Thursday, July 2, 2009

Acura TSX V6, 2010

Acura TSX V6, 2010
The Acura TSX V6 equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter engine, exclusive suspension tuning, larger diameter wheels and additional enhancements.
With improved acceleration and handling, the new 280 horsepower V6 adds even more sport to the already sporty nature of the popular Acura TSX sports sedan."

The Powertrain
A new Acura TSX powertrain choice means performance luxury buyers can enjoy a 280 horsepower 3.5L V6, with sophisticated VTEC® valvetrain control and a dual-stage induction system. For maximum performance and efficiency, the engine will be coupled to Acura's Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, with intelligent features such as Grade Logic Control and Shift Hold Control. If the driver desires, the Sequential SportShift transmission can also be operated manually, via steering-wheel mounted F1®-style paddle shifters.

The Body/The Chassis
The new Acura TSX model will feature a state-of-the-art, double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension system to provide excellent ride, handling and control. To generate sportier handling, the V6 model will also use exclusive suspension tuning along with 18-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels, fit with Michelin Pilot all-season tires. The larger wheels and tires will help distinguish this performance- minded TSX, as does the slightly revised front fascia and a V6 badge on the trunk.

The Interior
Like all Acura models, the new TSX will feature an exceptional level of standard equipment, including leather-appointed interior, power moonroof, automatic climate control, a premium seven-speaker sound system with CD, AM/FM tuner, XM® Satellite Radio, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® , USB port and AUX jack music interface and more.
Similar to the four-cylinder TSX, the V6 model will be available with the optional Technology Package that includes the Acuralink™ satellite navigation system with rear-view camera and the Acura/ELS Surround® premium audio system for a top-in-class audio experience.






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Audi A5 Cabriolet, 2010

Audi A5 Cabriolet, 2010
The top-of-the-line model of Audi's new family of convertibles is the Audi S5 Cabriolet. The engine of the S5 Cabriolet is the newly developed, supercharged three-liter V6 with gasoline direct injection.

Like all open-top Audi models, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet too has a classic fabric top - which endows it with a striking silhouette of dynamic elegance. The lightweight softtop opens in 15 seconds - and closes in 17 seconds. The fully automatic open/close drive comes as standard. An acoustic top is optionally available, which reduces wind noise almost to the hardtop level.
When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very little trunk space is used up - leaving 320 liters (11.3 cu ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors. The softtop compartment lowers itself automatically when the top is opened.
Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest with the large pass-through between the luggage space and the interior, which increases the storage volume to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cu. ft.).
Automatic seat belt extenders round out the comfort in the interior. Neck-level heating is optionally available for the front seats. The optional leather seats are coated with a special layer to reduce solar heating. There is comfortable room for four persons. The refined ambiance combines with exemplary ergonomics to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body ensure maximal rigidity and crash safety.
The Audi A5 Cabriolet is being launched with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 132 kW (180 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp). All five powerplants are fueled via direct injection; four of them use turbocharging. Available power trains include a six-speed manual transmission, the continuously variable multitronic, and the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic.

The Audi drive select:
The perfect addition to this technology package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to chose among three different engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic and multitronic, and the mode of operation of the servotronic steering system.
Audi drive select is combination with one or more of three additional technologies - the sport differential, the adaptive control for the shock absorbers, and dynamic steering. This is an additional high-tech solution: Its superposition gear varies the gear ratio as a function of the driving speed by up to 100 percent.
The new Audi A5 Cabriolet features a rich array of equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, and an audio system with a CD player. One of the highlights among the optional equipment is the third-generation MMI operating system, which provides many attractive navigation and entertainment functions.
As the dynamic top-of-the-line model of the new production series, the Audi S5 Cabriolet occupies a very special position. Its three-liter TFSI - a V6 with turbocharger - unfolds its 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque impressively: It responds tenaciously to the throttle and delivers excellent driving performance. The quattro drive, a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and a number of special equipment details underscore the athletic power of the Audi S5 Cabriolet.

The exterior design
The Audi A5 Cabriolet combines Audi's progressive styling with the fascination of an open-top car. The long engine hood, the sharp lines, the sweep of the shoulder contour, the elegantly curved surfaces, the large wheels, the distinctive front end, and the expressive tail all interact to create a sculptural, sensuous whole. The Audi A5 Cabriolet is 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.85 meters (6.07 ft) wide, but only 1.38 meters (4.53 ft) tall: the sportiest proportions in its class.
The styling of the front end is dominated by the single-frame grille, which is flanked by large air intakes. The exquisite design of the headlights makes them look like technical jewels. The daytime running lights of the optional xenon plus headlights consist of LEDs. An aluminum molding lends high gloss to the windshield frame.
The looks of the tail end are sharpened by horizontal lines, broad tail lights, straight tailpipes, and a distinctly colored diffuser insert. The trunk lid bears an unobtrusive spoiler lip. The xenon plus headlight option comes complete with LED taillights, which create a distinctive light pattern.

The convertible top
The fabric top with the large glass rear window fits smoothly into the design profile. This is one of several reasons why Audi preferred it to a folding steel roof. What's more, its construction is much lighter in weight, which reduces the overall weight of the Cabriolet and lowers its center of gravity. The outer skin of the top is available in a choice of four colors, the inside in three.
The softtop consists of three layers. The intermediate layer is a cushioning pad. In the optional acoustic top, which reduces wind noise almost to hardtop level, this is replaced by a foam layer up to 15 millimeters (0.59 in) in thickness. The acoustic top comes with a ceiling light for the rear seat - a solution usually only found in the topmost convertible luxury segment.

The body
As is typical of Audi models, the A5 Cabriolet has an extremely rigid body. This is a prime reason for its precise driving performance, its high comfort level, and its maximized crash safety.
In the construction of the body-in-white, several innovative technologies are used. A prime example are the ultra-high-strength steels with their extremely high tensile strength, which Audi manufactures in-house using hot forming. The front fenders of the Audi A5 Cabriolet are made of aluminum to lower the weight and to optimize axle load distribution. An enclosed underbody improves the airflow and thereby the fuel efficiency.
A whole array of additional reinforcement parts compensates for the absence of a solid roof. They are located in the front section, in the side skirts, in the windshield frame, and in the rear section. Located between the interior and the luggage section is the rollover protection. When a rollover threatens, spring-loaded aluminum braces are raised behind the rear seat headrests. Door-mounted head and chest sidebags provide protection in the event of a lateral impact.

The interior
With its generous wheelbase of 2.75 meters (9.02 ft) and the longest interior in its class, the Audi A5 Cabriolet has plenty of room for longer trips. That's also true for the rear seats, which can be optionally divided by a center console with two cup holders.
Elegance in flowing lines, functional ergonomics, and top-quality craftsmanship are the principal characteristics of the interior - and this too is typically Audi. The teardrop-shaped settings of the instruments have already become modern classics. The centrally mounted onboard monitor is standard equipment. The formed-plastic console focuses on the driver. Flowing lines link it to the central tunnel and the door linings. If the customer has ordered either one of the two navigation systems it comes with the highly convenient MMI operating system - the best solution on the market.
The low standard seats provide excellent control and support. Using seatbelts is facilitated by electric seat belt extenders. Special solutions are available as alternatives: firm sport seats, electric seat adjustment and heating - as a separate option also for the back seats.
In the climate-controlled comfort seats, small fans and an automatic auxiliary heater ensure luxurious comfort. This option provides neck-level heating - ducts on the topside of the seatback emit warm air that keeps the back of the head and neck warm. With its three-level control, the headroom heater is also available for sport seats. It prolongs the open-air season in the Audi A5 Cabriolet.
Another special feature is provided in the optional leather upholstery: a special coating inhibits solar heating while the Cabriolet is parked in the sun with the top down. This coating reflects infrared radiation and thus lowers the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees Celsius. Audi offers a choice of several seat coverings up to and including Fine Nappa leather. Inlays come as standard in Micrometallic platinum; aluminum and three different kinds of wood are available as options.

The engines
In the propulsion system of the A5 Cabriolet too Audi has consistently relied on innovative technologies: All five engines - the two TDIs and the three gasoline engines - use direct injection. They are impressive evidence that, at Audi, efficiency and dynamics go together and are interdependent.
The most powerful gasoline engine in the Audi A5 Cabriolet is the 3.2-liter FSI. It operates with the innovative Audi valvelift system, which varies the lift of the intake valves in two stages. As a result, the gas exchange improves and the throttle can be left open more often, minimizing throttling losses - which in turn boosts the torque and the power output while reducing fuel consumption. The V6 delivers up to 195 kW (265 hp) as well as 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. With front-wheel drive and multitronic it accelerates the Audi A5 Cabriolet in 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) - and up to a top speed of 246 km/h (152.86 mph). Its average fuel efficiency is an impressive 8.6 liters/100 km (27.35 US mpg). An optional alternative is quattro all-wheel drive, combined with the new seven-speed S tronic.
The 2.0 TFSI likewise attests to Audi's leadership position in engine design. This four-cylinder engine also uses the Audi valvelift system - but here it acts on the exhaust valves, with similar advantages as in the V6. Audi sells the two-liter turbo in two versions. In the entry-level version, which comes with front-wheel drive and multitronic, it delivers up to 132 kW (180 hp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm. This version completes the standard sprint in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of 219 km/h (136.08 mph). Average fuel efficiency is an excellent 7.4 liters per 100 km (31.79 US mpg).
The more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI delivers 155 kW (211 hp) as well as 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. It is available with three powertrain versions: with the quattro drive package and the seven-speed S tronic, and with front-wheel drive and either multitronic or manual transmission. In the latter version the Audi A5 Cabriolet reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 241 km/h (149.75 mph). Its average fuel efficiency is an impressive 6.8 liters per 100 km (34.59 US mpg).
The two V6 TDIs also set the standards in their class. With their enormous torque and consistent running smoothness they represent the leading-edge sportiness of Audi TDI technology. The three-liter engine generates 176 kW (240 hp) and applies 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes 6.4 seconds. Top speed is 247 km/h (153.48 mph). This top-of-the-line diesel, which powers all four wheels via the seven-speed S tronic, is content with an impressive average of 6.8 liters/100 km (34.59 US mpg).
The second TDI in the program is even thriftier. The 2.7-liter powerplant with 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) between 1,400 and 3,500 rpm consumes a mere 6.3 liters/100 km (37.34 US mpg). The smaller V6 diesel comes with front-wheel drive and manual transmission. It goes from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.6 seconds; 230 km/h (142.92 mph) is its top speed (preliminary values).

The transmission
Audi provides a choice of three different transmissions for the Audi A5 Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp) comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, which excels in its short shifting travels and high operating precision. Both the two-liter engine and the 3.2 FSI are available with the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission as an option, which combines smooth operation with high efficiency and a fuel-saving transmission ratio. For a dynamic driving style the multitronic is available with a sport program and a manual mode with eight fixed speeds.
For the more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI and for the 3.2 FSI, the seven-speed S tronic is available as an option; in the 3.0 TDI it is standard equipment. This new high-tech dual-clutch transmission changes gears in a few hundredths of a second, and so smoothly that the driver hardly notices it. What's more, it is highly efficient and fuel-saving. The driver can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or interact, if desired, via rocker switches on the steering wheel.

The seven-speed S tronic has been designed for use with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. It is optionally available for the high-end diesel series and for the two powerful gasoline engines. The quattro drive system is dynamically designed - during normal driving it distributes the forces in a 40:60 ratio between the front and the rear. If one wheel skids, a center differential that operates purely mechanically transfers most of the power to the axle with the better traction.
The new sport differential makes the driving dynamics of the quattro drive even more fascinating. This innovative control system steplessly distributes the propulsive torques among the rear wheels depending on the driving situation.

This form of torque control makes the steering response of the Audi A5 Cabriolet even more spontaneous and direct and further improves the vehicle's stability. Transverse acceleration is further improved while understeering or oversteering is completely prevented.

The chassis
The Audi A5 Cabriolet leads its class in all relevant sporty criteria - steering response, stability and agility - yet it provides a very smooth ride. The reason for these strengths is the perfect distribution of axle loads. The front axle is located far forward in the front section - a configuration made possible by an unusual solution: the differential is mounted in front of the clutch or torque converter.
The chassis design too is technologically advanced: The front wheels are mounted on a five-link axle. The front axle support is firmly bolted to the body in order to maximize rigidity. The steering forces are transmitted to the wheels directly via the steering box, which is mounted very low within the chassis. The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides a very responsive and highly precise connection to the road. Optionally available is the servotronic, which adjusts its support level to the driving speed.
The rear-wheel suspension of the Audi A5 Cabriolet is supported by a trapezoidal-link axle, which combines a smooth ride and maximum driving stability. The essential parts of both the front and the rear suspension are made of aluminum. The large brakes ensure powerful deceleration and react very precisely to the degree of pedal pressure. 16-inch or 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard, depending on the engine version. Optionally available from Audi and quattro GmbH are 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.

Another high-tech feature in the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system. It influences the characteristics of the fuel feed, the speed change points of the seven-speed S tronic, and the operating mode of the servotronic steering system. The driver presses a key to select a comfortable, intermediate, or dynamic operating mode for these subsystems. If the vehicle is equipped with a navigation system - and the MMI operator control that comes with it - a fourth engine map is provided, which the driver can program to suit.
The innovative assistant systems from the luxury class make driving in the Audi A5 Cabriolet even more supremely relaxed. Audi optionally equips its open-top four-seater with high-tech solutions including adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist and Audi lane assist. They control the distance from the vehicle in front and assist in staying in lane or in changing lanes. The luxury-class Audi parking system advanced uses a rearview camera to display the area behind the vehicle on the onboard monitor.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet
The top-of-the-line model of the new Cabriolet production series from Audi is the S5 Cabriolet. The letter "S" stands for Sport - for dynamics, performance and power, but also for amazing efficiency.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet's engine is a newly developed, supercharged, three-liter V6. The pressure in the 3.0 TFSI is generated by a mechanical supercharger - with impressive results: The power output tops out at 245 kW (333 hp), the torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm remains constant at a generous 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft). The powerful thrust and the spontaneous, aggressive response make for a fascinating driving experience. The Audi S5 Cabriolet is catapulted in 5.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and accelerates up to a preset top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Yet at 9.6 liters per 100 km (24.5 US mpg), its fuel efficiency is highly impressive (preliminary values).

Diverse design features contribute to a distinctively sporty styling, including modifications at the lower front and back panels, at the air intakes and at the tailpipes. In the interior, special seat upholstery, door sill trims and inlays in matt brushed aluminum underscore the high-quality, dynamic style of the high-end model. The pointers of the instruments are illuminated white to contrast with the gray scales.









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Buick 2-2 Bengal Roadster Concept


The Buick has Uncompromising Beauty and Unique Function
Sporty Bengal is poised to become a prized possession
Roadster with Surprise Seating for Four

The inside, Bengal's leather seating gives driver and passengers the feel of comfortable club chairs, said Lyon. Also, leather inserts grace the wood steering wheel.

Powerful V6 with Six-Speed Auto Transmission
Bengal owes some of its exceptional handling and sculptural exterior appearance to an innovative powertrain. Its supercharged, 3.4-liter V6 engine, which generates 250 horsepower, is transverse-mounted with the six-speed automatic transmission in front of it, rather than behind. This new drivetrain creates a shorter front overhang and a more rearward center of gravity that gives Bengal great handling on curves.

Voice Activated Controls, Head-Up Display
Quiet Servant, first shown on Buick's LaCrosse and Cielo concepts, is back -- featuring voice- activated controls from Visteon Corporation and a reconfigurable, color head-up display that shows gauges on demand. This enables the driver to control the car and its systems with voice commands or a four-position joystick on the steering wheel. As a result, the dashboard is simple and elegant and the driver operates the car with both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Freed of the usual gauges and knobs, the entire dashboard is in fact one large flat-panel speaker from NXT Audio, anchoring Bengal's premium audio system. Altogether, there are five of these unobtrusive speakers which envelop the interior in audiophile-quality sound.




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Holden Efijy Concept


The Holden Efijy Concept is a radical pillarless custom coupe boasting V8 Supercar power under the bonnet, Chevrolet Corvette underbody and state-of-the-art automotive technology throughout. The 'Soprano Purple' paintwork highlights its curvaceous 5.2-metre body, reinterpreting the classic design cues of the iconic 1953 FJ Holden. It delivers retro, mumbo and gizmos in one glorious package. Obviously not intended for production, Holden Efijy has been a passionate side project for some Holden Design team members otherwise dedicated to creating the all-new 2006 Commodore. A long-term dream for Chief Designer Richard Ferlazzo, Holden Efijy brought together almost 20 suppliers to highlight the latest in mechanical, electronic and material products and ideas. Automotive excess pounds through a 480-kilowatt, supercharged six-litre V8 engine and air-adjustable shock absorbers through to a touch control LCD screen and fan-cooled LED headlamps.

The Design philosophies:
Holden Chief Designer and Holden Efijy project leader Richard Ferlazzo, who sketched the first Efijy designs in 1989 and is a long-time custom car fanatic, said the car existed purely for automotive entertainment. "Invariably, people smile when they see it for the first time. Holden Efijy is our accolade to the talented designers who cut loose with some fantastically flamboyant styling in the post-war 1940s and 1950s," Ferlazzo said. "Ask the question, 'what would these people have created using all the skill sets and technology we have now', and Holden Efijy might be the all-Australian answer to that question. Efijy is also aimed at the legions of custom car and hot rod enthusiasts out there whose appetites aren't generally met in the concept car arena. Most importantly, itsends the message that the same people who have sensible day jobs designing entirely practical cars have the passion and inspiration to create something as outrageous as Efijy. We're all car nuts together and the fact that Holden Efijy stands on our Sydney motorshow stand goes some way to legitimising this form of automotive design in the mainstream."

The Exterior and interior highlights:
The design team has cleverly incorporated FJ design cues into Efijy's radicalcustom coupe body, acknowledging the most important aspects of the iconic 1953 release. The famously familiar FJ grille looms larger than life, fronting a low, wide and handsome body extravagantly elongated and brimming with retro chic style. The Corvette rolling chassis was lengthened to accommodate the Holden Efijy body, which is more than 700 millimetres longer than the FJ by which it was inspired. The Soprano Purple paint has multiple layers of translucent pigmented topcoats which creates the rich, deep effect. All brightwork on the vehicle is hand-made billet aluminium to maximise its authentic look, nowhere more evident than the stunning grill salute to FJ's distinctive front. A proximity sensor opens the door automatically as the driver approaches, revealing deep cream leather twin tombstone-shaped seats equipped with integral belts. The drop-down, touch control LCD screen and an instrument cluster glowing with the number '53'- another FJ gesture - are set in the body-coloured metal dash and pulsate with a radiogram retro orange glow. There are pearlescent, Bakelite-look push button controls for the electronic automatic transmission and the hard curved floor is finished in figured maple timber veneer with aluminium inserts. Efijy's prowling appearance can be accentuated by the air-adjustable suspension. At the touch an LCD screen, At a touch of the LCD screen, Holden Efijy can hunker down to just 27 millimetres from the ground or rise to a more practical drive height. The use of LED headlights and tail lights is accompanied by liberal LED applications inside the vehicle, including courtesy lamps and sill plate illumination lamps. Several are dual filament, allowing them to throw different colors depending on the application. Like any great showcar, Holden Efijy Concept is stocked with a cutting edge entertainment system featuring hard drive audio and video storage driven through a major amplifier and speaker setup.

The Mechanical highlights
The 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine has been supercharged and modified by Ron Harrop, well known throughout the Australian automotive and motorsport industry and an ex-FJ Holden racer. Driven by a Roots-type supercharger, the engine delivers peak power of 480kW (645 horsepower) at 6400rpm and peak torque of 775Nm (560 foot-pound) at 4200rpm. Such performance figures are equal to the stated output from 2005 Series V8 Supercars, and almost 11 times greater than the 45kW (60 horsepower) offered in the 1953 FJ Holden. Efijy's engine is mated to a rear-mounted four-speed automatic transmission featuring push button electronic control. Limited slip differential has been fitted for obvious reasons. The custom designed exhaust is a stainless steel 2.5-inch dual system with customised compact headers and billet aluminium exhaust tips. The power output is transferred to massive 22-inch by 10-inch billet aluminium wheels with fluting which echoes the FJ's more modest original 15-inch by 4-inch wheels. Reflecting its street sled heritage, the front wheels are 20-inch by 9-inch. The brakes feature 381mm (15-inch) grooved and ventilated rotors front and rear, combined with six-piston aluminium calipers at the front and four-piston aluminium calipers at the rear.





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Holden Volt


The Volt - Vehicle Details
The design of the Volt production car has evolved from an original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The General Motors created an energy efficient design for the production vehicle, resulting in one of the most aerodynamic cars in the company's history.
The design cues from the concept car have been carried over in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance and rear design graphics.

The Inside, Volt offer the space, comfort, convenience and safety features that customers expect in a four-passenger sedan.

The Volt - Battery Details
GM will establish the first lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility operated by a major automaker in the United States to produce the Volt's battery pack system.
It consists of lithium-ion cells that are grouped into modules, along with other key battery components. The plant will be located in Michigan, subject to negotiations with state and local government authorities.


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Lexus IS Convertible, 2010


The Sophisticated Retractable Hardtop Convertible
Convertible Aerodynamics

The Lexus IS convertible has a best-in-class 0.29 drag coefficient (Cd). This is accomplished with the help of underbody covers below the engine (with aerodynamic steps), the full floor, and fuel-tank covers, as well as s rear-floor diffuser with vertical fin and airfoil. Other areas that contribute to the low Cd include the design shape of the outer mirrors, high-mount stop lamps, and the rear tailamps. Fender fairings before the front and rear tires reduce airflow into the wheel house, improving aero characteristics and reducing air turbulence.

The Lexus IS convertible's air conditioning system automatically adjusts for the outside temperature when the top is lowered, improving interior temperature consistency and comfort. The system adjusts the air outlets, temperature and air flow exiting the outlets. The airflow volume adjusts to outside temperature and vehicle speed, while the temperature control adjusts to outside temperature, amount of sunlight and vehicle speed. The system also includes a pollen filter and variable-control compressor.

Convertible Body Rigidity
The Lexus IS convertible's body structure has excellent rigidity and strength, achieved by effective structural changes and additions to the existing IS sedan platform.
The transformation to a convertible also required reevaluation of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics in order to meet Lexus standards. All body and chassis revisions have gone through extensive testing to ensure that the IS250C and IS350C have nearly identical NVH characteristics as the IS sedans. High-rigidity damping materials and asphalt sheets have been added to minimize vibration effects. Redesigned rear-suspension-mount bushings help reduce noise and vibration associated with the changes in body characteristics from a sedan to a convertible.

Easy Access Utility & Comfort
The new Lexus IS convertible emphasizes easy access and rear-seat comfort. In addition to front doors that are 11.8 inches longer than the IS sedans, two convenient fold-forward lock-release levers are standard on both sides of the front passenger seats, making it easier to operate from any location inside the vehicle. The passenger seat features a power slide button on the top of the seatback to ease rear seat ingress/egress. An available new automatic one-touch, easy-entry power-seat mechanism provides even easier egress and ingress through quick-acting, front-seat fold-and-slide activation. The two passenger doors also have three open-stopping positions (rather than the normal two) to add convenience in various parking situations with different spacing between vehicles. The IS C also is equipped with a standard power tilt and telescoping steering column to help the driver quickly get into a comfortable position.

The optional Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front and rear bumpers, alerting the driver and showing distance to objects in the multi-information display within the speedometer. When any IS model is also equipped with the optional navigation system, information on objects detected in the rear are shown in greater detail on that system's seven-inch display via the backup camera.

The Lexus Safety & Security
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM) governs all of the vehicle's dynamic handling systems - the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) - employing them collectively and seamlessly to make corrections while helping provide higher dynamic capability. VDIM also interfaces with the electronic throttle control system.











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