Lexus SC 430 continues to raise the bar for luxury convertibles

[Bakemono]

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/l...ise-98605.aspx

Lexus adds interior technology and exterior enhancements to the 2010 SC 430, the pioneer of the retractable hardtop in the prestige luxury segment. To build on the driving experience, the 2010 SC is now equipped with an updated Lexus Navigation System and Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System. The enhanced audio package now features iPod®/USB connectivity, auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth® hands free phone and music streaming capabilities, and an available XM® satellite radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription). On the exterior, the 2010 SC is now outfitted with 18-inch six-spoke wheels with a dark finish, side mirrors with integrated puddle lamps, and Costa Azul Mica is a newly available exterior color.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The rear-wheel-drive SC 430 is powered by an aluminum double-overhead cam (DOHC) 4.3-liter V8 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission, enabling the SC 430 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.

The SC 430's V8 is the epitome of Lexus smoothness and graceful response. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) enhances torque over a broad speed range. The Intuitive Powertrain Control works with the Electronic Throttle Control to help smooth out acceleration from a standing start. The SC 430 meets Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.

The six-speed automatic transmission employs Shift Logic Control to respond to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity, holding gears or downshifting on hills to help provide optimal engine power or a braking effect. A manual sequential-shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience when desired.


Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
Engineered as a convertible from the start, the SC 430's structure provides outstanding strength whether the retractable hardtop is up or down. The rigid structure allowed Lexus to tune the front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension to help deliver both responsive handling and its signature smooth ride.


The 53/47 weight distribution helps deliver optimal balance for confident steering response and impressive agility, aided by standard 18-inch six-spoke wheels with 245/40R18 Z-rated tires. All-season or summer run-flat tires are available as an option.


Safety/Security Features
The Lexus SC 430 matches its performance capability with the brand's renowned attention to safety and security. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags. A front-passenger-seat weight detection sensor helps determine whether the passenger airbag should deploy. Front-knee airbags help to provide further overall occupant protection in the SC 430.

An array of dynamic electronic features help contribute to safe, precise handling in the SC 430: a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC). EBD monitors all four wheels during braking and varies brake pressure according to the load on each wheel.

VSC helps control lateral traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by using a combination of throttle intervention and applying individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading. Integrated with VSC, TRAC is designed to help limit rear-wheel spin on slippery road surfaces. BA is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, it applies increased braking power until pedal pressure is released.

The SC 430 was among the first Lexus models to offer the advanced Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) that helps to enhance nighttime visibility in turns and curves. In the SC 430, a central controller calculates the optimum lighting direction based on input from vehicle speed and steering angle and swivels the right and left headlights independently. A self-leveling feature automatically levels the lights depending on road conditions. An AFS on/off switch allows the driver to disengage the system at any time. Other SC 430 safety and visibility features include daytime-running lights, fog lamps and projector-type High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with auto levelers.


Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
The Lexus SC 430 is so luxuriously equipped, that there are no optional extras offered for the interior. Front occupants enjoy the comfort of 10-way, power-adjustable heated seats. Reflecting the brand's meticulous attention to convenience, the steering wheel automatically tilts away when the ignition is turned off to make exiting and entry easier, then returns to its memory position when the car is started again.

The SC 430's advanced climate-control system is specifically designed for a convertible environment. The system adjusts airflow and temperature automatically, differentiating between top-up and top-down driving needs and taking into account the outside temperature to help ensure occupant comfort.

Like all Lexus models, the SC 430 offers advanced technology that enhances the driving and ownership experience, yet is easy to use. The updated standard Lexus Navigation System offers Bluetooth phonebook download. Also featured is a voice-command feature that allows hands-free use and provides easy-to-understand graphics and phone-number-based address recognition. SC receives a new central wide-format color display for 2010. The console offers a split-screen option and also adjusts seven degrees up or down to help minimize sun glare when the top is down.

XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ services are also available (complimentary 90-day trial subscription). XM NavTraffic informs the driver of current traffic conditions with real-time traffic displays. When traffic problems are detected the navigation system alerts the driver so that the route can be adjusted. XM NavWeather provides near real-time weather conditions as well as spoken and nav-screen forecasts, both based on official National Weather Service data.

The 2010 SC 430 comes equipped as standard with the updated Mark Levinson Premium Audio System. Like the climate control system, the SC 430's Mark Levinson system is configured to self-optimize performance for top-up or top-down driving. Designed by one of the audio field's legendary innovative brands, the SC 430's system uses a seven-channel DSP 240-watt amplifier and nine strategically located speakers to turn the car's interior into a private concert hall. System equalization automatically adjusts when the roof is lowered to compensate for the changed acoustics and ambient noise levels, and it returns to its original levels when the roof is raised. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio System now features iPod/USB connectivity, auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth hands free phone and music streaming capabilities. An XM satellite radio receiver is also available and includes a complimentary 90-day trial subscription when equipped.


Exterior Design
The Lexus SC 430 brings classic luxury, performance and high technology together in an elegantly styled hardtop convertible. With the push of a button, the retractable hardtop transforms the SC 430 from a sleek coupe into an elegant convertible in 25 seconds.

Narrow and precise body gaps, a Lexus hallmark, accentuate the SC 430’s sleek, elegant lines. Nine exterior colors are offered, with extensive use of anti-chipping paint on lower body panels. Good design continues underneath the SC 430, where four underbody covers (engine, floor, front and rear) enhance aerodynamic performance.


Sound damping material inside rear wheel wells, under the floor, rocker moldings and retractable hardtop contribute to low noise levels in the SC 430. Puddle lamps are now integrated into the side mirrors and the only factory options for the SC 430 are a rear spoiler and run-flat tires.

Interior Design
The SC 430's ultra-luxurious interior, with its plush combination of natural materials including leather and wood trim, took inspiration from high-end, custom-made yachts. Semi-aniline leather trims not only the seats but also the door armrests, console cover, and front seat-belt guides. This hand-stitched leather trim is available in three colors, including black, Camel and Ecru.

Genuine wood trim is used liberally throughout the SC 430 interior, including the center console, doors and instrument panel, plus a matching wood-trim shift knob and a wood-trim cover panel for the dual front cup holders. A dark brown wood color called Espresso Birds-eye Maple is paired with the Camel color leather-trim interior. Walnut wood trim is used with the Ecru and black leather-trim interiors.

Electrically powered, wood-trimmed access doors conceal both the audio system head unit and the standard navigation system. The sporty instrument-gauge panel is complemented by the same steering-wheel design used in the GS sedans. This luxurious wood and leather-trimmed wheel features a power tilt-telescope adjustment along with integrated cruise control and audio switches.

Warranty
All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage.

[xpeed]

Lexus should stop adding more weight and technological mumbo jumbo to an old design and create a totally new SC from the ground up. The design is so 90s now.

[98CamryLE]

And all of that added to a car that has a 10 year-old design and platform. For crying out loud, most of that car was designed and engineered during the Clinton administration.

To me, all of those "upgrades" are similar to Joan Rivers getting another facelift. Yep, an updated look, still 95% of the way into the grave. Why not shop around and look into a newer, fresher model that isn't cheating death (again) for this model year?

[toyotaholic]

[Bakemono]

Perhaps they dont need to totally redesign the car, just make tweaks and refinements every now and then.

[xpeed]

^ But would you spend a $80k late 90s design convertible or a new 2010 designed $80k car with the same technological amenities?

[Jegan_V]

Originally Posted by Bakemono

Perhaps they dont need to totally redesign the car, just make tweaks and refinements every now and then.

I would accept that if this were the previous SC300/400 because it was a fantastic car. Not this one though, as a car its far from the best performing Lexus and as a luxury convertible...its absolutely outclassed and outdated. Would you pass over a new Mercedes SL over a Lexus SC430...if you do I suspect you're 70+ years old.

Redesign it or drop it, in the 21st century nobody gets away with outdated vehicles anymore even GM and Ford update their trucks on a now 4-5 year cycle when before it could take almost 15.

[got-rice]

Originally Posted by Bakemono

Perhaps they don't need to totally redesign the car, just make tweaks and refinements every now and then.

Gee, that's what Ford does too with its Ranger.

[Jegan_V]

Originally Posted by got-rice

Gee, that's what Ford does too with its Ranger.

Indeed and as a result of being so old its a big loser when it used to be the dominant small truck. Although if Ford updated the Ranger like it did to its F-series it might actually be a competent competitor, the new F-series is very nice and I thought the Ram was updated well.

[xpeed]

Lexus will probably drop it once the LF-A goes in production. Maybe that's why Lexus continued to keep the outdated SC until their exotic LF-A comes to showrooms next year. Now if only I could produce the bodykit I drew for the LF-A, it would probably will sell even better.

[Quattrovalvole]

Well The LF-A had good presentation at "Green Heal" in Nurbugring, Perhaps this will push the Lexus executives to send the car to production.

Is a really nice car, but the SC 430 is out of pace. The engine already has 15 years in production since its based in the 1UZ V8, good engine but just look the new ones.....

[ECHOKnight2000]

Originally Posted by xpeed

Lexus will probably drop it once the LF-A goes in production. Maybe that's why Lexus continued to keep the outdated SC until their exotic LF-A comes to showrooms next year. Now if only I could produce the bodykit I drew for the LF-A, it would probably will sell even better.

Wasn't there an article on here that they are renewing the SC? If they do it needs to be sporty but I have a feeling it won't be. Maybe Lexus is trying to cover the grandpa roaster market if there is one. No surprise.

I agree! They need your body kit! Hey can i have a percentage of the money you make? Please!


I agree with you guys. This is putting lipstick on a pig. I thought they "refreshed" the SC but I guess they'll keep going. Why bother? Why waste the money. I guess they feel they can salvage some of this car. I thought it was a cool car when it came out but now its very dated. The oldest Lexus in the line up.

[84Cressida]

They still sell this car??????????

[TRD-MX83]

All I want to know is.. if the stock stereo still has a Cassette player? LOL

[PhatRoyale]

Yeah right, there are so many newer cars out there that offer way more for less money.

The SC430 chassis design is already 8 years old, which in an automotive world where 4-5 years before a redesign is the norm, is already obsolete.

This thread represents the epitome of Toyota/Lexus fanboy-ism at its finest.