Where the suspension's stiffness and ride may disappoint, the
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| The SC's 4.3 litre V8 is smooth, powerful and efficient. I can't think of a more refined V8. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
powertrain combination couldn't be any finer. Power comes from a 4.3-litre V8 that features variable valve timing and intelligent lift, an engine that's been continuously honed from the current LS, GS, LX, GX, and all of their V8-powered predecessors, including the previous SC of course. Power is generated and delivered so quietly and with so much refinement that it simply cannot be heard at idle or during low speed cruising, and it never loses its library-quiet demeanor, even when all 282 ponies and 317 lb-ft of torque are called upon. A new six-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode, borrowed from the LS 430, further improves the experience, reducing fuel consumption and shaving off the gearbox's response times. It's one of the smoothest and finest transmissions in the industry, with shifts that are undetectable and a steady demeanor that makes sure it's rarely ever in the wrong gear. The 100 km/h mark is achieved in a tick over six seconds, but it never feels that quick simply due to the car's extreme levels of isolation.
Unlike other Lexuses, you step down into the SC, rather than climbing in.
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| Plush, seats and top-notch build, but the interior's styling is all over the place. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Once settled in the supportive buckets, have a look around inside - the design of the interior claims all sorts of inspiration, but they don't quite gel together. The triple gauge cluster with its metal-rimmed dials looks sporty, but the font type is old fashioned in a 'Times New Roman' way. The centre console with its metal-finish HVAC and trip computer control is coolly modern and very European, but the dashboard's traditional shape is rather plain and very American. The Lexus does score high on the cool factor with its illuminated kick plates, and the purpose-tuned Mark Levinson stereo and LCD which, like the cupholders or coin holder, hide behind polished panels or burled walnut.
While the design itself may have inconsistencies, no matter where you look, build quality is fantastic. It makes the $5,000 additional dollars needed for Caddy's XLR and the near $40K extra asked in order to step into a Merc SL seem outrageous. Rather, the Lexus is the budget choice, and it gives you, the driver, the feeling of having street smarts, knowing that you haven't paid through the nose to get the look of an accomplished business person, or the in-your-face wealth and power of a rap artist, depending on what age group your in and/or your priorities.
