When you have a sleek luxury coupe with a hardtop that transforms it into a convertible in 20 seconds, a choice of 204-hp or 306-hp V6 engines, F-SPORT Package with 18-inch wheels and tuned suspension and Lexus Enform multimedia and Mark Levinson audio, all you can do is say “bring it on.” We drove a 2014 Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Convertible in beautiful September weather in Northeast Ohio and the days all got just a little brighter!

The IS 250 C model cuts a sharp profile, which looks sharper still with the addition of the available F-SPORT package as tested. This package’s combination of sport-tuned suspension, F-SPORT 18-inch wheels, exclusive interior trim and aerodynamic body features give the IS C models a decidedly sporty stance, with enhanced agility to match. Additional F-SPORT Performance Accessories available for the IS C models include 19-inch forged alloy wheels, suspension and brake upgrades, air intake, exhaust systems and more.

Just 20 seconds separates coupe from convertible worlds in the 2014 Lexus IS C models. That’s how long it takes for the three-panel aluminum roof to lower once the driver has pushed the switch. The coupe’s retractable hardtop disappears beneath a locking panel, with no need for the driver to secure a tonneau cover or hold-down snaps. Constructed primarily of lightweight aluminum, the retractable hardtop features an automatic front lock assembly that provides the interior security not found in most soft-top convertibles. When the top is stowed, a lock assembly engages to keep the panel in a fixed, stable position. Lexus ensured smooth, low-noise roof operation by using a lightweight aluminum four-link design. The roof even closes quietly, thanks to a roof-speed brake system that slows the roof as it approaches the end of the closing operation.

When the IS C is equipped with the available Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), roof operation will stop if an obstacle that might interfere with operation is detected behind the car. The driver will get an audible warning, and a warning light illuminates in the instrument panel. This is a sight to see and guaranteed you’ll have folks that will want to see it open and close in awe! When the hardtop drops, this car becomes one of the most attention-getting vehicles we drove this year!

Understated luxury is the best way to describe the cabin of the 2014 Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Convertible. The Lexus IS C is strictly a four-seat car, with a high level of luxury as standard. The leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable front seats have power lumbar support. Choose the available heated/ventilated front seats, and the heating range includes the shoulder areas. The two rear seats are positioned slightly inboard to maximize room and comfort, and Lexus ensured easy ingress/egress with a one-touch feature that automatically folds a front seat and moves it forward. The rear-seat console includes cup holders and storage. When there are no rear-seat passengers, the driver can enhance visibility by lowering the rear headrests using a lever located on the front of the rear console.

Connectivity and infotainment do not take a back seat in the Lexus IS C. With the available hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system, the IS C comes with Lexus Enform. The available Enform service with Destination Assist, eDestination, and App Suite comes with the Navigation System/Mark Levinson Audio Package. Lexus Enform provides access to the subscription-free App Suite. These voice-enabled apps let you search the Internet through Bing, make restaurant reservations through OpenTable, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com, listen to Internet radio like Pandora and iHeartRadio, search business reviews on Yelp, and check in on Facebook Places.

The IS C’s telematics system, Lexus Enformwith Safety Connect, is available by subscription. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are available on all purchases of new Lexus vehicles equipped with these features. Safety Connect is standard on all vehicles, while Lexus Enform with Safety Connect is on all vehicles equipped with the optional Navigation system. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – every day of the year. Lexus Enform vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative SiriusXM services including NavTraffic, NavWeather, Sports, Stocks and Fuel Prices. Additionally, SiriusXM services offer a complimentary one-year trial data subscription.

The 2014 Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Convertible isn’t just fun and games, as this car can really move when you need it too. The IS 250C’s 2.5-liter V6 engine delivers 204 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 185 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Although the power isn’t incredible, it’s very real and steady. The body structure has excellent rigidity and strength, achieved by effective structural changes and additions to the rocker area, A and B pillar under structure, side collision crossmember, and upper and rear-floor crossmembers; underfloor braces were added in the front and rear.

You can really feel the strength of the 2014 Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Convertible when taking hard turns, because this car can eat up the road with ease. Standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM) interfaces with the electronic throttle control system and governs all of the vehicle’s dynamic handling systems – the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) – employing them collectively and seamlessly to make corrections while helping provide higher dynamic capability. Fuel efficiency is also impressive with 21mpg in the city and 30mpg in highway driving.

Some cars are just special for various reasons, and the 2014 Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Convertible is one of those cars. We loved the F-SPORT package, as the interior trim is revised in a way that really changes the feel of the car. This option includes sport-tuned suspension, F-SPORT 18-inch wheels with dark superchrome finish; upper and lower grille insert; F-SPORT steering wheel and F-SPORT heated and ventilated front seats; front lip spoiler; aluminum sport pedals; silver metallic interior trim; aluminum scuff plates and F-SPORT badging. For a price tag of $51,065 as tested, the 2014 Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Convertible will deliver on just about everything one could want in a car!