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The new Lexus IS250 C cabriolet will go on sale next summer starting from £30,000, aimed directly at the BMW 3-series cabriolet, according to company sources.
Lexus claims that only the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors on the IS250 C are shared with the IS saloon; every other panel on the 205bhp, 2.5-litre V6 cabriolet has been redesigned to accommodate the three-part folding roof, which folds away in just 20 seconds.
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Other significant alterations to the standard IS structure includes improved torsional rigidity, roll-over protection and a revised chassis, which still consists of the same front double wishbone and multi-link rear suspension from the saloon but is altered to offer better ride comfort.
The Lexus IS250 C gets a 50mm longer rear overhang than the saloon to accommodate the boot; it has been made larger in order to house the folded roof and still have enough room for a set of golf clubs.
All that extra metal has piled on the weight for the IS. Despite the roof’s lightweight aluminium structure, the IS250 C comes in at 2085kg minimum kerb weight (2200kg if you go for a top-spec model), making it up to 565kg heavier than the hard-top IS250.
Vicky Parrott
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