The Lexus IS 250 sedan goes topless at the Paris Motor Show.

The new IS 250C features a lightweight, aluminium folding roof structure that Lexus claims has the fastest three-part roof opening time of 20 seconds. Through the compact packaging of its roof mechanism, the IS 250C offers a large boot space and spacious rear passenger accommodation.

Sharing the IS 250's 153kW, 2.5-litre V6 powerplant and six-speed automatic transmission, the new Lexus convertible has been styled to offer minimal wind turbulence when driving with the hard top stowed.

The enhanced torsional stiffness of the IS 250C design ensures appropriate ride comfort and, in coupe configuration, reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics on a par with those of the IS sedan.