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Lexus IS Convertible coming next year, lightweight IS-F in the works

M35MT submitted on 8/27/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:21:07 PM

28 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: | SOURCE: www.egmcartech.com

Tag Links: Lexus, IS-F, BMW, M3 CSL

According to AutoTelegraaf, the first Lexus IS-F Convertible will come to the U.

S. market next year. A diesel model has not yet been ruled out but Lexus has confirmed that it will not produce a drop-top 416-hp IS-F.

The Lexus IS Convertible will have a folding fully electric hardtop roof like the SC with an IS250 C and the IS 350 C badging on the back. The Japanese automaker says that it just doesn’t make business sense for it to offer a convertible IS-F.


Lexus also announced that it has no plans to build a GS-F - a high performance version of its GS mid-sized sedan. However, a lightweight IS-F is in the works. The model is currently undergoing testing and engineers have applied a lot of weight-saving techniques to the model.

Seems like BMW should reconsider canceling the E92 M3 CSL.



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Lexus IS Convertible coming next year, lightweight IS-F in the works

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M35MT

— M35MT (View Profile)


User Comments

HSCenterconsole

I would be curious to know the sales numbers for the M3, C63, and IS-F.

— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 3:36:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

AMiodynski

Well, with less than 3,000 IS-F in the US, I don't see them high.

— AMiodynski (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 7:51:10 PM | | Votes: 4   

WorldofLuxury

It's a good thing that they limited the quantity. If they brought a little more in, there's no doubt that someone is gonna want them.
Exclusivity really does mean a lot. In this case, resale value should stay strong, and it should be even better when the M3, C63, RS4, and the IS F become classics altogether.

Just think about it...we're in the future with speedy Segways and a few people coming speeding towards us in their M, AMG, RS, and the F. Compact cars that don't hog the road...practical...and don't break down...
I can just bet that this has been the best decade in the automotive world!

— WorldofLuxury (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 8:25:00 PM | | Votes: 1   

dlin

The more the merrier.

— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 3:58:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

GreenPlease

They could save a lot of weight with the seats in the IS-F. Those things are far too big and plush for that type of car. Wheels look heavy, exhaust looks cheap/heavy, CF roof, CF hood...

They can probably shave 300lbs off of it...

— GreenPlease (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 4:06:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

M35MT

Those are BBS forged wheels, and they are the best wheels to ever grace a Lexus (and in my opinon some of the best looking wheels on the market).

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 4:27:22 PM | | Votes: 5   

adamsaf723

BBS Wheels weigh 24lbs each
C63's cast iron wheels weight 39lbs each

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2008 10:01:37 AM | | Votes: 1   

M35MT

If they're smart with their $ they will probably save that for the next generation, unless I'm over estimating the costs of creating both an IS-F coupe and IS convertible.

Looks like they're taking the Audi route, as in the fact that the A4 cabrio is a 2 door although there is no A4 coupe (not unless you count the new A5).

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 4:31:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

SanJoseDriver

IS-F sales are 2500/year.

— SanJoseDriver (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 4:20:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

crackityjones

That is an incredible number for that car.

— crackityjones (View Profile)

Posted on 9/1/2008 3:00:26 AM | | Votes: 1   

EL34

Monkey see, monkey do.

:-\

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 4:25:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

M35MT

Do you mean BMW will be the monkey because it will bring the CSL back to the table with a light weight IS-F on the market?

Or are you just really a monkey hitting random buttons on the keyboard?

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 4:28:25 PM | | Votes: -1   

Kraut_god

now if only bmw could copy lexus reliability. awe, who am i kidding their only krauts.

— Kraut_god (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2008 7:25:15 AM | | Votes: 1   

sector

What about just a coupe Lexus!

— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2008 4:29:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

crackityjones

Thanks for providing some perspective here. And even if it were selling well...

It's hard to call a new model "rare." Low-production, maybe. A car that's been out several years and sold well, but in limited-numbers, that would constitute rare.

— crackityjones (View Profile)

Posted on 9/1/2008 3:04:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

adamsaf723

Umm, I heard yesterday that the GS-F is a for sure project, and is going to be designed to dethrone the M5 (we'll see).

And I also heard the LF-A is still 2 years out - or at least until they delay it again.

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2008 10:02:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

LexSucks

Be scared BMW. Be very scared!!

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2008 1:48:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

dayday

the lightweight IS-F sounds very nice!!!and i really hope BMW cancel the "Cancellation" of M3 CSL. then there will be a really exciting competition!

— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2008 7:33:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Agent63

It doesn't matter if they make the IS convertible or if Lexus has the IS-F. Nothing else matters if the LF-A doesn't make its way to production. All the L-Finesse that started with the LF-A would mean nothing if the flagship car that inspired the rest of the lineup is thrown in the trash.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2008 9:00:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

huu76

kthor,
Sure, considering the IS300 only came out around 1997. I guess the IS copied BMW by putting wheels on their car too.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/1/2008 3:28:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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