The
Lexus SC 430 has been re-designed for 2006, and now features new levels of poise, performance, power and style. The brand new front end includes revamped headlamps and a larger grille and bumper to add even more weight to the model’s already purposeful stance. Also visible is the arrowhead logo, also sported by both the GS and IS. The SC 430 is therefore clearly marked as the latest member of the brand’s next generation of vehicles.
The new, twin-barrel headlamps are situated higher than the grille, giving the SC 430 a ground-hugging character, and emphasising this model’s ability to cross continents. The headlamps employ High Density Discharge technology, giving a width and clarity in the distribution of the light. Intelligent Adaptive Front-Lighting System (I-AFS) is also used to control the direction of the beam, swivelling the lamps by up to 15 degrees through cornering. The front air vents feature attractive lateral centre bars in chrome, updated indicator lights and new, glossy 18-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear of the SC 430, the two-step tail-lights feature horizontally aligned rear lamps as well as a high-intensity LED, which reinforces the legibility of the rear number plate.
In terms of options, the latest SC 430 comes in a choice of nine different colour schemes, with two brand new options (Red Metallic and Premium Brown) and three new standard schemes (Premium Silver, Grey metallic and Premium Beige).
The interior also features a number of subtle changes, including a revised instrument cluster and new colour combinations for the A pillar and head lining. A brand new interior colour scheme, Camel, is added to the existing Ecru and Black schemes. The range of finishes has been extended, to include two wood grain options – medium brown Walnut and dark maple Bird’s Eye.
New technology
In terms of technology, the
Lexus SC 430 offers effortless driving through its high-speed DVD Satellite Navigation system, which covers the whole of Western Europe. Hands-free telephony is offered through modern Bluetooth technology. In terms of sound, the SC 430 is equipped with a nine-speaker, 240 W Mark Levinson sound system, with eight channels, which is specifically designed for optimal acoustics in the
Lexus coupe-cabriolet.
Perhaps more important than all of the above, is the
Lexus SC 430’s performance capabilities. It boasts a 286 bhp, 4.3-litre V8 powerplant, capable of accelerating the car from 0-62 mph in just 6.2 seconds. The engine’s speed tops out at around 250 km/h (155 mph). The 2006 model features a new, 6-speed automatic gearbox with a sequential shift mode. The system functions thanks to an Artificial Intelligence (AI-SHIFT) control, which makes automatic adjustments to the gears to optimise changes based on driving conditions and style.
© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Gary Tsang for www.sport-cars.org
April 1, 2008, 11:36 am
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