Lexus expects global sales of the IS250C to reach 1,600 units a month

The latest report says that Toyota is coming out with a new entry-level Lexus IS250C pop-top, since it was released in Japan today and is projected to hit showrooms in the US by June this year.

The worldwide sale forecasted by Toyota’s premium brand is 1,600 units monthly with 70 percent of shipments dedicated for the North American market. The base price for the IS 250C model has been placed at $39,365 and $44,815 for the IS 350C. The purpose of these pricings is to attract buyers to the entry level Lexus models with target customers abroad, particularly in North America. The Lexus SC 450, which is priced beginning $67,680 (including shipping) in the US, is the only other roadster in the Luxus line which has not received any major revision since it came out in 2001. Sales of the SC450 in the US dropped from 860 in 2008 to only 310 this year. Power under the hood for the IS250 is a 2.5-liter V6 powerplant, whereas the SC has a 4.3-liter V8. An optional 3.5-liter V6 will be offered for the former in US markets. The IS also comes with a spacious rear passenger section, including features such as a hard-top that can be opened within 20 seconds and a rear section that is accessible via forward sliding and folding front seats.
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answer - 5/8/2009 12:31:24 PM

+3 Boost

I love Lexus, but unless this thing will get some cool interior color choices, the IS coupe remains a galactic dissapointment.

HSCenterconsole - 5/8/2009 3:08:15 PM

+3 Boost

I saw this at the NY Auto Show. While it looks slightly better in person than in pictures, I still feel Toyota did a half-assed job putting this convertible together. Looks amateur compared to the G and 3.

topneuro - 5/8/2009 3:13:17 PM

+3 Boost

Definitely thumbs down on interior color choices and not in same level of G37 or BMW 1 or 3 convertibles.
Not looking better than a Fisher Price Power Wheels Barbie.

VISO - 5/8/2009 4:52:37 PM

+2 Boost

What? Are you playing stupid or are you actually serious. MB, BMW, and Audi easily sell way more than 1600 coupe-versions globally. 1600 is joke for them. Man, subsribe to some real automotive industry type news websites or something before you post crap and then everyone laughs at you.

david999 - 5/9/2009 7:32:27 AM

+1 Boost

Remember,david969 is a troll.

Lexxxus - 5/8/2009 4:18:25 PM

+1 Boost

David, I'm a big Lexus fan too but the fact is that Lexus is also wishing they can sell 1,600 2 doors at the moment. This is just their expectation...they're prone to falling short of expectations lately. I say that with the greatest of respect to you and the brand.

PerformanceGuy - 5/8/2009 4:24:32 PM

+1 Boost

I think they will have trouble taking on the G37 and 335 with this. Doesn't quite stack up against the other two.

ericisamazing335 - 5/8/2009 4:52:46 PM

+3 Boost

What's an SC 450? Last I heard, that never existed...

LexSucks - 5/8/2009 5:07:09 PM

+3 Boost

IS250 anything = YAWNNNNNN!!!!!!!

STJ88 - 5/8/2009 5:20:02 PM

+2 Boost

How could they make it so ugly! The sedan is a realy good looking car.

Willis - 5/8/2009 6:54:37 PM

+1 Boost

I would get the IS350C. The IS250 sedan is slow as hell and the IS250C shouldn't even exist (at least give it more power).

lexworld - 5/8/2009 7:25:33 PM

+2 Boost

Lexxxus, I like your style and focus. David it's ok...just let it out son. Stay with reality and remember always give credit to whom it's due and you'll feel much better. Listen guys, I like a few BMWs,Mercs,Infinities, old school and new school but, at heart Im a true Toy/Lex driver. Although I would agree(stock wise except IS-F) they really can't match a BMW in terms of overall performance. Just keepin it real!

Lexxxus - 5/9/2009 12:14:20 AM

+1 Boost

Thanks Lexworld! I try to be as unbiased as possible but I would say my preference for luxury cars is consistent with yours. For pure luxury, with a few sportier models thrown into the mix...I choose Lexus. For spirited driving and the Teutonic interpretation of luxury, in my opinion, nothing I have driven invites me back again and again like a BMW (although I've never officially owned a BMW...but have been very jealous of my friends who have). I have been very satisfied with my 1998 LS400 and 2005 LS430 I've owned and the other Lexus models I've driven. I never had the pleasure of driving a IS-F.

As an enthusiast, I root for all car companies to succeed and make great products...after all, we as enthusiasts can only benefit from their creations.

enthusiastx11 - 5/8/2009 8:53:58 PM

-2 Boost

1600 units a month GLOBALLY? they really have low expectations for this car....kinda sad.

enthusiastx11 - 5/8/2009 8:55:42 PM

0 Boost

but, then again...it looks slightly better than the hideously ugly solara, it's underpowered, and what's with the tacky interior color choices?

kpaxx - 5/9/2009 5:13:13 PM

0 Boost

Looks like a Volvo C70 Convertible..not very original or exciting...this will surely be a flop!