Lexus IS 250C Proved In Harsh Australian Sun
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Australian engineers ready the all-new Lexus
IS 250C (above) for testing in Australia (Pre-production vehicle shown)
Expect to see the Lexus IS 250C in Australia during Q3 2009.
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Lexus
9th June, 2009
The all-new Lexus IS 250C has undergone an intensive
development testing programme that took in some of the harshest conditions - including the Australian
outback.
In early 2008, Australian engineering staff tested the IS 250C for dust intrusion, air-conditioning,
roof and driving performance in the Northern Territory.
Roads between Alice Springs and Darwin were used to test overall durability of the vehicle, with
emphasis on dust sealing and roof integrity.
Limits of climate control performance were tested by engineers in the heat and humidity of
Darwin.
Climate control testing involved a process called heat soaking, where a black vehicle was left
closed and unprotected in the broad daylight, allowing internal temperatures to reach in excess of 100
degrees.
After four hours in the sun the vehicles were then started and climate control units evaluated for
performance and cooling times.
Engineers also carried out real world testing on aerodynamic performance to ensure that - with roof
up or down - Lexus IS 250C occupants were not buffeted by wind.
The results of the Australian testing were fed back to Lexus engineers resulting in revisions to
climate control systems and dust sealing.
Engineers also tested the strength of roof locking mechanisms on corrugated roads.
Testing confirmed that scuttle shake, when a closed roof rubs against the windscreen surround, was
minimal on even the harshest roads.
Lexus Australia, Chief Executive John Roca said that the testing cements Australia's importance for
the global marque.
"Australia has played host to the testing of numerous Lexus models including the first ever
Lexus - LS 400 - and the LX 570 luxury SUV," said Mr Roca.
"IS 250C is truly a convertible for Australian conditions - it has been designed to offer
occupants a comfortable and enjoyable ride no matter what the road or climate."
"Australian engineers were extremely impressed with IS 250C's performance, noting that dust
sealing and scuttle shake were the best they'd seen in a convertible."
"New IS 250C also extends Lexus' IS Line and will join its sedan counterparts on Australian
roads in the third quarter of this year," said Mr Roca.
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