2002 Lexus SC 430

Lexus displayed a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999 dubbed the Sport Coupe Concept. The V8-powered convertible concept was followed by a new sports coupe-convertible production version at the New York Auto Show in April of 2000 wearing the SC 430 name. Beneath the bonnet was a 4.3-liter SUZ-FE V8 engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i), 288 horsepower, 317 lb-feet of torque, and paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Its curvaceous and streamlined styling was courtesy of Sotiris Kovos, along with designers from both Europe and Japan. The shape further evolved through wind tunnel testing, with design cues purposely crafted to channel air around the passenger compartment at high speed during open-top driving.

The Lexus SC430 rested on a 103.1-inch wheelbase, had an overall length of 177.8 inches, was 72 inches wide, and stood 53.1 inches tall. Its suspension was comprised of double wishbones and several of its platform components were shared with the GS 430 sport sedan, including the variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering system.

The Lexus SC 430 had 18-inch aluminum wheels, a retractable aluminum hardtop, Chrome Lexus emblems mounted on the back of the front seat headrests, and an all-leather interior with brushed-aluminum accents. The retractable aluminum hardtop could fully retract in 25 seconds. Standard amenities included Burl Walnut or Bird's Eye Maple wood trim, navigation screen with folding wood panel, DVD-based navigation system, headlamp washers, and a Mark Levinson premium sound system.

The limited Lexus SC 'Pebble Beach Edition' made its debut in 2004 and was offered for model years 2004 through 2009, varying each year. They had unique colors and special badging with the 'Lone Cypress' logo on the front fenders, center console, and floor mats. The 2006 models had spider alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

In 2005, the Lexus SC430 was updated for the 2006 model year, with redesigned alloy wheels and the introduction of Bluetooth capability.

Production of the second-generation SC ended in July 2010 following nine years of production.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2022