☰
conceptcarz.com
✕

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 Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification for 2007, a testament to the advanced technology in its powerful 4.3-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Accenting the SC 430's unique styling, the 2007 model gains a new Liquid Graphite finish 18-inch wheel option.

With the push of a button, the retractable hardtop transforms the SC 430 from a coupe into a convertible in less than 25 seconds. The SC 430 had introduced revised front-end styling for 2006 to reflect the brand's new design direction.

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.

'The SC 430 is truly an attention getter, not just for its stand-out styling, but for its scintillating performance and pure luxury flavor,' said Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager. 'The SC 430 is also a trendsetter, having been the first of a number of hardtop convertibles in the prestige luxury segment.'

Engineered for Stirring Performance

Designed 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 245/40ZR18 Z-rated Dunlop tires. All-season and summer run-flat tires are available as an option.

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.

by Lexus

by 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.'

At the time of purchase or lease, the Lexus customer is presented with a pamphlet describing all the possible settings that the dealer can adjust on the selected model. Examples include choices for how the power windows, moonroof and door locks operate with the remote key, and how the tilt and telescoping steering wheel responds when the engine is turned on or off.

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 UNLOCK button once on the remote. The customer can choose to have this setting changed so only the driver side door unlocks after pressing the UNLOCK button once, and then unlocking the rest of the doors by pressing the button a second time.

In the standard mode, all the power windows will roll down and the moonroof (if equipped) will slide open when the customer presses the UNLOCK button for 2.5 seconds with all doors unlocked. The customer can also elect to turn off this feature. The moonroof operation from the remote key can also be set to open when the UNLOCK button is pressed for 2.5 seconds and to tilt or slide according to the customer's preference.

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 AUTO 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.

by Lexus

by Lexus

Eager to bask in the success of the Lexus debut a year prior, Toyota began to begin work on a mid-size Lexus coupe that would compete with rivaling luxury coupes of other marques such as Acura and Mercedes-Benz. A premium 2-door coupe from Toyota's luxury division, Lexus, the Lexus SC was introduced on June 1, 1991, as a 1992 model. With seating for up to four passengers, the SC had a front engine and rear-wheel drive design.

No authentic luxury coupes were in existence at the time for Toyota. Choosing to use the Japanese second generation Toyota Soarer as the model upon which to base the new model, the main problem lay in ridding the new luxury coupe of the outdated and 'boxy' look. With the target aimed at the American market, the coupe project was turned over to the Calty Design Research center in California.

Using duracluster molding shapes to create the body of the coupe, the design team took a revolutionary approach by working 3-dimensionally rather than the traditional 2-D sketch method. Basing the design of the coupe on 'emotion and feeling' (as described by design chiefs Denis Campbell and Erwin Luihe), the new Lexus Coupe design was a far cry from the old practice of linear aesthetics.

With a revolutionary design, the new coupe lacked nearly any straight edges, and was instead built on curvature. The resulting factor was a drag coefficient of only 0.31, a great aerodynamic feat at the time. In comparison to other vehicles during its production, critics hailed the new Lexus coupe as a distinctive design that was monumental in the development of following automotive designs.

The SC 400 carried a 4.0-liter V8 1UZ-FE along with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the SC 300, introduced in June of 1992, had an inline 6-cylinder engine. This engine was reputed at costing over $400,000,000 in both research and development. Both SC variations had the 2+2 notchback body, though the front-end styling was different. The SC 300 came with much fewer standard features and had a 3.0-liter engine inline 6 2JZ-GE that developed 224 horsepower and came with a 5-speed manual shift. Standard features were antilock all-disc brakes and a driver-side airbag.

For the SC 400, the original 1991-1992 engines were rated at 225 hp. The 400's 1UZ-FE engine design was modified to 260 hp from 250 hp in 1996. Both the SC 300 and 400 were upgraded with VVT-I in 1998, increasing the ratings to 290 hp for the SC 400, and 225hp for the SC 300.

In 1992 the Lexus SC 400 was named Motor Trend Import Car of the year. For 1992 through 1998, the SC also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list. First-generation Lexus SC coupes were assembled at Toyota's Higashifuji Technical Center in Motomatchi, Japan.

The original first-generation SC, largely due to its advanced design, continued to thrive in production until July 7th of 2000. In comparison to other vehicles during the 1990's that are redesigned every 3-4 years, it was considered quite a feat for the coupe to survive virtually unchanged over nine years. Minor changes and updates were made, these included new tail lighting along with a modified spoiler design. In 1997 a new front grille was also added to increase the airflow into the engine.

The 2001 the second generation model, the SC 430, a hardtop convertible design went into production. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2000, the newest Coupe was met with instant acclaim. The SC 430 was powered by a 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 engine with VVTi joined with a five-speed automatic transmission. This was an identical engine to what was found in the UCF30 Lexus LS. The second generation coupe was capable of reaching 0-60 in 6 seconds, due to the SC 430's V8 producing 280 hp and 430 of torque. While the first generation SC was mainly styled in California, the majority of the styling for the second generation was conceived in European design studios.

Designers and engineers from both Europe and Japan working simultaneously to create the sleek, streamlined design found on the flashy new convertible. With a base U.S. price of $63,825, the SC 430 features a retractable aluminum hardtop, all-leather interior, and 18 in. alloy wheels.

The third-generation Toyota Soarer was produced in Japan and featured the same body design and various other similarities with the first-generation SC. The Soarer showcased a separate lineup of different powertrains and vehicle configurations. The Lexus marque was introduced in Japan in 2005, and the fourth-generation Soarer, which was amazingly similar to the SC 430, was superseded by the Japanese version of its Lexus counterpart.

Lexus released the 'Pebble Beach Edition' in 2004, a limited-production model of the highly popular SC. Featuring a very unique exterior and interior color combination that changes from year to year, the special edition SC is produced in partnership with the Pebble Beach Company. Only 400 units of the special edition were produced in '04, '05, and '06.

Today all production of the SC 430 takes place at the Kanji (Kanto Jidosha) assembly plant in Japan. The SC 430 is marketed and sold in Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America.

by Jessican Donaldson