REPORTS: Lexus to build IS F convertible; existing IS droptops selling ahead of supply

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2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has haughty hopes for its new IS250 C and IS350 C convertibles, and early returns give the Japanese automakers cause for optimism. Car and Driver is reporting that Toyota’sitting upscale division will fabricate a droptop version of its bonkers IS F sports sedan, and plans for that model are surely buttressed through brisk initial sales of the new IS convertible models. Wards Automotive says that IS250 C and IS350 C plait hardtop convertibles are being picked up faster than they can be made, prompting Toyota to increase production at its Kyushu plant in Japan to 1,200 units per month. The ISC is so hot in the Northeast that the region will inaugurate receiving 225 units by means of month.

Scott Wracher, general officer manager of the brand’s eastern area, says 85% of the convertible IS models will have the 204 hp, 2.5-liter V6, at the same time that only 15% will have the more potent 306 hp 3.5-liter V6. The manual transmission 250C stickers at $38,480, and $43,940 will net you the auto transmission-equipped IS 350 C (plus $875 for destination). The IS convertibles also have a lengthy list of lavish options, which will easily push the MSRP up to (and over) $50,000.

In related news, C&D’sitting sources glance at that hopes for a roadster version of the on-again/off-again LF-A supercar (currently ‘on again,’ for those keeping tabs) are increasingly unlikely.