Summer's technically almost over, but the open top driving weather continues. Good thing too, now that Lexus have launched their SC430 — a new 2+2–seater coupe convertible.

Featuring an electrically-operated retractable hardtop roof, a performance pedigree, and the expected range of luxury and safety features, the car is available in limited numbers.

The rear-wheel-drive SC430 is powered by a 4.3-litre V8 alloy engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), producing a maximum output of 210kW at 5600rpm and maximum torque peak of 419Nm at 3400rpm. The quad cam 4.3-litre V8 engine is coupled to a six-speed sequential automatic transmission.

All this adds up to a claimed top speed of 250km/h and a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of 5.8 seconds.

Take the roof off

Powered by 10 computer-controlled electric motors, the retractable roof disappears in one movement in 25 seconds to give the SC430 the look of a classic open-top sports car — a look further enhanced by the long wheelbase, short overhangs and pronounced wheel arches with 18-inch wheels.

The interior combines wood, leather and metal finishes. Seats combine comfort and functionality with eight-way power adjustment and memory settings. The memory function extends to the outside rear view mirrors and the electrically operated tilt and telescopic steering column.

The SC430 has front seat heaters, for open-top motoring even when the weather conditions are less favourable, while the automatic climate control system was designed exclusively for the SC430 to operate in all kinds of driving conditions. It adjusts automatically to compensate for the top being open.

In coupe configuration with the roof closed, the air conditioning system switches automatically to the re-circulating mode if it senses the presence of harmful gases in exhaust fumes in the air outside the car. It also has an air filter that removes pollen and dust from the air entering the car.

The Mark Levinson audiophile sound system was specially designed for the Lexus SC430, with AM/FM tuner, cassette player, six-disk CD changer, MP3 compatibility and nine speakers. The sound characteristics are automatically adjusted for top up and down situations.

Other comfort and convenience features include electric one touch windows with jam protection, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, Adaptive Front-lighting System with HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights and washers, and front and rear fog lamps.

Drive safely

Engineers paid particular attention to safety when designing the SC430. It has a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), plus Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Control.

The EBD system monitors all four wheels during braking and varies brake pressure according to the load on each wheel. Brake Assist determines if the driver is attempting emergency braking and if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS braking system, it supplements the applied braking power.

Numerous structural components in the SC430 have been designed to help protect occupants in case of a collision. Passive safety features include a body structure that effectively absorbs the impact of a front-on collision, while impacts from the side are transferred to door impact protection beams.

Other features include front and seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, as well as two knee airbags.

Suspension is by double wishbones all round with coil springs and gas-pressurised shock absorbers with linear control valves and rebound springs. Aluminium is used extensively to reduce unsprung mass.

An engine immobiliser and alarm system provide protection while the vehicle is unattended, either with the roof up or down.

As is the case with all Lexus vehicles in South Africa, the new SC430 convertible sports coupe comes with a three year/100 00km warranty and a four year/100 000km full maintenance plan. Services are required at 15 000km intervals and Roadside Assistance is included for the duration of the maintenance plan period.

Pricing:
Lexus SC430: R762 000