While in the Drive position the transmission intelligently monitors throttle position, road speed, power requirements and operating temperatures so that it can choose the optimal gear for the job at hand. It also holds shifts when required and downshifts automatically for engine braking. What's more, it even makes adjustments in response to worn components, going above and beyond what is expected so that shifts remain as crisp in years to come as they were when new. If there's a smoother, more seamless transmission/engine combination, I haven't driven it.
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| Nothing prepared me for the SC's nimble and percise handling, offering a velvety smooth ride combined with decidedly sporting handling dynamics. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
While I was surprised at how quickly the large convertible accelerated, nothing prepared me for its nimble handling. Luxury cars shouldn't be able to react as precisely as the SC, or at least this was my opinion pre test drive. It doesn't have the razor sharp responses of a Porsche 911 Carrera or Infiniti G35 Coupe, but battling it out in either class is hardly its mission. Instead the SC offers a velvety smooth ride combined with decidedly sporting handling dynamics. A tiny bit of oversteer is dialed in to the fully independent double wishbone suspension geometry front and rear, optimizing its rear-drive architecture, but never is there a feeling of out of control abandonment. Contrarily it's as steady and composed as a bullet train no matter the speed, with a level of control that could give amateur drivers more self respect than they may deserve.
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| Standard Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) uses a yaw sensor in conjunction with the ABS and TRAC systems, pulling the car back on line if an overenthusiastic driver pushes it beyond gravitational and adhesive limitations. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Part of that no fear attitude is directly due to the SC's active safety equipment. Standard is a sophisticated traction control system Lexus dubs TRAC. It simultaneously reduces throttle and applies brakes individually at each wheel if slippage occurs. Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), also standard, uses a yaw sensor in conjunction with the ABS and TRAC systems, pulling the car back on line if an overenthusiastic driver pushes it beyond gravitational and adhesive limitations. Just a word of warning, not even the SC's high-tech safety net will save a person from idiotic negligence to the laws of nature. But for average drivers who might have grown slightly overconfident due to the convertible's heroic abilities, VSC is indispensable.
Incidentally, Lexus equips the SC 430 with a tire pressure monitoring system and run-flat tires, 245/40ZR18s to be exact. The added safety of avoiding a high-speed blowout is comforting, while knowing your significant other will never be stranded on a dangerous highway shoulder is worth its weight in gold. The tires also add little road noise while contributing to the SC's adept handling.