The SC430 was all different for the Lexus lineup in 2002, marking the early year for the moment engendering of SC models. The engineers working on the SC430 were said To possess been inspired by the French Riviera when designing the inexperienced Lexus SC. As the early convertible ever offered from Lexus, the SC430 received giant marks from many Production professionals.
History
In May of 1991, the Lexus SC (sports coupe) 400 became available for sale. The SC 400 was the ahead V-8-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe from Lexus. In August of the same year the SC 300 arrived with an in-line-six-cylinder engine. Built off the Toyota Supra platform, the first-generation Lexus SC was available through the 2000 model year. After a short gap in production, the SC returned for the 2002 model year. The all-new 2002 Lexus SC 430 was a 4-passenger convertible designed to appeal to the emotions of the driver.
Types
With an retail price over $61,000, the Lexus SC 430 was only available in one model. Every SC 430 was equipped with a powerful 32-valve, dual-overhead-cam (DOHC), 4.3-liter V-8 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The V-8 generated 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 325 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. The car received an EPA estimated mileage rating of 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
Size
While the 2002 Lexus SC 430 provided seating for four people, the rear seats have been ridiculed by many for being too small to be useful. During their road test of the SC 430, Liz Kim of Inside Line, said, "At every restaurant we patronized, our car was situated at the front of the parking lot. In automobile-crazy Los Angeles, where $100,000-plus vehicles barely raise an eyebrow, this is a singular honor." Liz went on to say, "This is, of course, totally unexpected for a Lexus".
Features
The SC 430 had a long list of standard features, including double wishbone suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, tire pressure monitoring system, stability control and traction control. Disc brakes with 4-wheel ABS and brake assist stopped the car. Airbags, variable-ratio power steering, cruise control, audio controls on the steering wheel, air filtration, a Mark Levinson sound system, xenon headlights, a navigation system, and leather, heated power seats rounded out the list of amenities and equipment.
Expert Insight
When reviewing the Lexus SC 430, Edmunds said, "This is the bragging rights car du jour, and if you're willing to sacrifice a bit of driving dynamics for the latest cool gadgetry, this is the car for you". Front headroom was 37.2 inches and leg room was 43.6 inches. Rear headroom was 33.9 inches and leg room was a tight 27.1 inches. The SC 430 measured 177.8 inches long, 72 inches wide and 53.1 inches high, and rode on a 103.1-inch wheelbase. Curb weight was a hefty 3,840 lbs.
