Lexus Debuts 2002 SC 430 Hardtop Convertible At North American International Auto Show
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DETROIT, Jan. 9 The dreams of many luxury car customers came true today
when the 2002 Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible had its worldwide debut at the
North American International Auto Show. The SC 430 will go on sale March 15,
2001, and melds sophisticated exterior styling, luxurious interior innovation,
potent engine performance, and an elegantly designed retractable hardtop that
will transform it from a 2+2 coupe into a convertible in less than 25 seconds
with the push of a button.
The SC 430 will be competitively priced with a manufacturer's suggested
retail price (MSRP) of $58,455. The only factory options are run-flat tires
($400), spoiler ($440) and the Lexus Navigation System ($2,000). A fully
loaded SC 430 will have an MSRP of $61,295. The delivery, processing and
handling fee is $545. Current plans call for 12,000 of the new convertibles
to be sold in the United States in 2001. In following years, annual sales are
expected to level off at approximately 10,000 per year.
Focus on Beauty
One of the SC 430's strongest selling points is its eye-catching style.
The exterior design was created by Toyota's European design center and was
inspired by the sights and styles of the French Riviera. The interior is a
plush combination of natural materials such as leather and wood, which are
painstakingly used to re-create the comfort of a luxurious living room.
The styling of the SC 430 was subjected to wind-wrap tests to ensure it
met Lexus' famous standards for low noise, vibration and harshness.
Experienced convertible buyers will be amazed at the quiet cabin, with the
roof up or down. Occupants can even have a conversation at normal volumes
with the wind whipping by.
Class-Leading Performance
Underneath its beautiful skin, the new rear-wheel drive SC 430 convertible
is powered by a 300-horsepower all-aluminum, double overhead-cam, 4.3-liter V8
engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It also achieves
a remarkably linear acceleration thanks to a newly developed electronic
throttle control system, the Intuitive Powertrain Control. The powerful V8 is
coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission to propel the vehicle from
0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it also will meet ULEV emissions standards.
Front and rear double wishbone independent suspension minimizes vibrations
and contributes to a smooth ride. Lexus created a purpose-built high-
performance platform for the SC 430. By designing the car as a convertible
from the start, engineers optimized its structure to provide excellent
strength whether the retractable hardtop is up or down. The solid structure
has allowed Lexus to tune the suspension to deliver responsive handling
without foregoing Lexus' renowned smooth ride. Additionally, an ideal weight
distribution of 53/47 helps deliver optimal balance for enhanced performance.
Luxury, Safety and Security Through Technology
From the ground up, Lexus engineers have incorporated the latest
automotive technological innovations to provide the most luxurious driving
experience backed by cutting-edge safety and security measures.
The SC 430 comes equipped with 18-inch wheels, the first such offering for
Lexus. In addition, a new tire pressure warning system uses coded sensors to
monitor the tire air pressure directly and transmit this information to a
receiver via radio frequency communication. The receiver calculates the
information and, if a drop in pressure has occurred, a buzzer sounds.
Optional run-flat tires serve dual purposes in terms of safety and
convenience. The SC 430 may continue to be driven up to 100 miles at speeds
up to 55 mph with a punctured tire instead of risking a roadside swap. And
with run-flat tires, there is no need for a spare. This frees up trunk space
to stow larger items such as a set of golf clubs.
Additional safety and convenience is provided by the SC 430's available
DVD-based navigation system which boasts high performance, complete digital
contiguous U.S. map coverage, high-quality design and guidance screen
enhancement. The visual guidance screen features an easy-to-see 256-color
wide-screen display with a split screen design. It also adjusts 7 degrees up
or down to provide optimal visibility regardless of the sun's reflection.
At its inception, Lexus introduced new standards for factory-installed
audio systems. To raise the ante, Lexus worked with home audio experts Mark
Levinson to develop a new type of sound system for the SC 430. Nine
strategically located speakers will turn the interior into a personal
listening room that makes every seat in the car "the best seat in the house."
The equalization of the system automatically adjusts when the roof is lowered
and returns to its original levels when the top is raised. Essential functions
of the system can be easily operated by using controls on the steering wheel.
The SC 430 features an advanced climate control system that makes top-down
driving more comfortable than conventional convertibles. The system adjusts
airflow and temperature automatically, differentiating between top-up and top-
down driving needs.
The climate control system will automatically take into account the
exterior temperature to help ensure occupants stay comfortable. When driving
in cooler weather with the top down, the system will direct warm air to the
foot and lap areas. On hot days, the system will circulate cool air to the
same target locations.
Since safety is paramount at Lexus, the new SC 430 takes advantage of
several advanced technologies. The convertible uses a braking system
featuring four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control, Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
and Brake Assist. EBD monitors all four wheels during braking and varies
brake pressure according to load on each wheel. Brake Assist is designed to
determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has
not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, it supplements the
applied braking power.
Numerous structural components, such as the rocker panel and the rear deck
lid, have been reinforced to help protect occupants in case of collision.
Other safety features include standard dual front and front-seat mounted side
impact airbags, daytime running lights, fog lamps and projector High-Intensity
Discharge (HID) headlights.
Vehicle security is enhanced through several measures. The key cylinder
locks on the passenger-side door and rear luggage compartment have been
eliminated. However, these locks are easily opened through the key-integrated
remote. The center console and glove box are both fitted with a key cylinder
lock to protect valuables when the hardtop is down. The SC 430 also is fitted
with an immobilizer and alarm system. When the door is locked and the alarm
system is set, the luggage release and fuel lid release are canceled.
The SC 430 is built at the Kanto Auto Works, Ltd. Higashifuji plant in
Japan. The same plant built the SC 400/300 sport coupes.
Every SC 430 will come with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty.
Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 month/70,000
miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless
of mileage.