What is it?
2002 Lexus SC 430
What's special about it?
Now there is officially a convertible Lexus. The eagerly awaited Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible version will be on showroom floors in March 2001. The base 2+2 coupe will cost eager buyers $58,455. The only available options are a navigation system ($2,000), a rear-mounted spoiler ($440) and run-flat tires ($400), making the fully loaded SC 430 $61,295. The SC 430 is equipped with the same 4.3-liter V8 VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engine that Lexus created for the redesigned LS 430, which went on sale in fall 2000. The double overhead cam aluminum powerplant produces 300 horsepower (at 5,600 rpm) and 320 foot-pounds of torque (at 3,400), which Lexus says moves the SC 430 from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Performance and handling enhancements include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic braking distribution and braking assist, traction control and skid control. The hardtop convertible retracts and stows with ballet-like fluidity in about 25 seconds. Lexus says it designed the SC 430 as a convertible from the start, so that it was imbued with a structural rigidity not normally found on coupes or sedans converted to drop tops. Combined with front and rear double wishbone independent suspension, this should mean a smooth ride with excellent steering response and handling. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels with high-performance 245/40R18 z-rated tires should help too. Inside, Lexus installed a Mark Levinson-designed audio system with nine speakers, a DVD-based navigation system, plush leather seats with power adjustments and memory, real wood trim and a climate control system designed to provide either hot or cool air automatically depending on outside air temperatures and the speed of the car. That means the convertible can be comfortably driven in a wider range of seasons. Judging by the SC 430's standard equipment and stirring design, many people will drive it top down all year long.
Why should you care?
The SC 430 is the first luxury 2+2 convertible to be offered by a Japanese automaker. Since Lexus was launched 12 years ago, its vehicles have stolen market share from luxury marques such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. With this gorgeous 300-horsepower convertible coupe now in its lineup, it should steal even more.
2002 Lexus SC 430
What's special about it?
Now there is officially a convertible Lexus. The eagerly awaited Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible version will be on showroom floors in March 2001. The base 2+2 coupe will cost eager buyers $58,455. The only available options are a navigation system ($2,000), a rear-mounted spoiler ($440) and run-flat tires ($400), making the fully loaded SC 430 $61,295. The SC 430 is equipped with the same 4.3-liter V8 VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engine that Lexus created for the redesigned LS 430, which went on sale in fall 2000. The double overhead cam aluminum powerplant produces 300 horsepower (at 5,600 rpm) and 320 foot-pounds of torque (at 3,400), which Lexus says moves the SC 430 from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Performance and handling enhancements include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic braking distribution and braking assist, traction control and skid control. The hardtop convertible retracts and stows with ballet-like fluidity in about 25 seconds. Lexus says it designed the SC 430 as a convertible from the start, so that it was imbued with a structural rigidity not normally found on coupes or sedans converted to drop tops. Combined with front and rear double wishbone independent suspension, this should mean a smooth ride with excellent steering response and handling. The standard 18-inch alloy wheels with high-performance 245/40R18 z-rated tires should help too. Inside, Lexus installed a Mark Levinson-designed audio system with nine speakers, a DVD-based navigation system, plush leather seats with power adjustments and memory, real wood trim and a climate control system designed to provide either hot or cool air automatically depending on outside air temperatures and the speed of the car. That means the convertible can be comfortably driven in a wider range of seasons. Judging by the SC 430's standard equipment and stirring design, many people will drive it top down all year long.
Why should you care?
The SC 430 is the first luxury 2+2 convertible to be offered by a Japanese automaker. Since Lexus was launched 12 years ago, its vehicles have stolen market share from luxury marques such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar. With this gorgeous 300-horsepower convertible coupe now in its lineup, it should steal even more.
Add A Comment »