Test Drive: 2010 Lexus IS 350 C
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VOICE OVER: Miranda Lightstone
Hardtop convertible designs were first introduced in 1922. While they were quite rudimentary and simple back in the day, companies like Lexus have taken the hard drop-top to a whole new level; especially with their latest luxury model the IS 350 C. With more than 300 horses below the hood and rear-wheel drive, this number was built for speed, and yet still manages to muster subtle sophistication with a sleek outer design and a futuristic interior. After a week behind the wheel of this beauty, http://www.WatchMojo.com thought you'd like to take a spin behind the wheel too.
The design of hardtop convertibles has come a long way since its creation in 1922 by a man named Ben P. Ellerbeck. I'm pretty sure old Benny would have been fairly impressed with the mechanics on one of the latest hardtop convertibles to hit the market; the Lexus IS 350 C.
Here is a company that continues to be synonymous with luxury and class, and this convertible fits the bill perfectly. With a facade that saw little change from previous model years, the IS 350 C is still a looker by all accounts. You'll notice the slant upwards from nose to tale, giving the car the illusion that it's poised and ready to take off momentarily. In the past few years, seemingly since the IS-F was released into the world, Lexus has taken its performance to new levels; ones the IS 350 C meets with ease.
Equipping a car with 300+ horsepower is the norm nowadays, but Lexus does it with sophistication - no burning rubber here. Outfitted with a 3.5-liter V6, the IS 350 C makes it to 100 kilometers 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 still has a sporty feel. Although, not quite as sporty as the G37 Convertible of the same class.
Even though this particular Lexus IS 350 C model is the base of the bunch, it still comes fully equipped with satellite radio, auxiliary hook-up, Bluetooth connectivity and a sensory key fob you never have to take out of your pocket, even to lock and unlock the doors. Convenience is the name of the game, and this car has all the gadgets and gizmos to make driving it as easy as possible.
Powered by an all-electric system that's wonderfully quiet, the 350 C's top drops in 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 under the pull-out valence. 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, obviously. However, the added weight and lack of trunk space once the roof is retracted is hard to ignore.
Lexus has a way of making an interior luxurious 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. Right now, it seems Ford is the only ones who've gotten it right with the SYNC program. I thought the whole point of hands-free was to let you do anything while you were driving - just tell it what to do et voila. However, just like Mazda's system, the Lexus voice command refuses to comply when the car is in motion, much like a button-activated system would. Very frustrating. Why can't I hook up my phone while I cruise along? I'm focused on the road, talking to the car.
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 350 C is unlike driving any other convertible - at least for me. Usually, I feel very exposed, small, even vulnerable on the road. Convertibles are, traditionally smaller than traditional sedans on the road. However, thanks to the IS 350 C's 4-seater set-up and elevated rear, driving doesn't feel any different. The car is stable through corners and handles extremely well, even with the top retracted. Where some drop-tops lose their rigidity in the twisties, the Lexus hangs on and powers through beautifully. The transmission is responsive, and with the click of a button (the ETC Power under the steering wheel), that power is even more apparent and readily available.
Luxury Design
Here is a company that continues to be synonymous with luxury and class, and this convertible fits the bill perfectly. With a facade that saw little change from previous model years, the IS 350 C is still a looker by all accounts. You'll notice the slant upwards from nose to tale, giving the car the illusion that it's poised and ready to take off momentarily. In the past few years, seemingly since the IS-F was released into the world, Lexus has taken its performance to new levels; ones the IS 350 C meets with ease.
Under the Hood
Equipping a car with 300+ horsepower is the norm nowadays, but Lexus does it with sophistication - no burning rubber here. Outfitted with a 3.5-liter V6, the IS 350 C makes it to 100 kilometers 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 still has a sporty feel. Although, not quite as sporty as the G37 Convertible of the same class.
Gadgets and Gizmos
Even though this particular Lexus IS 350 C model is the base of the bunch, it still comes fully equipped with satellite radio, auxiliary hook-up, Bluetooth connectivity and a sensory key fob you never have to take out of your pocket, even to lock and unlock the doors. Convenience is the name of the game, and this car has all the gadgets and gizmos to make driving it as easy as possible.
Retractable Hardtop - Pros and Cons
Powered by an all-electric system that's wonderfully quiet, the 350 C's top drops in 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 under the pull-out valence. 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, obviously. However, the added weight and lack of trunk space once the roof is retracted is hard to ignore.
Hi-Tech Interior
Lexus has a way of making an interior luxurious 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. Right now, it seems Ford is the only ones who've gotten it right with the SYNC program. I thought the whole point of hands-free was to let you do anything while you were driving - just tell it what to do et voila. However, just like Mazda's system, the Lexus voice command refuses to comply when the car is in motion, much like a button-activated system would. Very frustrating. Why can't I hook up my phone while I cruise along? I'm focused on the road, talking to the car.
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.
The Drive
Driving the Lexus IS 350 C is unlike driving any other convertible - at least for me. Usually, I feel very exposed, small, even vulnerable on the road. Convertibles are, traditionally smaller than traditional sedans on the road. However, thanks to the IS 350 C's 4-seater set-up and elevated rear, driving doesn't feel any different. The car is stable through corners and handles extremely well, even with the top retracted. Where some drop-tops lose their rigidity in the twisties, the Lexus hangs on and powers through beautifully. The transmission is responsive, and with the click of a button (the ETC Power under the steering wheel), that power is even more apparent and readily available.
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