Lexus currently offers a range of
F-Sport products for its IS C
convertible models – the IS 250C and IS 350C – but even in hopped up F-Sport guise, the Lexus drop tops still leave plenty to be desired in the performance category. However, Lexus will reportedly add a bit of spice to the IS C lineup with an open air version of the
IS F.
According to
Car and Driver, Lexus is readying a convertible version of its fire-breathing IS F for early 2011. The drop top version of the IS F will use the same 416
horsepower 5.0L V8 found in the IS F sedan. The IS F convertible will also borrow the sedan’s eight-speed transmission.
Although the IS F convertible will undoubtedly be the highest performing Lexus convertible, it should be just a step or two slower than its four-door counterpart. The IS C
convertibles weigh about 400 pounds more than their sedan counterparts, meaning you can expect the same weigh penalty from the IS F convertible.
The IS F convertible should also give Lexus better footing against rival
BMW. The IS F already competes against the M3 Sedan and the IS F convertible would logically be a natural competitor for the M3 Convertible.
If the latest reports prove to be true, expect to see the IS F convertible bow sometime late next year