Controls and gauges are designed to reduce visual clutter, including the bright, clear Optitron gauges. The multi-information display located within the speedometer integrates a trip computer that combines six different informational functions in one location, including outside temperature, driving range, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption since refueling, current fuel consumption, and average speed. The display also includes an oil-maintenance reminder and system warnings. Additional features are added to the multi-information display depending on selected options. When an IS model is equipped with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the display can show a car icon with the selected following distance. When equipped with Intuitive Park Assist, the display can show a car icon with the location and distance of objects detected near the bumpers.
Standard amenities for the IS models include 10-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat vents and a pollen filter (plus a smog filter on IS 350). There is a power moonroof, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and power windows with automatic up/down feature and jam protection. The auto-dimming rear view mirror houses HomeLink garage door opener. The IS 250 AWD model comes standard with heated, leather-trimmed seats.
Changes for 2009 include the fact that the paddle shifters now function in Drive mode, and some controls have been changed for improved convenience. The rear seat headrests are now foldable to aid rear visibility. New interior colors include Ecru and Light Gray, both with new contrast stitching on the seats, door panels, and console lid.
The standard Lexus Premium Audio System features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 194 watts of total power and 13 speakers. Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) maintains consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds. A convenient mini-jack in the center console enables connection of an iPod or other digital music player. The center console has a 12-volt accessory power port.
Optional packages up the ante. A Premium Plus Package, optional for all IS models, includes wood trim, perforated leather seating trim and heated and ventilated front seats. The Sport and Luxury option packages include three-position memory for seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power tilt and telescopic steering column and auto-dimming outside mirrors.
The IS C is different from the sedan in a number of ways. Like all hard-top convertibles, the IS C roof intrudes on trunk space when folded. With the top up, there is almost 11 cubic feet of trunk space; with the top down, just 2.3 cubic feet, assuming a standard spare tire. That's still enough for two golf bags, though the vinyl cargo cover may cause some consternation to the unschooled. To create more space, run-flat tires are offered as an option, which eliminates the need for a spare tire.
Given that the open-air driving experience can be marred by ambient noise, wind and exposure to heat or cold, special attention has been paid to top-down comfort. Wind noise has been kept to an absolute minimum, and turbulence in the passenger cabin has been reduced by careful study of the mirrors and interior design. Indeed, this makes driving around the neighborhood with the top down most pleasant. The IS C instrument panel is shared with the IS sedan, but the dials are a different color, with more contrast to improve visibility when the topis down.
Based on the roof position and the amount of sunlight, the climate control system compensates for ambient temperature by adjusting air outlet temperature and air flow volume. The audio system is also automatically equalized to maintain the current acoustic field, regardless of outside noise pollution, when the top is opened or closed.
The 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system, available as a stand-alone option or in conjunction with the optional DVD touch-screen navigation system, features discrete 5.1 multi-channel playback with 7.1-channel speaker architecture. Its 10 amplifier channels provide 300 watts total output at 0.1 percent total harmonic distortion. The Mark Levinson system plays conventional CDs and DVDs, plus MP3/WMA-formatted CDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the optional navigation system's color seven-inch touch screen, though only when the pa Next Page