Topless Lexus tested in Oz

LEXUS has revealed that that development program for its upcoming IS250C, which will be launched in Australia in late July, included durability testing in Australia’s Outback in early 2008.

Toyota’s luxury division today kicked off the build-up to the new coupe-convertible’s local release campaign by announcing that a team of Australian engineers tested the IS250C for dust intrusion, air-conditioning and roof operation, and overall vehicle performance in the Northern Territory.

Roof integrity and dust sealing were the main targets of tests done between Alice Springs and Darwin, while climate control performance was evaluated in the heat and humidity of the northern capital.

The latter is said to have included a heat soak test on an all-black vehicle that was closed and left in the sun for four hours to allow its interior temperature to exceed 100 degrees before the performance and cooling time of the car’s climate control system was tested.

Real-world aerodynamic tests were also done to ensure minimal wind buffeting with the roof up or down. Lexus says the findings of the tests resulted in revisions to the car’s dust sealing and climate control systems.

The strength of the roof’s locking mechanisms was also tested on corrugated Australian roads, with tests alleged to have revealed “minimal” scuttle shake even on the harshest roads.

“Australia has played host to the testing of numerous Lexus models including the first ever Lexus – LS400 – and the LX570 luxury SUV,” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca.

“(The) IS250C 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 IS250C’s performance, noting that dust sealing and scuttle shake were the best they’d seen in a convertible.”

Read more:

First look: Lexus takes the lid off its IS convertible

Sydney show: Lexus flips its IS wig