| Model year | 2002 |
| Make | Lexus |
| Model | SC 430 |
| Style | 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 5A) |
| Base MSRP | $58,750 |
| As-tested MSRP | $61,590 |
| Drive type | RWD |
| Engine type | V8 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 4.3 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 300 @ 5,600 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 325 @ 3,400 |
| Transmission type | 5-speed automatic |
| Suspension, front | Coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers |
| Suspension, rear | Coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers |
| Steering type | Speed-sensing rack-and-pinion steering |
| Tire brand | Bridgestone |
| Tire model | Potenza RE040 |
| Tire size, front | P245/40ZR18 |
| Tire size, rear | P245/40ZR18 |
| Brakes, front | Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.4 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.7 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 9.8 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 15.1@95.0 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 29 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 121 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 62.9 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 35.4 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 82 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 80 |
| Acceleration comments | Acceleration was not quite up to par for our press vehicle, especially given Lexus' claims of 5.9 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour. We tried several combinations to match or get close to the numbers Lexus claims, but came up short on all accounts. Our best run to 60 came on the very first run with the "VSC" switched off, the power button engaged and shifting at 6,100 rpm. That was also where we recorded the best time to 45 mph. Our best run to 75 mph came on the third run, using a brake torque start and manually shifting the transmission near the 6,400-rpm rev limiter. Finally our best 0-to-30 and quarter-mile runs were achieved on the very last try, showing that we got good numbers by using different combinations of starting techniques and shift points. One other note is that the transmission does seem lazy on the first- to second-ear shift, whether automatically or manually shifting. |
| Braking rating | Excellent |
| Braking comments | Braking in the Lexus SC 430 is eerie. There is no nosedive, no tire noise, no ABS system noise;it just plain stops, no muss, no fuss. The numbers we generated and the way it performs are inspirational. Put this vehicle up on a platform and let others try to match its superb braking abilities. Our best run was our second, but the third was nearly identical with a difference of only 0.04 feet. The second run was shorter than the first by about 2 feet, so fade was not an issue, and the brakes actually worked better with a little heat in them. Even though the Mercedes-Benz SLK320 generates better braking numbers, the manner in which the Lexus generates the numbers is outstanding. |
| Handling rating | Average |
| Handling comments | Handling was not bad, it's just not as good as the SC 430's main competitor, the Mercedes-Benz SLK320. We got the best runs with the VSC switched off. It intrudes too much for serious performance driving, but let's face it, this vehicle was designed to be more cruiser than canyon runner. You get more cowl movement and shake than expected for a vehicle in this price range. Steering inputs are quickly sent down to the suspension, but somehow this information gets lost in the translation and reaction is slower than expected. Maybe it has something to do with the 3,840 pounds of weight that is shifting around. — Neil G. Chirico |
| Elevation (ft.) | 85 |
| Temperature (°F) | 70 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 0 mph |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | Auto 18/23 Manual / |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 20 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 19.8 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,840 |
| Length (in.) | 177.8 |
| Width (in.) | 72 |
| Height (in.) | 53.1 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 103.1 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 43.6 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 27.1 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 37.2 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 33.9 |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 8.8 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 9 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 6 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not Available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard |
| Head airbags | Not Available |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | braking assist |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
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