REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

The family jewel

In my opinion, Lexus creations have always played perfect (after-sales service, reliability, etc.) and offer little extras that we wouldn ’ t have thought about, while selling at a price that beats all competition.

Rational like all other family members, the SC430 coupe/convertible – the brand ’ s new flagship according to its designers – is being launched is a segment where emotion and branding mean everything. The SC430 will do anything to succeed, even remove the top! With its removable aluminum top, the SC430 offers unequal versatility. The top opens and closes in less than 20 seconds at the touch of a button. An aluminum double overhead camshaft V8 engine equipped with variable distribution (VVT-i) transmits power to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Despite its remarkable drag factor of 0,30 and its noticeable looks, the SC430 isn ’ t breathtaking. Its strange proportions, the awkward rear-end spoiler and its tin-pan wheels didn ’ t appeal to me. What about you?

Only one version is offered, a 2+2 in which rear passengers better have no legs at all. Between the rear seat headrests, you ’ ll find a handy wind plate that helps keeping the wind from messing with your hair at every open-roof opportunity. .

After twisting your spine trying to get a hold of the safety belt, you can appreciate the comfort of the German Baden-leather covered front seats with power adjustment. They are inserted in a maple-wood casing (more discrete walnut is also offered at no charge) where the stepped automatic transmission lever, twin cup holders and storage rest. By imitating a ski lift with your right hand, you ’ ll find a Mark Levinson stereo sound system (that hides on request behind a panel), the electronic air conditioning panel and the on-board computer (average fuel consumption, autonomy, etc.).

Instrumentation is sober, with one cylinder for the speedometer, one for the tachymeter and a third one for fuel and temperature gauges. The pretty steering wheel, adjustable two-ways, offers a full grip. The short hood poses no problem for maneuvering the front end in tight parking spots.

No one is willing to pay the average GIP of a whole third-world village without expecting comfort beyond words. Along with the leather, the interior is full of small attentions: the only option is the block heater. As mentioned earlier, the metal roof slides down at the touch of a button, into a compartment inside the trunk. There ’ s just enough room left for your ordinary golf bag. The SC430 is powered by a V8 engine, the same 32-valve 4.3-litre that equips the LS and GS sedans. Its 300 hp are needed to move this Lexus, which is not especially light (1,740 kg). The strong torque (325 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm) and great flexibility of this engine make for pleasant city driving and solid accelerations when needed (0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds). Considering the weight and power of this car, fuel consumption is reasonable at 12.9 L/100 km. The 75-litre tank takes nothing but premium gasoline.

The low-profile 18-inch Bridgestone tires (ever heard about winter, guys?) are tied to an independent suspension on all wheels for a quiet, firm and flexible road handling. Even roofless, the SC430 chassis is rigid enough to let you drive over potholes without looking in your shaky mirrors (don ’ t worry, SC430 are perfectly stable) for lost parts. The SC430 is not at properly speaking a sports car, but rather a Grand Touring that will please sunbathing lovers. It handles remarkably easily and gives the all-time impression that everything is under control. It couldn ’ t have been otherwise with the array of safety devices it contains (anti-spin, anti-skid, anti-locking, braking relay). The SC430 invites you for a safe drive, somewhat dull for driving lovers. If you dare push it a bit, it will let you know (by the sound of the rear tires) that it slightly oversteers. Exclusive (by its mere price and limited quantity), refined, and beautifully assembled, the SC430, like many other Lexus, forget that there is more than reason to life. In my opinion, it stills lacks this spirit of perfectibility that makes some cars so endearing.

PROS
Interesting hard top
Torquey engine
Perfect fit and finish

CONS
Weirdo styling
Lacks charisma
Toy-like wheels

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