2002LexusSC 430Lexus SC 4302002 Lexus SC 430 ConvertibleConvertibleConvertibleRWDJapanAfter nearly a decade out of the sports coupe spotlight, Lexus returns with a compelling entry. Since its debut of the SC coupe in 1992, Lexus has largely been overlooked by shoppers who wanted avant-garde styling, sports car performance and luxurious appointments. And it has never before offered a convertible roof. They need look no further. The new SC 430 delivers all that in spades.Luxurious comfort and convenience features, avant-garde styling, wonderful engine performance, retractable hard-top, Lexus quality.Sparse cargo space, cramped (nearly useless) rear seats.The new Lexus SC 430 is the first convertible ever offered by the Japanese automaker. We think it's a prizewinner right out of the gate. Based on the sporty Lexus GS 430 platform, the SC 430 promises luxurious appointments, nifty technology, precise steering and handling and ripping performance. The automatic aluminum convertible roof stores magically into the trunk for al fresco motoring and with the roof up it's a hardtop coupe with little wind noise and superior structural rigidity. In fact, Lexus claims the SC 430 has better body stiffness than the Mercedes CLK and Jaguar XK8. The only problem with the retractable roof is that when it's lowered there's very little storage space in the trunk - a problem endemic to 2+2 coupe/convertibles. We wish Lexus would have skipped the token back seats (only a person with legs as thick as rope could fit back there) and made the trunk larger. But this is the only problem we have with the SC 430 design. Lexus designers spent several weeks in the French Riviera and were inspired by the many high-performance luxury yachts that ply the deep blue Riviera waters. Consequently, there is a nautical resonance in the SC 430's sculpted, aerodynamic lines. It resembles the wooden speed boats of the 1930s with a classic, streamlined look that makes it different and instantly appealing. The interior maintains the elegant, modern simplicity of the exterior. The cockpit is filled with real wood and leather. Many of the controls (e.g. the stereo) are hidden by spring loaded wooden covers, so that the console has an uncluttered feel, again much like a classic speedboat. Lexus has equipped the SC 430 with the amenities expected of a luxury auto, including a navigation system, leather seats with driver and passenger memory functions, an astounding 240-watt, nine-speaker premium audio system and a sophisticated climate control system that automatically adjusts to provide either hot or cool air depending on outside air temperatures and the speed of the car. The SC 430 is powered by the same 4.3-liter V8 engine that Lexus uses in the LS and GS sedans. The double overhead cam aluminum powerplant produces 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 320 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400. Lexus brags that the SC 430 rockets from zero-to-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is faster than a Porsche Boxster. The five-speed automatic transmission provides butter-smooth shifts exactly when they're needed. The SC 430's structural rigidity, combined with front and rear double wishbone independent suspension and standard 18-inch alloy wheels with high-performance 245/40ZR18 Dunlop tires, helps provide a wonderfully smooth ride. The steering is solid and precise, creating a tangible connection to the road and the SC's four-wheel disc brakes with ABS ensure true stops. If you get carried away in the SC 430, it's equipped with Brake Assist (a system that applies maximum braking power during emergency stops), VSC (vehicle stability control), traction control, seatbelt pretensioners and dual front and side airbags. And it would be easy to get carried away in this wonderful new convertible. BMW 3-SeriesJaguar XK-SeriesMercedes-Benz CLK-ClassSaab 9-3Volvo C70450,000670,00046NANANA84.3 litersV8300 hp @ 5600 rpm325 ft-lbs. @ 3400 rpm177.8 in.72 in.53.1 in.3815 lbs.103.1 in.39 in.37.4 in.57.7 in.56.6 in.55 in.56.1 in.44.5 in.34.3 in.14.8 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested19.8 gal.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$50,855$58,4557.35%$545N/A$1,169BASE (5A): 4.3L V-8 DOHC SMPI 32-valve engine with variable valve timing (requires premium unleaded fuel);5-speed electronic overdrive automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; HD battery; 80 amp alternator; driver's selectable multi-mode auto-manual transmission; rear-wheel drive, traction control, 3.27 axle ratio; dual stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; electronic stability control, front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks;power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 19.8 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; power convertible roof with lining, glass rear window, hard top; front and rear body-colored bumpers with chrome bumper insert; clearcoat monotone paint; projector beam high intensity fully automatic headlamps with daytime running lights, delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding auto-dimming outside mirrors; 18" x 8" polished alloy wheels; P245/40ZR18 BSW performance tires; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, air filter; premium AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan feature, 6-disc CD changer, 9 premium speakers, premium amplifier, automatic equalizer, theft deterrent, window grid diversity antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, power remotehatch/trunk release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, garage door opener, ashtray, first aid kit;analog instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temp gauge, compass, exterior temp, trip odometer;warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low oil level, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, door ajar, low tire pressure; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down function; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 4, front bucket seats, heated-cushion driver's and passenger's seats with adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest, driver's and passenger's seats include 8-way power adjustment, power 2-way lumbar support; rear bench seat with tilt headrests, center armrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; leather seats, leather door trim insert with carpet lower, full cloth headliner, full color-keyed carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood dashboard insert, wood gearshift knob, genuine wooddoor panel insert, genuine wood console insert, aluminum interior accents; driver's seat memory includes 2 settings for exterior mirrors, steering wheel; interior lights include dome light, front reading lights, illuminated entry; leather/genuine wood steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front cupholder, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo light; chrome grille, black side windows moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.