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The Infiniti G37 Coupe we recently reviewed was equipped with optional 19-inch wheels, a sports tuned suspension system, a radar-sensored Cruise Control System, heated seats, a navigation system, an upgraded 11-speaker audio system and a rear-deck lid spoiler.
The Lexus IS C 250 we reviewed
was outfitted with a power-operated top. Yes, this is a hard top convertible. The IS C was equipped with a navigation system, 17-inch wheels, Lexus' signature Intuitive Park Assist system, heated (and cooled) front seats, a 6-speaker audio system, Bi-Xenon front headlights and Lexus Enform concierge emergency operator system.
The IS C 250 was outfitted with a 2.5-liter, six-cylinder engine which squeezed out 204 horses. So far we've been able to inch out just over 400 miles on a tank of gas.
The G37 Coupe pushes out 330 horses with its standard 3.7-liter, six-cylinder engine. We barely achieved 300 miles on a tank of gas.
Ok, for approximately $47,000 which one would you purchase? We recently had an opportunity to review the rides pictured with the equipment packages noted. The pricing of both vehicles were within $500 of one another. While both vehicles are super sweet, which one would you drive-off in: the Lexus drop-top or peppier G37 Coupe? Look for extensive reviews of both vehicles soon.
Lexus now offers the best of both worlds. If you’re wondered why Lexus didn’t offer the rear-wheel-drive sporty IS sedan as a coupe, well wait no more. For the 2010 model year, Lexus not only offers a two-door hardtop coupe, but in a matter of seconds the vehicle can easily be converted to a standout drop-top, at the push of a button. The new IS C, the C designates the vehicle as a convertible, becomes Lexus most affordable open-air vehicle to date. Until recently, the pricier and more mature SC was the only open-air vehicle in the Lexus product portfolio.
Must Have Goodies:
Like in the IS, the convertible is available with either a manual or automatic transmission, depending on if you opt for the 2.5-liter or 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine. The vehicle we reviewed was outfitted with the super peppy, smooth shifting 3.5-liter engine.
And as you would expect, the IS 350C we reviewed was well-equipped, even before adding on a variety of high-end options. Our vehicle included a $3,055 luxury package, which consisted of bi-xenon high-intensity adaptable headlights, heated (and ventilated) rotary dialed front seats, a front passenger memory seat, rain sensing wipers and a gadget to help rear occupants enter and exit the rear seats at the touch of a button. Added to our posh list of features, the vehicle was outfitted with a voice-activated navigational system, a rear back up camera, and Lexus intuitive parallel parking assist system. This system doesn’t park your vehicle like in the top of the line LS, but it simply acts as an additional parking aid.
However, our IS C didn’t come equipped with Lexus’ optional18-inch wheels and tires, and Lexus’ signature Enform system, which is similar to GM’s OnStar concierge and emergency assist system. Moreover, since we consider ourselves to be a connoisseur of music, we felt slighted that our IS C lacked the optional Mark Levinson 12-speaker, 300-watt audio system, although the standard 8-speaker system was quite adequate to say the least.
Furthermore, as far as added safety features, the sporty convertible also lacked Lexus’ factory equipped radar-controlled cruise control system, which automatically monitors and adjusts the speed of the vehicle.
2010 Ford Mustang Base MSRP= $20,995 - $35,995* Mustang's 3-year Average =56% of MSRP Ford's 3-year Average= 37% of MSRP Sporty Segment 3-year Average= 48% of MSRP
2010 Lexus IS C Base MSRP= $38,490-$43,640* IS C's 3-Year Average= 52% of MSRP Lexus' 3-Year Average= 43% of MSRP Premium Convertible 3-Year Average= 42% of MSRP
2010 Honda Insight Base MSRP= $19,800-$23,100* Insight's 3-Year Average= 63% of MSRP Honda's 3-Year Average= 49% of MSRP Mid Compact 3-Year Average= 45% of MSRP
2009 BMW Z4 Base MSRP= $45,750 - $51,650* Z4's 3-Year Average= 44% of MSRP BMW's 3-Year Average= 43% of MSRP Premium Convertible 3-Year Average= 42% of MSRP
If you're in the market for a new-vehicle, we've featured four new vehicles which are expected to outperform their segment and brand - retaining an above average resale value in three years - according to the American Leasing Guide. So, if you like trading your ride in quite frequently, you're likely to get more for the aforementioned vehicles than other make and models. Furthermore, if you plan on leasing, which currently accounts for less than 10 percent of all new-vehicle sales, these vehicles payments will be cheaper, as opposed to conventional financing methods. Ironically, both the Lexus IS C and BMW Z4 compete in the same segments. While it costs more to buy the BMW, the Lexus is expected to retain a higher percentage of its value over three years.
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.
