Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National August 15, 2006Vehicle Overview
Toyota's luxury division launched its first convertible — a sport-luxury 2+2 coupe with a retractable steel roof — as a 2002 model. In 2006, the car received a fairly thorough going-over that included a new front fascia, a revised instrument panel and a new transmission.
In 2007, fewer changes are on tap; the addition of driver and front-passenger knee airbags, a few new colors and a single-bladed front windshield wiper are the highlights.
Exterior
Instead of a fabric top, the SC 430 features a hardtop that retracts in less than 25 seconds. Created with a low roofline and sleek profile, the design was subjected to wind testing to ensure it met Lexus' standards for noise, vibration and harshness. A fully independent suspension uses double wishbones. High-intensity-discharge headlights and fog lights are standard. An Adaptive Front Lighting System automatically swivels the lights several degrees for better illumination around curves.
The SC 430 is compact in size; it has a 103.1-inch wheelbase and stands 53.1 inches tall. A tire pressure monitoring system and 18-inch wheels are installed. A rear spoiler and run-flat tires are optional.
For 2007, Lexus adds Starfire Pearl, Obsidian and Black Sapphire color options.
Interior
Considered a 2+2 coupe, the SC 430 has a tiny backseat that's intended mainly for luggage, which is helpful considering the sliver-shaped trunk. Rear legroom is nearly nonexistent. Cargo volume totals 8.8 cubic feet, but installing run-flat tires and deleting the spare yields a tad more space.
Lexus uses natural leather and wood to recreate what it calls "the comfort of a luxurious living room." Standard equipment includes a navigation system, heated 10-way power front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 240-watt nine-speaker Mark Levinson stereo with an in-dash CD changer.
Under the Hood
The SC 430's all-aluminum, 288-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-8 features VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence); it generates 317 pounds-feet of torque. A sequential-shifting six-speed automatic transmission allows manual shifting and replaces the five-speed unit. Intuitive Powertrain Control is supposed to help ensure linear acceleration.
Safety
For 2007, Lexus adds driver and front-passenger knee airbags, as well as a sensor to detect if there is a front-seat passenger to determine whether or not to deploy the airbag.
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and daytime running lights are standard. Other safety features include antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, traction control and Vehicle Stability Control.
Driving Impressions
Luxury takes precedence over sportiness, but the SC 430 has a healthy dose of each. Steering demands a bit of effort. Occupants feel some bumps more curtly than expected, but there's no overreaction from the firm yet largely yielding suspension.
No road noise of consequence disturbs the experience. The metal top raises and lowers silently, and it's a marvel to watch. The seats are exceptionally comfortable but firm.
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