The Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible enters 2009 with new detail design changes, including turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, an elegant new color and a more convenient open/close switch for the roof. The SC 430 pioneered the retractable hardtop in the prestige luxury segment.
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 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 wheels with 245/40R18 Z-rated tires. All-season or summer run-flat tires are available as an option, and the SC 430 offers a Liquid Graphite finish 18-inch five-spoke wheel 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 when the passenger airbag should be deployed. Front-knee airbags help to provide further injury-reduction potential 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. Brake Assist 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, standard fog lamps and projector-type High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with auto levelers.
Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
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 standard Lexus Navigation System offers a voice-command feature that allows hands-free use and provides easy-to-understand graphics and phone-number-based address recognition. The central wide-format color display offers a split-screen option and also adjusts seven degrees up or down to help minimize sun glare when the top is down.
The SC 430 comes equipped as standard with the 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.
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 under 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. The only factory options for the SC 430 include a rear spoiler, run-flat tires and a five-spoke wheel design.
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
Source: Lexus Press Release
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