So Lexus is aggressively marketing its new Lexus IS C Convertible, hoping that it really picks off. This is the company’s second attempt to take on German rivals following the IS-F sedan, which is aimed at the BMW M3, Audi’s S4/RS4 and the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG.

So will Lexus take on the BMW M3 Convertible or Audi’s high-performance convertibles with a 416-hp IS-F Convertible? Well, to answer that question in the simplest way – not anytime soon.

“Right now, there are no plans for that,” Toyota/Lexus PR spokesman Curt McAllister. “We’re going to investigate how well the convertible does and make a determination from there.”

Not to mention, IS-F sedans aren’t exactly flying off the lots. Lexus sold 445 units from January through June of 2009, while rivals such as the BMW M3 coupe and sedan, raked in 854 and 530 units respectively.

Oh, and there are still rumors of an IS-Coupe on the way. We’re guessing Lexus will be much more aggressive throwing an ‘F’ badge on that.

2010 Lexus IS C Convertible:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

Lexus already offers its F-Sport Performance Package line on the GS and IS and is now extending the offering to the IS C Convertible upgrades include forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more.

All F-Performance Accessories are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.

You can visit the F-Sport Performance site for more info.

Lexus F-Sport Performance Accessories for IS C Convertible:

F-Sport 19″ Forged Alloy Wheels

This lightweight forged alloy wheel, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, includes a staggered fitment with 19″ X 8″ front wheels and 19″ X 9″ rear wheels. Recommended tire sizes are 225/35R19 in the front and 255/35R19 in the rear.

F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade

The Front Brake Upgrade provides a firmer pedal feel and improved fade resistance in repeated severe duty use. The Brake features six piston fixed calipers, and drilled cast iron 355mm diameter rotors with a patented internal fin design mounted on anodized aluminum hubs. Braided stainless steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are included and the upgrade can be used with stock or F-Sport upgraded rear brakes.

F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade

Similar in construction to the F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade, the rear brake upgrade uses four piston fixed calipers and drilled cast iron 345mm diameter rotors. Braided stainless steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are also included. The Rear Brake Upgrade may only be used in conjunction with F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Continuous Carbon CeramicTM Brake Upgrade

A new generation of carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic material technology maximizes high-temperature durability and system cooling in this ultimate upgrade for the IS F. Ceramic rotors measure 380mm diameter front and 355mm diameter rear on anodized aluminum hats. They incorporate the same internal cooling vane concepts as the F-Sport cast iron rotors, while significantly reducing unsprung and rotating mass compared to the IS F stock brake system. Distinctively finished six-piston front and four-piston rear fixed calipers signify leading-edge technology and performance. Specially qualified performance brake pads and stainless steel brake lines are included.

F-Sport Exhaust System

This system features all stainless steel construction with fully polished mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips. In addition to an outstanding appearance, it delivers a powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound.

F-Sport Lowering Spring Set

This feature lowers the vehicle approximately 1″ in the front and rear for a more aggressive appearance and a lower center of gravity. The spring set is engineered to deliver lowered ride height without bottoming out or creating a harsh ride. The feature can be used with either the stock or F-Sport shock absorber set.

F-Sport Sway Bar Set

This includes a set of larger diameter, replacement front and rear sway bars that offer reduced body roll and flatter cornering. Urethane mounting brushings are also included to replace the original rubber brushings.

F-Sport Bilstein Shock Absorber Set

Developed in cooperation with Bilstein and available exclusively through the F-Sport Performance Accessory program, this shock absorber set offers sport-tuned suspension dampening without sacrificing ride quality.

F-Sport Clutch

The F-Sport Clutch increases clamping force approximately 15% to handle higher torque capacity and provide improved feel.

F-Sport Quick Shifter

Engineered and machined from billet aluminum, the F-Sport Quick Shifter decreases shift throw by approximately 30% for positive shifting.

F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace

To improve chassis stiffness under aggressive driving conditions and provide a more responsive feel during cornering, the F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace joins key rear chassis and suspension mounting points through this tubular steel brace.

F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

Constructed from real carbon fibers, this very light and durable engine cover provides a high-tech appearance under the hood. This is a direct replacement for the original cover and is only available for the IS 350.

F-Sport Air Intake

This low restriction intake and filter assembly is fully compatible with stock engine controls and is emission legal in all 50 states.

Lexus Genuine Accessory Ground Effects Kit

For a lower, more aggressive appearance, this color-keyed four-piece body kit includes front and rear valences and side skirts.

Lexus Genuine Accessory Rear Spoiler

This rear deck mounted, color-keyed lip-style spoiler provides the finishing touch for the sport-tuned enthusiast.

- By: Kap Shah

We have no idea what Lexus plans on doing with the SC convertible – some reports say that the car has been canned while others say a next-generation is in the works. In the meantime, those looking for a drop-top Lexus can opt for the Lexus IS Convertible, which hits showrooms later this year.

According to Toyota spokesman Hideki Homma, Lexus hopes to sell 1,600 IS Convertible units a month, with about 70 percent of those coming from North America. Through April, Lexus has sold only 310 units of its SC convertible.

“This is meant to appeal as an entry-level Lexus,” project manager Keiichi Nishiyama told Automotive News at the car’s Japan launch today. “Its main target is overseas customers, especially in North America.”

Pricing for the 2010 Lexus IS Convertible start at $38,490 for the IS250C and $43,940 for the IS350C.

2010 Lexus IS Convertible:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

The drop-top Lexus IS Convertibles are ready to go on sale nationwide starting next month. Lexus said today that pricing for the 2010 IS 250C will start at $38,490 when equipped with a 6-speed manual and $39,660 with a 6-speed automatic. The 2010 IS 350C starts at $43,940 and comes with a 6-speed automatic.

Powetrain choices remain the same as the IS sedans. The IS 250C carries the 2.4L V6 making 204-hp while the IS 350C is powered by the 3.5L V6 engine making 306-hp.

For those of you that really care, the Lexus IS Convertible drops its top in 20 seconds.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Lexus IS Convertible:

Press Release:

IS250C and IS350C

Featuring a three-panel roof that opens in just 20 seconds, the new IS250C and IS350C provide the spirited sophistication of a convertible and the sporty styling of a coupe. The three-panel roof structure is primarily constructed of lightweight aluminum that helps achieve smooth, quiet retraction; it also helps provide compact packaging and convenient luggage space. With the exception of the hood, all other body panels have been designed to blend seamlessly with the new three-panel folding roof.

Powered by the same powertrain as the IS sedans, the IS 250C features a 2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; the IS350C contains a 3.5-liter, 306-hp V6 with a six-speed automatic. Revisions to the body structure and suspension provide torsional stiffness and ride comfort with the top down, and low Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) on par with the IS sedan when in coupe configuration.

The IS250C and IS350C’s new exterior design provides dynamic, unique styling when interchanging between convertible and coupe configurations. A sleek aerodynamic design and a collection of underbody covers help achieve its lowest possible drag coefficient – 0.29 Cd versus the IS sedan’s 0.27 Cd – while creating minimal wind turbulence in the cabin.

In the front, a new fog-lamp design is integrated in the revised front air dam. The rear overhang increases by two inches to improve luggage space, providing storage for two golf bags in coupe configuration and one in a convertible. New combination tail-lamp clusters feature LED lights; a LED brake light is integrated within the standard rear spoiler.

The interior maintains the innovation and luxury touch points associated with the IS sport sedans, while new comfort and entertainment features provide a consistent atmosphere regardless of top configuration. Instrument gauges have been revised to help increase visibility during top-down driving, and the climate-control system has a speed-sensitive control feature that automatically increases air flow when the top is down while also automatically adjusting to vehicle speed.

With a four-seat configuration, the IS250C and IS350C’s rear seats feature a center console with built-in cup holders. In addition to front doors that are 11.8 inches longer than the IS sedans, an available new one-touch automatic mechanism provides easier egress and ingress through quick-acting, front-seat fold-and-slide activation. Rear-seat comfort is enhanced by shifting seat position inboard, providing improved headroom. The front seat backs are configured to also provide better rear-seat legroom.

A number of body-structure changes have been integrated into the IS250C and IS350C to augment strength, roll-over protection and torsional rigidity. Active safety features from the IS sedans transfer as well, including Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and an available Pre-Collision System (PCS). The Safety Restraint System (SRS) will include the twin-chamber passenger airbag, while a new enlarged seat-mounted side airbag helps provide additional protection in certain side-impact scenarios. The convertible body shell has additional energy absorbing side-impact materials that also help protect front and rear passengers.

- By: Omar Rana

We first saw the 2010 Lexus IS 250C at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. Now its more powerful sibling, the 350C, has made its debut at the 2008 LA Auto Show. Rival Infiniti also dropped the top on its 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible starting an all out war of two-door luxury Japanese convertibles.

Refresher:

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible: 3.7L V6 that produces 325-hp and is mated to a 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual. The Infiniti G37 Convertible folds its top in 30 seconds.
2010 Lexus IS 350C: 3.5L V6 that makes 306-hp and is mated to a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. The Lexus IS 350C takes 20 seconds to drop its top.

So which one do you see yourself driving down Sunset Blvd. in? Vote in the poll below and check out the comments section after the jump and let us know your thoughts process.

Click through for high-res photo galleries of both convertibles.

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible:

2010 Lexus IS 350C:

Lexus announced today that it will hold the world debut of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 and 2010 Lexus RX 450h SUVs at the 2008 LA Auto Show. The Japanese luxury brand said that the “next generation RX models will raise the bar above the current best-selling products by offering outstanding luxury, comfort, technology, safety and efficiency.”

As announced earlier this morning the 2010 Lexus IS 250C will make its stateside debut in LA. Lexus has now confirmed that the IS 350C will also make its world debut joining the IS convertible lineup. The 2010 Lexus IS 350C will be powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing 306-hp. Both IS convertible models will be mated to a 6-speed automatic. The IS 250C will be available with a 6-speed manual.

The 2009 Lexus LS460 and LS 460 AWD will also be at the Lexus display. Join us for live coverage of the 2008 LA Auto Show starting Nov. 19th.

Follow the jump for the high-resolution image gallery.

2010 Lexus IS 250C: