By Dan Trent
02 October 2008 15:26:56

Paris: Lexus debuts IS250 drop-top

Perhaps with an eye to stealing some of Infiniti’s thunder, Lexus has some attention grabbing debuts of its own. Headline news is the launch of a new IS 250 Convertible to go head to head with Infiniti’s forthcoming G37 soft top.
Lexus IS250 C (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Lexus IS250C: click images to enlarge
BMW, Mercedes and Audi will also be keeping a close eye on the new Lexus cabrio, gunning as it does at cars like the 3 Series, CLK and forthcoming A5 cabrio. It’s a big step up from the rather blobby old SC too, and further adds to the IS line up after the arrival of the IS-F performance version.
 
A new all-wheel drive version of the LS luxury saloon is also getting its first outing, pitching the big Lexus against the A8 and Phaeton and putting distance between this and the new BMW 7 Series, which retains its traditional rear-wheel drive format. Do we really need a four-wheel drive Lexus limo though?
 
Lexus IS250 C (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Lexus IS250C
Well, if you’re going to sell in places where weather and road conditions are somewhat more extreme than they are in Paris – places like Russia in other words – four-wheel drive has got to be an plus. Able to switch between a 30:70 rearward bias or 50:50, Lexus is boasting improved driveability and safety as a result.
 
The Lexus stand wouldn’t be the Lexus stand without some mention of hybrids either and for Paris we’ve got an exciting concept, said to express the brand’s L-finesse design language, whatever that may be. Reminiscent of the existing RX 400h, the LF-Xh hybrid offers hints of the firm’s future styling direction.
Lexus
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?

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  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
    1. New BMW 7-Series
      12%
    2. Chevrolet Cruze
      1%
    3. Ferrari California
      23%
    4. New Ford Ka
      4%
    5. Lamborghini Estoque
      36%
    6. Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
      4%
    7. New Renault Megane
      2%
    8. New Toyota Avensis
      4%
    9. Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
      3%
    10. New VW Golf
      11%
28336 responses,