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| 2006 LEXUS SC 430: The Pinnacle of Sports Car Luxury Redesigned.. September 7, 2005 |
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(TORONTO) - For 2006, Lexus offers yet another reason for sports car drivers to fall in love with the SC 430 convertible coupe. Elegant refinements to the front and rear views make it better looking than ever before, and a new 6-speed automatic transmission raises the performance to yet another level.
In line with the new Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, the headlamps, grille, bumpers and rear combination lamps are redesigned to further enhance the premium feel of the luxury sports coupe, while instilling a fresh new confidence. New 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels firmly connect the SC 430 to the road, while an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) now equips the vehicle for better illumination in turns. Under the elegant sheet metal, state-of-the art computer-managed technologies seamlessly ensure the SC 430 delivers the outstanding power and performance integral to a prestige sports car.
Back by popular demand is the Pebble Beach Special Edition, with its dramatic colouring and exclusive trim. 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.
"With its aluminum roof in place, the SC 430 is as quiet, snug and secure as any luxury hardtop," said Stuart Payne, Director responsible for Lexus in Canada. "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. In fact, SC 430's computer engineered aerodynamic body optimizes cabin quietness and high speed stability - top up or down."
The 2006 Lexus SC 430 is priced at $92,650, and the Pebble Beach edition has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $93,850.
2006 LEXUS SC 430 - PRODUCT DETAIL
POWERTRAIN
The rear-wheel-drive SC 430 is powered by a 4.3-litre, 32-valve aluminum alloy DOHC V8 engine that produces 288 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 317 lb/ft of torque at 3,400 rpm. This powerplant not only moves the 1,742-kilogram SC 430 from 0-60 mph in a swift 5.9 seconds, it is tuned to provide consistent torque across a substantial range of engine speeds for immediate and dependable response.
Equipped with Lexus' most effective emissions and fuel economy controls, including sophisticated VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) technology that continuously optimizes tuning characteristics based on engine speed and load, SC 430 is certified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).
The SC 430's transmission is a new 6-speed automatic Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) that manages shift decisions based on engine speed and load. It also monitors throttle position, road speed, power requirements and operating temperature to efficiently direct gear selection and even adjusts for the slight wear on parts over time so shifts remain crisp.
Torque Activated Powertrain Control continuously analyzes accelerator pedal angle, engine operating conditions and vehicle speed, then adjusts the throttle to maintain even velocity. The system automatically holds shifts for hill climbing and downshifts automatically when the brake pedal is engaged so that, with only small adjustments in pedal pressure, adequate torque is always available and unnecessary downshifts are avoided.
CONFIDENT BRAKING AND HANDLING
Dual-piston caliper, power-assisted brakes use ventilated front discs and solid discs in the rear. A 4-sensor, 4-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS) is enhanced with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, which detects minute front to rear speed differences and electronically prevents rear wheel lockup. In addition, Brake Assist interprets a fast application of the brake pedal as emergency braking and unobtrusively exerts additional brake pressure as necessary in order to achieve the shortest possible stop. When the driver eases up on the brake pedal, the system automatically reduces the amount of additional braking power being provided.
The SC 430 is also equipped with Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems. TRAC analyzes wheel speed and vehicle speed, reducing throttle opening and applying the brakes as needed to minimize wheel spin when the tires encounter driving surfaces with differing levels of traction. Using a yaw sensor working in conjunction with the ABS and TRAC systems, VSC enhances cornering stability by sensing and correcting oversteer and understeer situations, controlling both engine output and brakes to dampen an unstable condition.
Low-profile 245/40ZR18 run-flat tires are mounted on new aluminum alloy wheels for 2006, and were specially selected to match the high performance personality of the SC 430. A standard tire pressure warning system further enhances both performance and safety. Special sensors directly monitor air pressure within each tire, and a warning lamp in the dash meter cluster alerts the driver to any change in pressure.
For compliant handling as well as a comfortable ride, the suspension uses a double wishbone configuration in both front and rear. The front geometry creates a slight understeer effect when braking, to help maintain control even if the brakes must be applied during cornering.
QUIET AND COMFORTABLE BY DESIGN
Inside the sleek, aerodynamic sheet metal is a car made to coddle occupants in sporty luxury.
The standard DVD-based Navigation System has customizable displays, a one-DVD database with expanded map details, Bluetooth capability, and voice command that operates the climate control system as well as the premium audio system.
The climate control system has been specifically designed for all-season performance and, in the "auto" mode, operates with exceptional efficiency, even with the top down. For example, when the top is down and the outside temperature is cold, the
system separates the air into two streams, directed through the foot and lap vents. Driver and front seat passengers each have independent controls, and the heated front seats can be set for a range of temperatures.
Driver and front passenger seats have microcomputer-controlled memory function with ten-way power adjustments, including lumbar support. The seats are upholstered in luxurious leather from Germany's prestigious Bader tanneries. New interior choices for 2006 include a Camel upholstery and an Espresso wood trim.
Audio controls located in the centre instrument panel hide behind a wood panel when not in use. The AM/FM/Cassette sound system with in-dash 6-CD changer was designed especially for the SC 430 by the high-end Mark Levinson audio specialists. It features a 240-watt 7-channel digital power amplifier, nine integrated speakers, and an Automated Sound Levelizer and an Equalizer that automatically adjust to compensate for the difference in top-up and top-down acoustics. The door speakers were purpose-designed for a convertible to provide high-level sound even when the top is retracted.
For 2006, SC 430 is equipped with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) for better illumination in turns and curves. A central controller calculates the optimum lighting direction based on vehicle speed and steering angle and swivels the headlights independently, allowing the driver approaching a curve in the road ahead to see further before entering it.
EXCEPTIONAL SECURITY AND PROTECTION
The SC 430 is protected against theft by the engine immobilizer integrated into the remote keyless entry system and operated by the ignition key. This security system ensures that only a transponder-equipped key with the correct identification code, matching one stored in the onboard computer memory, permits the engine to start. A memory function lets the driver know if the alarm was triggered while he or she was away from the vehicle. The automatic door lock system locks both doors when the shift lever is moved out of the "park" position, but in the event of an impact strong enough to deploy the airbags, both door locks are released within 10 seconds.
To protect occupants, the SC 430 has excellent passive safety performance provided by a specially engineered body with side impact beams and reinforced front pillars. High tensile steel bars within the rear headrests provide added protection.
All four seating positions have 3-point seatbelts, and dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags further protect front occupants. Mounting the side airbags in the seats keeps them properly placed regardless of seat position. The front seatbelts have pre-tensioners and force limiters that help reduce upper torso injuries in a serious collision. Both rear seating positions are equipped with child seat anchors that are ISO-fix compliant, and the trunk is supplied with an easy-to-find emergency release handle.
Every Lexus is covered by an industry-leading warranty, covering the entire vehicle for 48 months/80,000 kilometres. Powertrain components are covered for 72 months/110,000 kilometres, and corrosion perforation is warranted for 72 months with unlimited distance.
The 48-month Lexus roadside assistance program provides extra security and confidence through a dedicated toll-free telephone number, providing emergency service or towing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And since SC 430 owners will no doubt want to spend a lot of time behind the wheel, travel planning is also included.
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