Base price: $62,600
Vehicle type: front-engine, rear-drive; 2-door 2+2-passenger convertible
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 50/25/9
Wheelbase 103.1 in
Length/width/height 177.8/72.0/53.1 in
Turning circle 35.4 ft
Curb weight 3850 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 18/23
Fuel-tank capacity/range 19.8 gal/356 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side airbags
POWERTRAIN
4.3-liter DOHC 32-valve V-8, 300 hp; 5-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/disc
ABS standard
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LEXUS SC430
With the introduction of the SC430 in 2002 (it remains unchanged for 2003), Lexus took on Mercedes’ iconic SL roadster. The SC430 was a departure from the company’s generally conservative styling, mixing some European design elements—the roundy lines of the Audi TT, for instance—with its own tubular look. The result is a terrific-looking car loaded with luxury amenities and sophisticated technology, such as a fully automatic aluminum top that opens and stows in about 25 seconds. The SC uses the same basic 300-hp, 4.3-liter V-8 as the LS430. It’s a smooth-running, strong engine with torque delivery bolstered by the “intelligent” variable valve-timing schedules. For all that, the SC430 doesn’t have the rock-solid feel of an SL. Although it’s comfortable, fast, smooth, and quiet, it needs further refinement to run with the Mercedes.
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