2009 Lexus IS250C on test in Oz outback
June 10, 2009 by David Twomey
With the release of the all-new Lexus IS 250C only a couple of months away, the Japanese company has revealed that the drop-top has undergone an intensive development testing program that took in some of the harshest conditions, including the Australian outback.
In early 2008, Australian engineering staff tested the IS 250C for dust intrusion, air-conditioning, roof and driving performance in the Northern Territory.
Roads between Alice Springs and Darwin were used to test overall durability of the vehicle, with emphasis on dust sealing and roof integrity.
In the heat and humidity of Darwin, engineers tested limits of climate control performance.
Climate control testing involved a process called heat soaking, where a black vehicle was left closed and unprotected in the broad daylight, allowing internal temperatures to reach in excess of 100 degrees Celsius.
After four hours in the sun the vehicles were then started and climate control units evaluated for performance and cooling times.
Engineers also carried out real world testing on aerodynamic performance to ensure that, with roof up or down, IS 250C occupants were not buffeted by wind.
The results of the Australian testing were fed back to Lexus engineers resulting in revisions to climate control systems and dust sealing.
Engineers also tested the strength of roof locking mechanisms on corrugated roads.
Testing confirmed that scuttle shake, when a closed roof rubs against the windscreen surround, was minimal on even the harshest roads.
Lexus Australia, Chief Executive John Roca said that the testing cements Australia’s importance for the global brand.
“Australia has played host to the testing of numerous Lexus models including the first ever Lexus, LS 400, and the LX 570 luxury SUV,” said Mr Roca.
“IS 250C is truly a convertible for Australian conditions – it has been designed to offer occupants a comfortable and enjoyable ride no matter what the road or climate.
“Australian engineers were extremely impressed with IS 250C’s performance, noting that dust sealing and scuttle shake were the best they’d seen in a convertible.
“The new IS 250C also extends Lexus’ IS Line and will join its sedan counterparts on Australian roads in the third quarter of this year,” said Mr Roca.
Print it: 
I guess if you want your cars to survive the harshest conditions, then best to develop them in it. Nice work Lexus.
If they were serious about testing the car they would have given one to BM (.)(.) and Wheelnut for a few weeks. I bet the dust sealing and scuttle shake wont last.
I think the regular 250 has some odd proportions and for that reason put the A4 higher my pecking order but this car looks pretty hot :o
How can that much people fit in the Lexus it only has 4 or 5 seats and i don’t see any other car in the pic.
rich boy they always have a couple of other cars in the convoy. i saw these pics b4 with a LS460 driving behind.
hahaha Salesy,dont live in the Goldfields anymore but know plenty of test tracks I could have taken this on.
So no bulldust in this hey ? Perhaps they should have done this test on the current 200 series then people wouldnt be complaining about their cabins filling up with dust after a trip to the Pilbra.
Some cars look like they are a dedicated convertible this looks like they have welded up the back doors and cut the roof of it. Sorry the rear end and section around the boot where the roof shuts looks wrong !
Bavarian Missile (.)(.) Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
“Sorry the rear end and section around the boot where the roof shuts looks wrong !”
I agree – the car looks better as a sedan. Still wouldn’t ever purchase one.
An LS460 on the other hand…
Agree BM, there is something about the back end that looks a bit odd but just can’t put my finger on it. May just be the angle of the photos.
Well I glad we can agree on something . Unusual a 2 door isnt as appealing as a four .
Im guessing they will bring a IS-FC after the release of the Coupe to go up against you know what. Speaking of which………
A little birdy has just told me another Lexus review is coming Steve,hold ya hat honey cause I think this is going to be a bumpy ride. Another review on the IS-F……….
Rich Boy.
Maybe the extra people were on the roof to test its strength? But the real mind bender is, who took the photo?????
I agree on the look of the back. I am surprised that they think that Australia, the skin cancer capitol of the world would buy a Lexus without a roof. Maybe if you drive really fast you wont get sunburnt, would that work?
its a bit sad when a Peugeot 308CC looks miles better than a LEXUS lol
one can only hope Nissan hurrys up the introduction of its Infiniti arm
looks much better as a standard sedan!
Lexus Australia CEO Mr Roca believes that because they tested the Lexus ISC in Australia that it shows how important Australia is to Lexus…?
But a number of other manufacturers do similar testing in Australia – so what makes Lexus so special?
And as for saying that the Lexus IS-C is truly a convertible for Australian Conditions – designed to offer occupants a comfortable and enjoyable ride no matter what the road or climate….
So how is it different to the other Hardtop Caonvertible Cabriolets available on the Australian market? Does its roof retract half of a second quicker that the others?
Can someone remind me how [un]popular their previous convertible [jelly bean] the SC-430 was?
I mean How many of them do you see on the roads…?
Daniel W: I’ve seen pics of the Infiniti and apart from the headlights; there doesn’t appear to be much difference between this and the G-37 Convertible…. Infact they both look like a Japanese version of a Chrysler Sebring.
Removed & banned
Here we go again another highjacked site by the king and queen of boganville! bm and nutwheel the way you two carry on you would swear you own a bentley and a ferrari instead of an old bmw banger and a falcon whatever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is there ever an article that you two don’t ruin,there are people who actuality like to read about all types of cars?
Wheelnut: I’ve seen afew SC’s around. I never thought people would actually buy such cars…
As for this car, I can see a market for it. I’m not too overly excited bout this car but I can appreciate that the engineers have gone through alot of work to make it what it is. But come on Lexus, don’t pull our leg with this we all want to see the LF-A!