2010 Lexus IS 350 2-door Sport Convertible

The interior of the Lexus IS C has the soft, high-quality feel of a proper luxury car. The layout is modern and attractive, although the instrument panel features many similarly colored and shaped controls, which make the audio and climate systems more difficult to operate than should be necessary. Front-seat passengers enjoy roomy accommodations, while adults who find themselves relegated to the back seats will likely wish for more shoulder space and head room. Trunk space is good with the top in the raised position but, when it's lowered, available space shrinks to about 2.4 cubic feet.

The 2010 Lexus IS C clearly looks like a member of the IS family, yet, with the exception of the hood, none of its exterior panels are shared with the IS sedan. From its wedge-like nose, the IS C features a rising belt line that leads back to an elongated rear decklid. The long tail improves trunk space but results in a vehicle that is actually longer than its sedan counterpart. The IS C's roof employs a lightweight electric retraction mechanism providing smooth and controlled operation, while the use of aluminum in two of the three roof panels helps minimize weight.

Notable Standard Equipment

Notable Optional Equipment

The 2010 Lexus IS C's standard equipment list includes automatic climate control, power tilt and telescope steering wheel, fog lamps, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. In terms of entertainment, the IS C features an eight-speaker audio system with six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and a USB interface for portable music players. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front airbags and seat-mounted airbags that protect the head and torso of front-seat occupants.

Many of the options offered for the Lexus IS C are bundled in the Luxury Package, which includes rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats with memory, HID adaptive front lighting and semi-aniline leather trim. Those who enjoy music with strong bass and crisp highs will enjoy the optional 270-watt 12-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Other options include a navigation system with back-up camera, front and rear parking sensors, headlamp washers and a Pre-Collision System that senses when a crash is imminent and automatically prepares the car for impact by pre-pressurizing the brakes and tightening the seatbelts.

The rear-wheel drive 2010 Lexus IS C offers buyers the choice of either a 2.5-liter V6 or a 3.5-liter V6. Both engines offer the fuel economy and power benefits of direct injection and variable valve timing. The 2.5-liter engine comes paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, while the 3.5-liter engine is offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic made to handle its increased output. The automatic transmissions also feature paddle shifters, giving the driver manual control over shifts.

2.5-liter V6
204 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
185 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 (manual), 21/29 (automatic)

3.5-liter V6
306 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
277 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25