Lexus reveals first F Sport convertible

Lexus has revealed its 11th F Sport model and its first F Sport convertible in the form of the IS250C F Sport.

Due in showrooms from mid-November, the most aggressive IS250C will be priced at $82,300 plus on-road costs – $1000 more than the IS250C Sports ($81,300) and $12,000 less than the flagship IS250 C Sports Luxury ($94,300).

The IS250C F Sport features a range of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades over the standard IS250C, including unique suspension calibration, new wheels and updated interior and exterior styling, but no increase in engine performance. Lexus says the chassis changes – which include unique suspension bushings, revised damping characteristics, a specific rear anti-roll bar and enhanced spring rates – are designed to deliver more precise handling and include.

The IS250C F Sport’s styling updates include specific 10-spoke graphite-look 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique front bumper with mesh grille and a more pronounced lower lip spoiler and foglights.

Inside, the IS250C receives black leather-accented seat trim with contrasting perforations and stitching, black headlining and an F Sport steering wheel, gearshifter and scuff plates. An optional ‘enhancement pack’ will include a Pre-Collision Safety System, Active Cruise Control and Mark Levinson audio, for a further $6000.

The first F Sport-fettled convertible arrives as part of a mildly facelifted IS250C range, which will bring upgraded navigation, audio and voice control systems, as well as Bluetooth audio streaming. It joins 10 other models in Lexus Australia’s growing F Sport range, including the small CT200h hatch, mid-size IS250 and IS350 sedans, large GS250, GS350 and GS450h hybrid sedans, RX350 and RX450h hybrid crossovers and, also next month, the LS460 and LS600h hybrid limousines. The latter will be launched as part of a facelifted LS line-up to make its Australian debut at the Melbourne Cup celebrations on November 7, while Lexus is expected to launch new F Sport versions with next year’s redesigned IS sedan and its first IS-based coupe, as previewed by the LF-CC at last month’s Paris show.

“F Sport has definitely resonated with Australian Lexus customers, with almost 50 per cent of IS350 sales and one-third of CT200h sales being F Sport models,” said Lexus Australia Chief Executive Tony Cramb. “Customers have come to appreciate the enhanced driving enjoyment and visual appeal that F Sport models bring, and IS250C F Sport will be a welcome addition to the F Sport range.”

So far, the outgoing IS F sedan with its 311kW/505Nm 5.0-litre V8 forms the basis of Lexus’ only full-blown F model, rivalling the likes of BMW’s M3, Audi’s RS4 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

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