2008 Paris Auto Show: 2009 Lexus IS 250 Convertible

The 2009 Lexus IS 250 Convertible will debut at the Paris motor show next month, making for a third variant of the IS line.

Lexus confirmed today that it will debut its 2010 IS 250 hardtop convertible at the 2008 Paris Auto Show on October 2.

The IS 250 C arrives on the heels of the ultrahigh-performance IS F as the third model in the IS lineup, and it should hit the U.S. market next spring.

It will be the second Lexus to dazzle with a folding hardtop, the now aging SC 430 being the first. But it will be the first four-seat convertible to wear a Lexus badge. Although we expect the car's folding hardtop to eat into the IS's rear seat and trunk volume, it will have a rear seat, much like the BMW 3 Series convertible and the Mercedes CLK convertible.

Unlike the Infiniti G37 and BMW 3 Series, however, which offer a sedan, coupe and hardtop convertible, Lexus is expected to build only a sedan and convertible, and will not offer a coupe version of the IS.

An IS 350 convertible is also likely to join the mix, as is a V8-powered IS F convertible to combat the BMW M3 drop top. Just don't expect an all-wheel-drive IS 250 C to find its way to production.

The car's first US appearance is expected be the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November.
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