2007 Lexus SC 430

Lexus SC 430 Offers Ultimate Convertible Luxury

The Lexus SC 430 brings luxury, performance and high technology together in a classically styled hardtop convertible. In the brand's tradition of continuous improvement, the SC 430 gains several safety and technical enhancements for 2007, including a knee airbag for both driver and front passenger, a front-passenger-seat weight-detection sensor for airbag deployment, front-passenger seatbelt pre-tensioner a new uniblade windshield wiper, as well as new exterior color and wheel options.
In addition, the SC 430 achieves Últra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ÚLEV II) certification for 2007, a testament to the advanced technology in its powerful 4.3-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Accenting the SC 430's unique styling, the 2007 model gains a new Liquid Graphite finish 18-inch wheel option.



Lexus has always paid special attention to how color can convey elegance and luxury, and for 2007 introduces three new hues to the SC 430's palette: Obsidian replaces Black Onyx; Black Sapphire replaces Blue Onyx Pearl, and Starfire Pearl replaces White Gold Crystal. The SC 430 offers a total of nine exterior colors and four interior leather trim colors. Highlighting this model's role as a prestige leader, Lexus will once again offer a limited-production Pebble Beach Edition SC 430. Now in its fourth year, the 2007 special edition SC will feature Starfire Pearl exterior paint with an exclusive Pimento Red leather trim and 18-inch G-Spider alloy wheels.

Consistently ranked as an auto industry quality leader, the SC 430 was most recently named the highest ranked model in the Premium Sporty segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS). A Lexus model finished highest-ranked in four segments.



Elegant Power
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 and is sufficient to propel the SC 430 from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.

The SC 430's V8, in addition to its ample power, is a paragon of smoothness and graceful response. Continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps eliminate the compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range. The Intuitive Powertrain Control works with the Electronic Throttle Control to help smooth out acceleration from a standing start.

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. The sequential-shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience by controlling gearshifts manually when desired.

Lexus Safety and Security
The Lexus SC 430 matches its performance capability with the brand's renowned attention to safety and security. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags. A front-passenger-seat weight detection sensor and a seatbelt tension sensor help determine when the passenger airbag should be deployed. The newly added front-knee airbags for 2007 help provide further injury-reduction potential in the SC 430.

An array of dynamic handling aids helps give the SC 430 driver the tools for optimal vehicle control: a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist, 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. 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.

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.

Seeing Around Corners
The Lexus safety portfolio includes a number of technologies designed to enhance driver visibility. The SC 430 was among the first Lexus models to gain 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 (similar to HID) 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 the new uniblade windshield wiper, daytime-running lights, standard fog lamps and projector High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with auto levelers.

Definitive Luxury
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 presenters. This hand-stitched leather trim is available in four colors, including camel, black, saddle, 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 is paired with the camel color leather-trim interior. Walnut wood trim is used with the ecru, saddle and black leather-trim interiors.

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 and integrated cruise control and audio switches. Reflecting the brand's meticulous attention to convenience, the steering wheel automatically tilts away when the ignition is turned off to make exiting and reentry easier, then returns to its memory position when the car is started again.

The SC 430's sumptuous interior setting is so well equipped that there are no options; the only factory options for the SC 430 include a rear spoiler, run-flat tires and a different wheel design. Front occupants enjoy the comfort of 10-way power-adjustable heated seats. Electrically powered, wood-trimmed access doors conceal both the audio system head unit and the navigation system.

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

Navigation and High-End Audio Are SC Standards
Like all Lexus models, the SC 430 integrates advanced technology that is easy to use and genuinely enhances the driving and ownership experience. The standard DVD-based Lexus Navigation System offers a voice-command feature that allows hands-free use and features easy-to-understand graphics and phone-number-based address location. The map database for Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York includes a 'building footprint' display feature that can show graphic representations of buildings and structures to help the driver identify surroundings. The central wide-format color display offers a split-screen option and also adjusts seven degrees up or down to help minimize sun glare.

The SC 430 comes equipped as standard with an audiophile's dream, a premium Mark Levinson® audio system. Like the climate control system, the SC 430's Mark Levinson system has been 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.

Premium Protection
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.

Source - Lexus

Lexus Continues Personalized Settings for 2007 Model Line

All Lexus models for 2007 will continue to offer the complimentary Personalized Settings service that was launched across the model line for 2005. Depending on the Lexus model, the Lexus dealer can make up to 16 different adjustments to the electric and electronic systems on the vehicle. Settings that can be customized according to personal preference include interior lighting, window and moonroof operation, tilt steering wheel position and door lock control.

'Customer preference continues to be a top priority for Lexus,' said Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager. 'With Lexus Personalized Settings, we give our customer additional choices on how to set a vehicle's various convenience features according to personal preference.'



In most Lexus vehicles, the tilt and telescoping steering wheel is set to move up and away from the driver when the transmission shift lever is placed in park and the ignition is turned off. This popular feature is offered to help the driver to move in and out of the vehicle with ease, but it can also be turned off by changing the setting so the steering wheel remains stationary.

The Personalized Settings feature offers several options for operating the power door locks and windows with the remote key. The standard unlock mode for most 2006 models unlocks all doors by pressing the ÚNLOCK button once on the remote. The customer can choose to have this setting changed so only the driver side door unlocks after pressing the ÚNLOCK button once, and then unlocking the rest of the doors by pressing the button a second time.



Lexus Personalized Settings also allow lighting systems to be adjusted for added convenience. Cabin illumination can be adjusted to stay on for 7.5, 15 or 30 seconds after a door is closed. The length of time the headlights stay on once the ignition is shut off (with all doors closed and headlights in the ON or AÚTO position) can be set at 30, 60 or 90 seconds. The customer may also choose to have the headlamps turn off as soon as the ignition is shut off and the driver's door is opened. In addition, the sensitivity of the automatic headlights can be adjusted to turn on under darker or lighter ambient light conditions.

On the RX 350 and RX 400h luxury utility vehicles, the customer can select different settings for how the power rear liftgate operates. For example, the standard setting for opening the rear power door is to unlock all doors first. If the customer prefers, this can be changed to allow the rear door to open without unlocking all the doors. In addition, settings can be adjusted for the back door buzzer's sound volume and number of beeps.

All programming of Lexus Personalized Settings must be completed by a Lexus Dealer and requires a special tool. The complimentary service is a one-time service available for up to 12 months from the date of purchase or lease of a new Lexus vehicle. Additional adjustments to Personalized Settings after the initial 12-month period can be made for an additional charge.

Source - Lexus