Lexus debuted the second-generation SC on the 1999 Tokyo Motor Present. It seemed good, and a sports activities coupe-convertible seemed like a superb concept, given Lexus’ historical past of knocking it out of the park. The recipe for a standard sporty drop-top can be easy, as confirmed by the Mazda Miata, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, and the BMW Z4. You set an engine within the entrance, the seating and gearbox within the center, and drive on the rear wheels.
The SC 430’s largest drawback was that it did not know what it wished to be, so Lexus made a whole mess of the suspension. It managed to be wallowy and unpredictable whereas nonetheless crashing over the tiniest imperfections.
The 4.3-liter V8 solely produced 288 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, and the six-speed computerized was dimwitted. The automotive weighed almost 4,000 lbs, and the brakes could not even deal with minor abuse. For some motive, Lexus additionally constructed a tape deck into the middle console, which made no sense. By then, CDs had already taken over as the first music supply.
As if that is not unhealthy sufficient, Lexus charged $68,000 for the displeasure of proudly owning one. That is $95k at the moment, to place it in context. Throughout its remaining 12 months on sale (2010), you might purchase a Corvette Convertible or top-spec BMW Z4 for $10,000 much less. In the event you completely needed to have a Japanese automotive, the 2009 Honda S2000 retailed for half the value of the SC.
It is no marvel Lexus ditched the SC title fully and went with LC as a substitute.
