Lexus Expands Brand, Adding Another Convertible And Hybrid

As Toyota's luxury brand - Lexus - continues to expand its lineup, they've added another convertible to compliment the SC. However, this time they're going head-to-head with the popular BMW 3-Series convertible, with an all-new 2010 IS C retractable hardtop. Like the Bimmer, the vehicle is available as an automatic or manual transmission and can easily accommodate four occupants. The IS C is available with a 6-cylinder 2.5-liter engine or a 3.5-liter engine.

Pricing for Lexus' newest entry level convertible starts off at around $39,000. While Lexus officials allowed us to take the vehicle on a short test drive, we look forward to an extensive review of the new convertible in the very near future. Just based on first impressions, we believe the pricing and design flair of the IS C should attract younger, affluent buyers to the brand. The vehicle is on sale now. To check out the pricing and features refer to our new-vehicle pricing guide, which is located on the left side of the page.

And Lexus' all-new dedicated luxury hybrid will be added to the lineup later on this fall. Unlike the RX, GS and LS, which all offer hybrid alternatives, too, there isn't a non-hybrid version of the HS 250h. By the way, the lowercase h, after the numbers, designates the vehicle as being a hybrid. For those who are familiar with the Lexus brand, the HS 250h will be positioned between the IS and ES. The all-new HS 250h is loaded with the latest technology and luxury features we've come to expect in a Lexus.

More importantly, this is Lexus' first 4-cylinder vehicle. The luxury hybrid is expected to achieve a combined fuel economy of 35 mph. The HS 250h, which is available in automatic only, has more of a conventional look than the bubble shape Toyota Prius and the all-new Honda Insight, which is also a hybrid and a spin-off of the Prius. However, the interior layout of the vehicle can easily put you in the mind of something from the once popular futuristic cartoon, The Jetsons, with the joy stick designed to control a number of the features on the space-aged styled floating center stack instrument panel. The all-new 2010 HS 250h starts out at around $34,000. Look for our comprehensive review of the HS 250h later on this year.