Editing Lexus SC (section)

=== 2001–2005 ===
At the 1999 [[Tokyo Motor Show]], Lexus displayed its Sport Coupe concept, a V8-powered convertible, signifying its plans for a replacement for the first-generation SC 300/400.<ref name=spy/> The production version of its new sports coupe-convertible, the '''SC 430''', debuted at the [[New York Auto Show]] in April 2000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.caranddriver.com/news/lexus-sc430-auto-shows |title=Lexus SC430 – 2000 New York International Auto Show NYIAS |work=Car & Driver |first=Steven Cole |last=Smith |date=April 2000 |access-date=28 June 2014}}</ref> The car was scheduled to go on sale in the second quarter of the following year.<ref name=produce>{{Cite web |url=http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/051200/ins_insider06.shtml |title=Lexus to Produce a Convertible |work=Athens Banner-Herald |date=12 May 2000 |access-date=8 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524011014/http://onlineathens.com/stories/051200/ins_insider06.shtml |archive-date=24 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Power was provided by a 4.3&nbsp;L ''[[Toyota UZ engine#3UZ-FE|3UZ-FE]]'' V8 engine with [[variable valve timing]] ([[VVT-i]]) mated to a five-speed [[automatic transmission]]. This engine was the same model as that found in the UCF30 [[Lexus LS]]. The SC 430's V8 could produce 288&nbsp;hp (215&nbsp;kW) and {{convert|430|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque, allowing the coupe to go from 0–60&nbsp;mph in 6.2 seconds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/lexus/sc_430/ |title=2008 Lexus SC 430 |year=2008 |publisher=ForbesAutos |access-date=12 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210200456/http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/lexus/sc_430/ |archive-date=10 December 2008}}</ref>

[[File:2001-2005 Lexus SC 430 (UZZ40R) convertible 02.jpg|thumb|left|2001–2005 Lexus SC 430]]

In contrast with the previous generation model, the redesigned Lexus SC was intended as a convertible from its inception.<ref name=full>{{cite web |url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=47005 |title=Full Test: 2002 Lexus SC 430 |publisher=Edmunds.com |access-date=9 September 2009}}</ref> The development team was led by chief engineer Yasushi Nakagawa from 1996 to 2000. Lexus designers from Europe and Japan worked together to create a streamlined design. A design theme was chosen in 1997 developed by Sotiris Kovos, who in return was named chief designer. Led by Kovos, designers travelled to the [[Côte d'Azur]] to develop the vehicle's exterior shape, and studied the region's architecture, lifestyle, and harbors.<ref name=produce/> The resulting convertible of 1998 received character lines similar to the region's yachts, in contrast with traditional waveform lines.<ref name=am/> The vehicle's side profile, the product of extensive wind tunnel testing, was intended to channel air around the passenger compartment at high speed during top-down driving. Design patents were filed in Japan, at the Japan Patent Office on 14 June 1999 under patent number 1095312.<ref name=am/>

The SC 430 chassis featured a double-wishbone setup for both the front and rear wheels.<ref name=full/> The vehicle platform shared elements with the [[Lexus GS|GS 430]] sport sedan, including variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering.<ref name=am>{{cite web |url=http://www.automedia.com/2002_Lexus_SC_430/rts20010601sc/1 |title=2002 Lexus SC 430 Review |publisher=Automedia.com |access-date=9 September 2009 |archive-date=18 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118202554/http://www.automedia.com/2002_Lexus_SC_430/rts20010601sc/1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Safety systems ranged from traction control to vehicle stability control.<ref name=full/> The convertible received a ULEV emissions certification rating.<ref name=full/>

[[File:Lexus SC430 02.JPG|thumb|left|Interior, 2005–2010 Lexus SC 430 (Japan)]]

The SC 430 featured a [[Convertible|retractable aluminium hardtop]], all-leather interior with brushed-aluminum accents, navigation screen with folding wood panel, and 18-inch aluminium wheels.<ref name=am/> Chrome Lexus emblems were mounted on the back of the front seat headrests.<ref name=full/> The coupe has four seat belts and could technically seat four, but rear-seat space is limited.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/2001/112_0103_2002_lexus_sc430_first_drive/features.html |title=2002 Lexus SC 430 – First Test |work=Motor Trend |access-date=9 September 2009 |archive-date=20 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020080010/http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/2001/112_0103_2002_lexus_sc430_first_drive/features.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The hardtop fully retracts in 25 seconds.<ref name=full/> Standard luxury features include Burl Walnut or Bird's Eye Maple wood trim, a [[Mark Levinson Audio Systems|Mark Levinson]] premium sound system, DVD-based navigation system, and headlamp washers. For additional trunk space, as an option the SC 430 could be equipped with [[run-flat tire]]s.<ref name=full/>

At its launch, the SC 430 was marketed as the "jewel of Lexus", and as the marque's first convertible, was intended as a more ostentatious addition to the Lexus lineup.<ref name=full/> Reviewers from ''[[Car and Driver]]'' magazine praised the SC 430 for 2002 as "an unqualified success", calling it "comfortable, fast, smooth, and quiet" with "all of the virtues expected in a patrician roadster."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Winfield |first=Barry |title=The Lexus SC goes on a Mediterranean diet and slims down to a convertible |magazine=Car & Driver |volume=46 |issue=8 |date=February 2001}}</ref>

In 2003, for the 2004 model year, Lexus unveiled the Lexus SC "Pebble Beach Edition", a limited-production model of the SC for the US market. The special edition SC featured a unique exterior and interior colour combination which changed each model year. This edition was offered for model years 2004 to 2009 and was limited to a small number of units each year (see table below for counts). Each Lexus SC Pebble Beach edition coupe exhibited: unique colours (changed each year), special badging (featuring the "[[Lone Cypress]]" logo) on the front fenders, centre console, and floor mats. In 2005, for the 2006 model year, a rear spoiler and spider alloy wheels was also included.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/lexus-once-had-pebble-beach-edition-trim-level-281474979866473 |title=Lexus Once Had a "Pebble Beach Edition" Trim Level |first=Will |last=Kinton |website=Autotrader |location=US|date=2018-08-20 |access-date=2024-08-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://pressroom.lexus.com/album/2007-2008-lexus-sc-430-pebble-beach-edition-second-2nd-generation/ |title=2007 – 2008 Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition [Second (2nd) Generation] |publisher=Lexus |location=US |access-date=2024-08-17}}</ref>

In 2004 and 2005, [[J.D. Power and Associates]]' Initial Quality Survey awarded the SC 430 as the highest ranked premium luxury vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2004037 |title=2004 Initial Quality Study |publisher=J.D. Power and Associates |access-date=4 December 2010 |archive-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206110759/http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp/?ID=2004037 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 |title=Toyota, GM Garner Most Awards in 2005 Initial Quality Study |work=Press release |publisher=J.D. Power and Associates |access-date=4 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070529235255/http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005069 |archive-date=29 May 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Kelley Blue Book]] gave the SC 430 its Best to Hold Value Award in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carfax.com/DP_Rpt_Links/KBB_Award_Winners.cfm#2002 |title=Kelley Blue Book-Models to Best Hold Its Value |publisher=CARFAX |access-date=4 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20031125005115/http://www.carfax.com/DP_Rpt_Links/KBB_Award_Winners.cfm |archive-date=25 November 2003}}</ref> In June 2004, a custom-designed [[Carolina Herrera (fashion designer)|Carolina Herrera]] SC 430 was shown at the [[Madrid Motor Show]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.autocosmos.com.ar/noticias/8811/lexus-sc430-ch--carolina-herrera-ya-tiene-auto.aspx |title=Lexus SC430 CH: Carolina Herrera ya tiene auto |publisher=Autocosmos.com |access-date=22 April 2009 |date=1 June 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531161158/http://www.autocosmos.com.ar/noticias/8811/lexus-sc430-ch--carolina-herrera-ya-tiene-auto.aspx |archive-date=31 May 2011}}</ref> The special edition SC 430 CH used a 'Testa di Moro' body color, with matching interior leather and carpeting, along with designer logos on the wheels and door sills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.supermotor.com/revista/novedades/247993/lexus-sc430-ch:-by-carolina-herrera.html |title=Lexus SC430 CH: 'By Carolina Herrera' |publisher=Supermotor.com |access-date=22 April 2009 |last=Maregil |first=Bárbara |year=2004 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031240/http://www.supermotor.com/revista/novedades/247993/lexus-sc430-ch:-by-carolina-herrera.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> A line of accessories was also developed for the vehicle.

In 2012, [[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]] presenters [[Jeremy Clarkson]] and [[James May]] chose the Lexus SC 430 as the worst car ever built in their film ''[[Top Gear home video releases|The Worst Car in the History of the World]]''. They criticized its handling, ride and style, with May calling the ride "absolutely diabolical", and stated that a big manufacturer should have known better.

[[File:Lexus SC 430 II Facelift front 20100524.jpg|thumb|2005–2010 Lexus SC 430 (Germany)]]