First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS C

This just in: Lexus is serious about claiming more of BMW's turf. When introduced nearly a decade ago, the IS 300 was a single-focus effort: one body style, one engine, take it or buy the BMW. The second-gen IS, launched in 2005, widened the view: two engines plus an all-wheel-drive version, but still served only in four-door-sedan form. Last year came the roaring, rumbling IS-F, Japan's take on the M3. And now, the IS C, the first IS with two doors instead of four, plus a retractable folding hardtop -- a lot like BMW's.

You'll recognize the C as a member of the IS family, yet every body panel save the hood is new. Besides the obvious -- doors, fenders, folding top -- the fascias, light clusters, and detailing are C specific. Overall length is increased 2.2 inches over the sedan. Otherwise, says Lexus, the trunk would have looked too high and too short. The chassis architecture remains the same, but a considerable amount of work was done to regain the structural rigidity lost by going topless. There are numerous trusses and triangulation braces underneath, in the rocker panel areas, and behind the front seats.

2010 Lexus IS C Front View
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The top was designed, developed, and constructed in-house. It goes up and down quicker than any other in this category. Inside, the headliner covers everything. There's not a brace or strut visible inside, and the effect is almost coupelike. Other aspects of the car are reengineered for top-down duty. For example, the audio system volume adjustments are reprogrammed when the top is down, and the HVAC system knows to deliver more air. The IS C has more trunk volume than do many retractables. There's a handy button to power the passenger seat forward and aft, easing rear-seat access. There's even a neatly engineered, removable windblocker -- too bad that Lexus has the nerve to charge extra for it after doing so much work to make the IS C a complete convertible package. The top system makes use of steel, aluminum, and plastic panels. On average, an IS C is 360-380 pounds heavier than a comparably equipped sedan.

MR.KAKAR