:15:30 PM

0 Boost

he drives a cavalier. a cobalt if he gets overtime.

M35MT - 9/10/2008 4:56:15 PM

-1 Boost

This car looks great as a 2-door (dramatic sloping roofline works well) although i'm not a fan of the top down in the photoshops, will reserve judgement on that for the real thing.

EL34 - 9/10/2008 5:20:25 PM

+1 Boost

Monkey see, monkey doo!

:-V

LexSucks - 9/10/2008 5:27:29 PM

+1 Boost

Add more weight to an already slow car. That makes sense. Why not make an IS350 Convertible? And this is the company that is supposed to rule the automotive world?

And oh yeah... The car will not look like that with the top-up.

neelio - 9/10/2008 5:42:28 PM

-1 Boost

wow, the photoshop models look really good. REALLY good. i'm sure the rim sizes are somewhat exagerrated tho.

so they're not going to offer a 350 version?

Agent009 - 9/10/2008 5:54:52 PM

+1 Boost

The 250 is first, and I imagine the 350 may follow if sales are good.

OneOfOne - 9/14/2008 7:13:56 PM

+1 Boost

you are an idiot. it must be said

t_bone - 9/10/2008 6:12:35 PM

+3 Boost

Not usually a Lexus fan, but this looks really nice.

OneOfOne - 9/14/2008 7:14:49 PM

+1 Boost

I am an IS 350 leasee and have ALWAYS felt this car should have been a coupe.

StickShiftCamry - 9/10/2008 9:24:47 PM

+3 Boost

Whats so ho-hum? In the $30,000 range i only c 4 RWD cars w/ a stick shift - like what r u lookin for? 3 series is nice, G35 is nice, C class is nice so is the IS - all of them can b had w/ RWD & a stick whats so ho-hum?

bull10001000 - 9/10/2008 10:45:54 PM

0 Boost

what crap do you drive that u think IS Is crap....have u seen the fit and finish and the paint of the car way better then whatever crap u drive

BMW995 - 9/11/2008 11:05:44 AM

+2 Boost

In spirited driving, the IS250 has plenty of get-up-and-go. I have one and wouldn't consider getting the IS350 which feels more like the Corvette with explosive acceleration but not so good fuel mileage.
I can't believe Infinity doesn't bring over its great 2.5L engine for the G series. It would be a big hit.
I don't know what these posters are talking about wrt the performance of the IS250. The car has great throttle response and you can get in trouble in a hurry with the speed of this car.

Gaybear - 9/11/2008 3:46:15 AM

+2 Boost

I just dont see the point why this car is coming to the market at this time. I mean if they are going to do it shouldn't they have done it at least 2 years ago?

xj13 - 9/11/2008 6:42:49 AM

0 Boost

Monkey see, monkey do, again.......

Brembo - 9/11/2008 9:41:13 AM

+5 Boost

good job monkey. good job.

Agent63 - 9/11/2008 6:44:49 AM

-1 Boost

Is Michael Taylor back in school now? We need another troll to deboost the heck out of around here. It's no fun anymore.

Anyways, I wonder if the IS coupe/convertible will define itself as a true contender as a truly sporty car. I highly doubt it. If they can cancel out on an LF-A performance car that's suppose to enter the company in the sport segment then this IS can be half-assed. Sorry if Lexus doesn't come out with the LF-A they fail. The L-Finesse in this IS won't matter because it's not the original car that was suppose to gear towards a revolutionary change for Toyota. Luxury GT, which the SC430 was a mass failure...

M35MT - 9/11/2008 8:03:39 AM

+1 Boost

Do you have figures showing that the SC430 turned no profit for Toyota?

If not, you're right, it would be a failure.

LexSucks - 9/11/2008 8:53:22 AM

-1 Boost

Turning profits and meeting goals are two different thing. If goals aren't met then it is viewed as a failure. If the only car that Toyota released was the SC430. The profit that they made from the SC430 wouldn't be enough to keep the company in business.

david999 - 9/11/2008 5:46:10 PM

+1 Boost

Agent63,
The LF-A will be produced for the end of 2010 according to the NYC Dealer Notes posted on this site. The link is no longer available here.

markanthony0419 - 9/11/2008 8:59:45 AM

+1 Boost

this is to bull who asked what crappy german car i drive. I dont i drive a g coupe. Just cause i think lexus sux doesnt mean i favor the german companies I actually give non bias opinions. i think the 250 is ugly and cheap looking and the interior is horrible. for the same price you can get a g37 wonder which one people want. the is underperforms the g and the bmws and you take a bad platform and make an isf that loses to every german competitor.

1dott8 - 9/11/2008 9:44:16 AM

+3 Boost

regardless of what anyone else says, i think the this car looks better as coupe than a sedan.

B7FAN - 9/11/2008 10:18:18 AM

0 Boost

I agree this car from the pics above looks sexy as hell escpecially the coupe version if that coupe comes out It would turn a lot of heads and they would have to make an IS-F version to compete with the M3 but I think Lexus may have something with this one

Tuscani - 9/11/2008 9:45:17 AM

+1 Boost

WOW if it LOOKS like that I am SOLD I love Lexus but only the sedans not the SUV that Coupe is sweet I Like the new IS since the first one in 2001 it is my favorite Lexus, I hope it looks as cool as this photochop

I hope to see more Coupe from Lexus !!!!

markanthony0419 - 9/11/2008 10:15:01 AM

+1 Boost

bulldogz i am not saying the g coupe int is the best but its on par with lexus and i will gladly sacrifice that to get good performance. so i will go with just as dull interior g comp to is and go for way way better performance. lexus just a boring car and no performance.

markanthony0419 - 9/11/2008 10:20:56 AM

+2 Boost

truth is toyota makes bad performing cars. i am not talking quality i am talking performance. the last good performing car they made was the supra. the sc430 was a dud the previous one looked good but didnt perform and the f devision is over before it started. is-f dud gs-f scrapped lf-a not coming out good work.

enthusiastx11 - 9/11/2008 1:47:15 PM

0 Boost

why IS250 and not IS350? the IS250 is a dog in terms of power and handling. and a convertible will be heavier. it may look nice but it'll be no better than a solara in terms of performance.

AMiodynski - 9/11/2008 2:06:05 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus IS making a IS250C and IS350C !! It is going to be a hard Top convertible just like the SC430, and all done in house.

david999 - 9/11/2008 5:49:23 PM

+1 Boost

The pictures look good. It will be very successful for Lexus, and a vehicle with a lot of curb appeal.

sector - 9/12/2008 1:59:09 PM

0 Boost

Wow, I though the IS sedan looked good, this thing is sizzling!

Of course they'll bring out the IS350C they'll announce it at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November I think. Love those wheels from the IS350.

E36er - 9/13/2008 2:26:21 AM

+1 Boost

As much as it pains me to say this, it actually doesn't look that bad. At least in this doctored photo.

answer - 9/13/2008 12:46:58 PM

+1 Boost

Looks good, but I wish Lexus wasn't so late in coming out with stuff that should have been available from the start.

The current IS lineup should have launched with a coupe or coupe/convertible from the get go, followed a bit later with the sedan.

Especially when the SC continues on virtually unchanged year after year.

Barrie - 9/13/2008 5:20:27 PM

0 Boost

Another second rate hairdressers car, I`ll stay with BMW 3 series, much nicer better performance and handling, just a very good car which Lexus never has been and never will be

delan - 9/13/2008 11:00:29 PM

+1 Boost

If it look anything like the pic above, this thing looks so much better as a coupe.

atebit - 9/15/2008 2:03:18 AM

+1 Boost

Well, for one thing the 3 Series convertibles are at least 10K more than the IS,and that's before adding any useful options

Barrie - 9/15/2008 9:40:57 AM

0 Boost

And worth every cent, BMW`s are so much nicer to drive or to travel as a passenger, no contest.