2011 Lexus IS 350C - Video Transcript
Amanda: Hi, I'm Amanda Salas.
Jonny: and I'm Jonny Loquasto.
Amanda: And you're watching AutoTrader's new car review of the 2011 Lexus IS 350C.
Jonny: The Lexus IS 350C is sleek and sensuous and this luxury hardtop convertible has to be all that and more, since it competes with the BMW-3 Series convertible and Infiniti G37 convertible.
Amanda: But it takes more than good looks to win my heart. Performance is what matters, and like its competitors, the IS 350C has a 300-plus horsepower engine, and even more important, it'll go topless in just 20 seconds, faster than any of the others.
Jonny: Of course, with a folding hard top, you end up with a lot less room in the trunk, but that's a small price to pay for so much fun in the sun. The hard top also gives you peace of mind when the cold wind blows.
Amanda: I like the clean, efficient interior with the controls right at my fingertips.
Jonny: The 10 way power front seats are firm and supportive but still comfortable. The smaller rear seats… Not so much.
Amanda: OK… Let's see if this IS 350C is more than just a pretty face.
Jonny: With the IS 350C, you get a long list of standard luxury equipment like leather, dual zone climate control, a 195-watt 8-speaker stereo with XM Radio, and Bluetooth. A recommended option package is the Navigation and Mark Levinson sound system package. At just over $4,000, it adds a 12-speaker 300-watt stereo, backup camera, and XM Nav Traffic and Weather built into an in-dash nav system.
Amanda: The IS 350C's 3.5-liter V6 engine is quiet but feels plenty powerful at 306 horsepower… Sort of the strong, silent type… And these steering wheel mounted paddle shifters change its six gears in a heartbeat.
Jonny: Yes… Power when you want it… The IS 350C will go from zero to sixty in under 6 seconds. And as long as you behave yourself, the IS 350C will get a good 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway.
Amanda: And with a luxury car like this, there are many standard safety features including pop-up roll bars, a full array of airbags, stability and traction control and Safety Connect, Lexus's on-board safety and security system.
Jonny: So, what does all this cost? The IS 350C starts at $45,340. Add options and you'll be in the $50,000 range pretty quickly.
Amanda: If the IS 350C makes your heart beat a little faster and you want to take one home with you, you'll be getting a sporty, fun to drive coupe and convertible. With the IS 350C, Lexus has found a nice balance of luxury, sportiness and comfort. An automobile in which you can ride out any storm… Or just sit back and soak up the sun.
Jonny: I'm Jonny Loquasto.
Amanda: And I'm Amanda Salas. Thanks for watching this AutoTrader new car review on the 2011 Lexus IS 350C, right here on AutoTrader, the Ultimate Automotive Marketplace.
Competition:
BMW 3-Series Convertible
Infiniti G37 Convertible
Standard Features:
Leather
Dual Zone Climate
195w Stereo (8-speakers)
XM Radio
Bluetooth
Optional Features:
Navigation & Mark Levinson Audio Including Backup Camera, Premium Stereo, XM Nav Traffic/Weather
Engine:
3.5L V6
306 hp
6-Spd Auto
RWD
Performance:
MPG: 20 city / 27 hwy
0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
Price:
$45,340 - $50,000 and up
