2010 Lexus IS 350C Car Review
The design of hardtop convertibles has come a long way since its creation in 1922 by a man named Ben P. Ellerbeck. Hi, I'm Miranda Lightstone of WatchMojo.com and
I'm pretty sure old Benny would have been impressed of the latest hardtop convertible to hit the market, the Lexus IS 350C. With a facade that saw little change from previous model years, the IS 350C is still a looker by all accounts. You'll notice the slant upwards from nose to tail giving the car the illusion that it's poised and ready to take off momentarily.
Equipping a car with 300 plus horsepower is the norm nowadays, but Lexus does it with sophistication. Outfitted with a 3.5-liter V6, the IS 350C makes at 60 miles per hour in just 5.8 seconds. That's pretty impressive for a car that's approximately 380 pounds heavier than its non-convertible brethren. Powered through rear-wheel drive, with a 6-speed automotive transmission and available sport shift, the Lexus has a sporty feel. Although, not quite as sporty as the G37 Convertible of the same class.
Even though this particular Lexus IS 350C model is the base of the bunch, it still comes fully equipped with satellite radio, auxiliary hook-up, Bluetooth connectivity. Convenience is the name of the game and this car has all the gadgets and gizmos to make driving it as easy as possible.
One of the key features on the new Lexus IS 350C is of course the hardtop retractable roof. Powered by an all-electric motor, the roof drops in just 20 seconds. Fifteen electric motors in 37 different locations bring the top down into the jacked up trunk, leaving little room for anything else save for a smallish golf bag and perhaps a jacket or suit. As with anything else, there are pros and cons to the hardtop convertible. First, the hardtop design makes this one of the safer convertibles on the road. However, the added weight and lack of trunk space once the roof is retracted is hard to ignore.
When you first step in the Lexus 350C, it's clear that they know luxury without being over the top. The dash is well laid out. The middle console is easy to reach and easy to manipulate, but then they had to go and add a voice-activated system almost as frustrating as Mazda's. The Lexus voice command refuses to comply when the car is in motion. Voice-activation qualms aside as always, this Lexus is equipped with a stellar sound system that's acoustically perfect whether you have the top up or down.
Driving the Lexus IS 350C is unlike driving any other convertible, at least for me. Usually, I feel very exposed, small, even vulnerable on the road. However, thanks to the IS 350C's 4-seater set-up and elevated rear. Driving doesn't feel any different where some drop has to lose their rigidity and the twisties. The Lexus hangs on and powers through beautifully. The transmission is responsive, and with the click of a button, that power is even more apparent and readily available.
Over the years, Lexus hasn’t been known for its performance vehicles. However, since the ISF hit the market, it's clear the performance is on the top of Lexus’ to do list. And now the IS 350C, it's clear the performance is the name of the game.
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