It's in the nature of cars that rely on a stylish image and a sporty temperament to fall out of favor with buyers as they age, and that's what's happened to the Lexus SC 430 roadster in recent times.
But officials at the Lexus division of Toyota Canada are hoping that a facelift, a fanny tuck and a new transmission will revive interest in the luxury brand's "prestige sportscar."
Also new for 2006 is the price. The SC 430 now costs $92,650, which is a
good jump from the $89,970 of the 2005 model.
The reasoning behind the new automatic transmission's easy to explain, since it involves the car making the leap to six speeds that should deliver some level of improved fuel economy and better near-the-limit performance through the rear wheels.
As for the styling changes, it's best to eyeball the pictures, though only front-end shots are currently available from Lexus Canada.
If you're wondering what the Japanese firm was after with the cosmetic changes to the SC 430, the phrase "elegant refinements" has been used. The idea was to bring the car in line with the new Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, by redesigning the headlamps, grille, bumpers and rear combination lamps "to further enhance the premium feel of the luxury sports coupe, while instilling a fresh new confidence."
As we say, look at the pictures and then visit a dealership to make up your own mind.
History suggests, however, that the new 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels will be a hit, and there are always a lot of people who embrace new technology, so the Adaptive Front lighting System should be a hit. For the record, AFS swivels the headlights so they follow the front wheels in an effort to provide better illumination in turns.
If you're one of the people who responded warmly to the arrival of the
Pebble Beach Special Edition model with "dramatic colouring and exclusive trim" about a year ago, Lexus Canada has brought that back for 2006. A Tigereye Mica exterior is complemented by a camel interior and espresso dark brown wood. Each Pebble Beach model comes with a leather luggage set, along with unique badges and floor mats, for $93,850.
This car looks like a two-seater, but it actually has four seats and belts, though it's impossible to imagine any human old enough to complain actually sitting in the back.
In any color or any gear or with one or two people, says Lexus boss Stuart Payne, "With its aluminum roof in place, the SC 430 is as quiet, snug and secure as any luxury hardtop. Yet, with the touch of a switch, sophisticated convertible technology can retract the roof smoothly, to transform the SC 430 into a world class roadster in just seconds."
Adds Payne, SC 430's "computer-engineered aerodynamic body optimizes cabin quietness and high speed stability -- top up or down."
At the front of the car, that new tranny's attached to a proven Lexus engine, the 4.3-litre, 32-valve, DOHC aluminum alloy V-8 that produces 288 hp at 5,600 rpm and 317 ft-lb of torque at 3,400 rpm.
According to Payne, this powertrain not only moves the 1,742-kilogram SC 430 from 0-100 kmh in a shade over six seconds, it is also tuned to provide "consistent torque across a substantial range of engine speeds for immediate and dependable response."
But officials at the Lexus division of Toyota Canada are hoping that a facelift, a fanny tuck and a new transmission will revive interest in the luxury brand's "prestige sportscar."
Also new for 2006 is the price. The SC 430 now costs $92,650, which is a
 |
| 2006 Lexus SC 430 (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
The reasoning behind the new automatic transmission's easy to explain, since it involves the car making the leap to six speeds that should deliver some level of improved fuel economy and better near-the-limit performance through the rear wheels.
As for the styling changes, it's best to eyeball the pictures, though only front-end shots are currently available from Lexus Canada.
If you're wondering what the Japanese firm was after with the cosmetic changes to the SC 430, the phrase "elegant refinements" has been used. The idea was to bring the car in line with the new Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, by redesigning the headlamps, grille, bumpers and rear combination lamps "to further enhance the premium feel of the luxury sports coupe, while instilling a fresh new confidence."
As we say, look at the pictures and then visit a dealership to make up your own mind.
History suggests, however, that the new 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels will be a hit, and there are always a lot of people who embrace new technology, so the Adaptive Front lighting System should be a hit. For the record, AFS swivels the headlights so they follow the front wheels in an effort to provide better illumination in turns.
If you're one of the people who responded warmly to the arrival of the
 |
| 2006 Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Special Edition (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
This car looks like a two-seater, but it actually has four seats and belts, though it's impossible to imagine any human old enough to complain actually sitting in the back.
In any color or any gear or with one or two people, says Lexus boss Stuart Payne, "With its aluminum roof in place, the SC 430 is as quiet, snug and secure as any luxury hardtop. Yet, with the touch of a switch, sophisticated convertible technology can retract the roof smoothly, to transform the SC 430 into a world class roadster in just seconds."
Adds Payne, SC 430's "computer-engineered aerodynamic body optimizes cabin quietness and high speed stability -- top up or down."
At the front of the car, that new tranny's attached to a proven Lexus engine, the 4.3-litre, 32-valve, DOHC aluminum alloy V-8 that produces 288 hp at 5,600 rpm and 317 ft-lb of torque at 3,400 rpm.
According to Payne, this powertrain not only moves the 1,742-kilogram SC 430 from 0-100 kmh in a shade over six seconds, it is also tuned to provide "consistent torque across a substantial range of engine speeds for immediate and dependable response."