Lexus prices RX 450h hybrid ute, IS convertible

Lexus announced pricing for two of its spotlight vehicles for 2010, the RX 450h hybrid ute and the IS convertible.

The RX 450h will start at $42,535 for the front-wheel-drive version and $44,125 for all-wheel drive. The vehicle reaches dealers mid-summer.

The IS 250C starts at $39,365, which includes a six-speed manual and a 204-hp V6 engine. The IS 350C, which upgrades to a V6 with 306 hp, starts at $44,815, when it begins arriving on the market in May. All prices include destination charges.

The RX 450h is powered by an updated hybrid system, and it pumps out 295 hp, 27 more ponies that the RX 400h. Fuel economy is estimated to be 32 in the city and 28 on the highway for the front-wheel-drive version, while AWD drops to 30 mpg city and 28 highway.

Features include new hill-start assist and adaptive front lighting systems. Eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels are standard, and 19s are an optional upgrade. The ute is also fitted with an optional navigation system with voice recognition.

Lexus
The 2010 Lexus IS 350C

For fans of warm-weather driving, the IS convertible has a three-panel roof that can open in 20 seconds. Body structure and suspension have been revised to improve torsional stiffness and ride.

Up front, the cars get a new fog-lamp configuration and a revised air dam. In back, the overhang grows two inches for more luggage space, and there are new taillight clusters. It has four seats.

By Greg Migliore