TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus today revealed the IS retractable hard-top convertible at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Continuing the performance and styling trends set by the IS luxury sport sedans, the IS 250C and IS 350C will come to the U.S. in the late spring of 2009.

Featuring a three-panel roof that opens in just 21 seconds, the new IS 250C and IS 350C provide the spirited sophistication of a convertible and the sporty styling of a coupe. While the hood, headlamps, door handles and mirrors are common to the exterior of the IS sedans, all other body panels have been designed to blend seamlessly with the new three-panel aluminum folding roof.

Powered by the same powertrain as the IS sedans, the IS 250C features a 2.5-liter, 204-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; the IS 350C contains a 3.5-liter, 306-hp with a six-speed automatic. Revisions to the body structure and suspension provide torsional stiffness and ride comfort with the top down, and low Lexus-like Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) on par with the IS sedan when in coupe configuration.

The three-panel roof structure is completely constructed of lightweight aluminum that helps achieve smooth, quiet retraction. Unlike many retractable-roof mechanisms that increase in speed due to the weight of the structure, a unique roof-brake mechanism slows the closing roof-panels as they approach the windscreen area, ensuring easy retraction just before closure. In addition, the top completely retracts with no elements remaining in view. The three-panel folding aluminum roof also helps provide compact packaging and convenient luggage space.

The IS 250C and IS 350C's new exterior design provides dynamic, unique styling when interchanging between convertible and coupe configurations. A sleek aerodynamic design and a collection of underbody covers help achieve its lowest possible drag coefficient -- 0.29 Cd versus the IS sedan's 0.27 Cd -- while creating minimal wind turbulence on the cabin. An acoustic glass windshield, along with optimized seals on the roof, door and window panels, contributes to lower wind-noise levels.

A new fog-lamp design is integrated in the revised front air dam. The rear overhang increases by two inches to improve luggage space, providing storage for two golf bags in coupe configuration and one in a convertible. New combination tail-lamp clusters feature LED lights; a LED brake light is integrated within the standard rear spoiler.

The interior maintains the innovation and luxury touch points associated with the IS sport sedans, while new comfort and entertainment features provide a consistent atmosphere regardless of top configuration.