• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for January 2, 2015

Coupe or Convertible: Lexus IS 350 C F Sport

January 2, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Up and down fun with a Lexus IS350 C.

2015 Lexus IS C

Is it a coupe or a convertible? Well, both if you choose the Lexus IS C.

Lexus has three entry-level lines to attract customers to the brand. Its ES 350 is a large, front-wheel drive sedan. The CT 200h is a compact hybrid hatchback and the IS represents a family of vehicles that target BMW’s vaunted 3/4 Series.

Lexus’ unique approach to the luxury market explains why it routinely competes with BMW and Mercedes-Benz for sales leadership in the United States. For 2014, Lexus finished in third place, yet it has won the top position several times as well. The rear-wheel drive IS is a strong competitor, offering a family of vehicles for your consideration. The Lexus IS 350 C F Sport is one such model — a hard-top convertible that doubles as a coupe — and was a recent Auto Trends weekly driver.

Lexus IS 350 C

We Are Family

Before we examine the model at hand, you should know that the IS line is fragmented, but not in an objectionable way. The IS 250 and IS 350 sedans, including F Sport editions, were all new for 2014. The sedans had not been updated in eight years and received a much needed transformation. The C or coupe models were introduced in 2009, but still have the same design. New models are likely on the way, although they won’t appear before 2016.

I have driven both the previous and most recent versions of the sedan and now have the coupe under my belt. Both lines are powered by V-6 engines, the lesser one displacing at 2.5 liters (IS 250) and the larger engine at 3.5 liters (IS 350). A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the model line.

Both engines are naturally aspirated and produce 204 horsepower in the IS 250 and 306 horsepower in the IS 350. I must state emphatically that the base engine is comparably feeble and will disappoint anyone who places value on performance. Auto Trends has learned that a turbocharged four-cylinder engine is being readied to replace the base engine and that motor cannot come soon enough.

The larger V-6, however, is a different animal. Whereas the smaller engine is akin to a pussy cat, the bigger engine is a mountain lion. Both models offer available F Sport packages that up both the luxury and handling quotient. Nonetheless, the F Sport line should not be confused with F Performance, what represents the potent power offered in the delicious RC F coupe.

Lexus IS C

The Stealth Convertible

One of the fun things about the IS C is that at first glance it fools the masses that it is a hard-top convertible. That is certainly not apparent from the front and only when you run your eyes from the leading edge of the roof to the trunk do you see the cut outs whereby the roof folds itself section by section into the trunk. Similarly, the now defunct Chrysler 200 Convertible also offered a hard-top design; admittedly this Lexus is a superior vehicle.

Given its older design, the coupe does not have the now popular hourglass fascia and angular lines of the sedans. It still provides a sporty design and a fetching one at that. In the F Sport you get a few styling embellishments that set it apart from the standard models. A special F Sport grille, lip spoiler and aerodynamically enhanced body elements underscore this model’s already athletic posture.

Lexus IS C

Inside, you have a 2+2 seating formation and the rear seats are not entirely off limits. Long trips for adults will not be especially comfortable, however if you are cruising the boulevard on a summer evening with the top down, you will see and be seen in style.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, yet there are no seat extenders present. Aluminum pedals, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel column and analog tachometer and speedometer displays are on board. A digital driver’s information center is located between the analog displays; cruise and audio controls are found on the steering wheel.

The center stack display is colorful, but modest, and switches located below that operate same. Both the steering wheel and the transmission shifter are wrapped in leather, the latter of metal construction and matching the center cover. Lift the sliding arm rest and a small-scale storage compartment is at hand. Other storage areas include: the glove box, in-door pockets and the seat back pockets. Two cup holders are found up front and two are located in back. Both sets are found between the seats.


2015 Lexus IS C

View manufacturer details and pricing


Lexus IS C
Lexus IS C

Easy Does It

Dropping the top on this coupe takes a bit of preparation. Here, you are dealing with a three-section aluminum roof, one that folds neatly into the trunk. You need to ensure that your trunk is clear first and that is best accomplished by raising the trunk, pulling an extendable “tarp” into place and locking same.

Only when sensors detect “all clear” will the roof begin its fun-to-watch descent. Simply push the appropriate switch, hold your finger in place and count the seconds for the roof to disappear and the trunk to return to its normal position. Lexus says it takes 20 seconds to complete the fold-down process and it finishes that work as promised. The switch controls everything — no final connection of the roof’s leading edge to the top of the windshield from you. When everything is in place, the instrument panel will confirm same.

Notably, the cabin is whisper quiet with the convertible top in place. It parallels the noise level found in other coupes, making for quite an engineering accomplishment that Lexus’ designers and engineers should be proud of.

2015 Lexus IS C

On the Road

Behind the wheel is where the fun begins. But, with one important qualification: this model deserves a manual transmission. You can get one with the BMW 4 Series, the Cadillac ATS Coupe and in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, yet for some reason Lexus discontinued the manual transmission a few years back. That is a sinful omission for driving enthusiasts and likely has cost Lexus some sales.

Without benefit of a manual, you do have paddle shifters at the ready. In most cars I find them pointless — a half-baked scheme that neither satisfies the desire for engaged driving nor delivers much substance. In the IS C you do benefit from a sport-tuned suspension with all its inherent stiffness included.

Off the line acceleration is about average, nevertheless the IS C does transition to highway speed quickly. Handling and braking is satisfactory — if the vehicle feels heavy it is: weighing just under two tons. Still, it tackles every twist and turn of the road without wandering and not once did I find myself fighting the steering wheel for control.

Hopefully, Lexus will shave about 500 pounds off the next generation model and offer a manual gearbox. One week removed from driving the Cadillac ATS Coupe and I can tell you that Lexus has much work to do. Kudos on the convertible top, however the interior needs updating and the overall experience could be improved.

Lexus IS C
Lexus IS C


2015 Lexus IS 350 C F Sport

  • Sticker price from $49,790
  • Price as tested: from $55,610
  • Seats 4 occupants
  • 3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 gasoline engine
  • 306 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
  • 277 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 rpm
  • 3.70 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.8-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
  • Length: 182.5 inches
  • Width: 80.5 inches
  • Height: 70.9 inches
  • Passenger volume: 87.9 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 10.8 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,872 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: NR
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years
  • Vehicle assembly: Miyata, Japan

2015 Lexus IS C photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Vehicle Reviews Tagged With: 2015 CARS, convertible, F SPORT, Lexus, LEXUS IS 350 C, rear-wheel drive, TRANSMISSION, V-6 ENGINE

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?

Recent Comments

  • Winter Prep: Replace Your Worn Out Tires — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Hot Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Your Tires: Air Pressure & Care Tips — Auto Trends Magazine on The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • 5 Forgettable Cars From the 1970s — Auto Trends Magazine on A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • About the Fox-Body Ford Mustang — Auto Trends Magazine on A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza

Archives

  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Models
  • New Vehicle Reviews
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • A Look Back at the Chevrolet Monza
  • The Best Ways to Care for Your Tires
  • Contrary to the Latest Rumors, the Ram Dakota Will Return (Maybe)
  • Highlights of the 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • What is Bidirectional Charging?
  • A Look Back at the Ford Mustang II
  • New Duck-Billed Post Office Trucks Has Some People Quacking
  • Vroom! Lexus Reveals the IS 500 F Sport.
  • Introducing the Kia Carnival MPV
  • Goodyear, Cooper Tire to Join Forces
  • Highlights of the 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 7 Facts About the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt
  • Introducing the All-New
    2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
  • What’s the Future for Chrysler and Dodge Under Stellantis?
  • All About Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Plug It In: Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • About the Volkswagen Taos
  • All-Wheel Drive Finally Comes to the Toyota Camry and We Like It!
  • Growing EV Industry Leaves Countries and Businesses Racing to Meet Increasing Lithium Demand
  • Introducing the All-New 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover SUV
  • At Last! The All-New 2022 Nissan Frontier Revealed.
  • In Photos: 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor!
  • Cadillac V-Series Blackwing Preview!
  • Cost-Effective Crossover: Nissan Kicks
  • 10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
  • All-New Acura TLX Takes Charge
  • The Golden Years: 6 Memorable Models From the Original Era of Muscle Cars
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
January 2015
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Dec   Feb »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in