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2006 Lexus SC 430
Gains Performance, Safety and Design Enhancements
The Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible, documented as the auto industry's highest quality car in the J.D. Power and
Associates Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for the second consecutive year, will turn heads with refreshed styling for 2006, while offering even smoother performance from a new six-speed sequential shift automatic
transmission.
In addition, the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), now standard, can help enhance safety in the 2006 SC 430. The interior also received a sporty makeover, including new interior color and
wood trim choices.
The Lexus SC 430 was the first retractable hardtop convertible in the premium luxury segment when it was introduced as a 2002 model. With the push of a button, the retractable hardtop
transforms the SC 430 from a coupe into a convertible in less than 25 seconds.
"The SC 430 combines the seductive appeal of an exotic convertible with the luxury and ride quality of a Lexus sedan, all
with the comfort and security of a closed coupe at the touch of a button," said Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager.
The 2006 Lexus SC 430 is immediately identifiable by revised
front-end styling that reflects the brand's new L-finesse design language. The new grille is more angular than before, and the front bumper more pronounced, echoing the design theme that debuted on the 2006 Lexus GS
sedans. A thicker chrome surround and larger Lexus badge further set the 2006 SC 430 apart from the 2005 model.
New headlights feature a simpler two-bulb design in place of the previous three-bulb
configuration. The headlight redesign allows the 2006 SC 430 to gain the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) which helps to illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.
At the rear, new LED
(light-emitting diode) tail lamps add a high-tech design touch to the SC 430's flowing lines. New-design, five-spoke, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels combine narrower spokes with a new metallic gray finish for an
overall sportier appearance.
Lexus has always paid special attention to how color can convey elegance and luxury. For 2006, the SC 430 paint palette debuts five new exterior colors: Mercury Metallic, Matador
Red, Chardonnay Pearl, Black Pearl and Tigereye Pearl.
For the second consecutive year, the Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible was documented as the highest-quality vehicle in America in the 2005 J.D. Power and
Associates Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). The study is based on the fewest problems per 100 vehicles, and the 2005 Lexus SC 430 registered 54 problems per 100 cars in this customer-based study. (The auto industry
average was 118 problems per 100 vehicles in 2005). The SC 430 was one of five Lexus models that achieved the highest IQSSM score in their respective categories.
Aluminum V8 and New Six-Speed Automatic
The rear-wheel drive SC 430 convertible is engineered to deliver exciting performance. The aluminum, double overhead cam (DOHC) 4.3-liter V8 engine produces 288 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of peak torque,
channeled through the new six-speed automatic transmission, that can propel the car from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. At the same time, the SC 430 received the Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV)
certification.
Continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps eliminate the compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine's
speed range. The Intuitive Powertrain Control works with the Electronic Throttle Control System to help smooth out acceleration from a standing start by making slight adjustments to the throttle opening when the
driver steps on the accelerator pedal.
For 2006, a six-speed sequential automatic transmission replaces the previous five-speed unit. Shift Logic Control responds to road grade and acceleration/deceleration
activity,holding gears or downshifting on hills to help provide better engine power or braking. The sequential shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience by controlling gearshifts
manually, when desired.
Thoroughbred Chassis
By designing the SC 430 as a convertible from the start, engineers optimized its structure to provide excellent strength whether the retractable
hardtop is up or down. The more rigid structure allowed Lexus to tune the suspension to deliver responsive handling without foregoing the brand's renowned smooth ride. The 53/47 weight distribution helps deliver
optimal balance for confident steering response.
Front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension, aided by standard 18-inch wheels with 245/40ZR18 Z-rated Dunlop tires, gives the SC 430 sports car
handling responses while preserving the smooth Lexus ride quality. All-season run-flat tires are standard, with summer run flats available as an option.
Safety and Security
The Lexus SC 430 is equipped with cutting-edge safety and security features.
The array of dynamic handling aids includes a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
EBD monitors all four wheels during braking and varies brake pressure according to the load on each wheel. Brake
Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking, and if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, it applies maximum braking power until pedal pressure
is released.
VSC helps control lateral traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by using throttle intervention and/or applying individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy
between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading. The VSC system integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery road surfaces.
Numerous structural components, such
as the rocker panels, have been reinforced, which can help protect occupants in case of a collision. Other safety and visibility features include standard dual front airbags and front-seat–mounted side airbags,
daytime running lights, foglamps and projector High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with auto levelers.
The Tire Pressure Monitor System can alert the driver to severely underinflated tires to help
avoid a condition that could potentially lead to a loss of control. Coded sensors monitor the tire air pressure directly and transmit this information to a receiver via radio frequency communication. An indicator
light warns the driver of a significant drop in tire pressure.
Now also standard on the 2006 SC 430, AFS helps enhance nighttime visibility in turns and curves. A central controller calculates the optimum
lighting direction based on input from vehicle speed and steering angle and swivels the right and left headlights independently. The left beam can rotate from zero to 15 degrees in a left turn while the right beam
remains in the center position. The right beam can rotate from zero to five degrees in a right turn while the left beam remains in the center position.
As a result, AFS helps the driver see further into a
curve for enhanced visibility. A self-leveling feature (similar to HID) automatically levels the lights depending on road conditions. An AFS on/off switch allows the driver to disengage the system at any time.
Convertible Luxury at Its Best
The SC 430 interior combines elegant design with lavish appointments. The semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior —including seats, door armrests, console cover and front
seat belt presenters—is newly available in camel, as well as in black, saddle or ecru colors. Front occupants enjoy the comfort of 10-way power-adjustable heated seats.
A redesigned instrument gauge panel
adds a sporty look to the interior, which is complemented by the same steering wheel design used in the all-new GS sedans. The luxurious and sporty wood/leather-trimmed wheel continues with a tilt-telescope
adjustment and integrated cruise control and audio switches. The wheel automatically tilts away when the ignition is turned off to make exiting and reentry easier, then returns to its memory position when the car is
started again.
The SC 430 interior uses wood trim on the center console, doors and instrument panel, plus a matching wood-trim shift knob and a wood-trim cover panel for the dual front cupholders. The shifter
plate surround has been revised for 2006. Also new, a dark brown wood color called Espresso is paired with the new camel color leather-trim interior.
Walnut wood trim is used with the ecru, saddle and black
leather-trim interiors, and a new black headliner is used with the dark color interiors (black and saddle). Electrically powered, wood-trimmed access doors conceal both the audio system head unit and the navigation
system. An advanced climate control system adjusts airflow and temperature automatically. The system differentiates between top-up and top-down driving needs, automatically taking into account the exterior
temperature to help ensure occupant comfort.
The standard premium Mark Levinson® audio system uses a seven-channel DSP 240-watt amplifier and nine strategically located speakers to turn the SC 430
interior into a private concert hall. System equalization automatically adjusts when the roof is lowered to compensate for the changed acoustics and ambient noise levels, and returns to its original levels when the
roof is raised.
Inspired Luxury
The exterior design of the Lexus SC 430 was created by Lexus' European design center, inspired by the sights and styles of the French Riviera. The ultra-luxurious
interior, with its plush combination of natural materials including leather and wood trim, took inspiration from the custom-made yachts that sail the waters of this international resort area.
The SC 430
Pebble Beach Edition, now in its third year, highlights the modern classic design of this distinctive car. Lexus will produce about 600 of the SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition for 2006 as part of a four-year marketing
partnership with the Pebble Beach Company.
Standard DVD Navigation
The SC 430's standard DVD-based Lexus Navigation System offers a voice-command feature that allows hands-free use. The system
features easy-to-understand graphics and phone- number–based address location and "building footprint display."
The navigation system stores map data for the contiguous United States and major cities in
Canada on one digital versatile disc (DVD). The visual guidance screen features an easy-to-see wide-format color display with a split-screen design and also adjusts seven degrees up or down to help minimize sun
glare.
Every new Lexus vehicle comes with a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is
covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage.
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Lexus Announces Pricing on Select 2006 Models
2006 SC 430 Restyled with Added Performance
Lexus announced today the 2006 SC 430 hardtop convertible gets a new look
and improved performance. The revised exterior styling of the SC includes a new front grille and front bumper, new LED tail lights and a new headlamp design that includes the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS),
which helps illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.
In addition, a new six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission replaces the SC's five-speed unit for 2006, enhancing overall
acceleration and fuel economy. The revised gear ratios also help lower the interior cruising noise levels. New 5-spoke 18-inch wheels with metallic gray finish give the SC 430 a more aggressive, substantial
appearance.
The SC also receives four new exterior colors: Mercury Metallic, Matador Red, Chardonnay Pearl and Black Pearl. Adding to the exterior color choices is a new Camel-leather interior trim paired with a
new Espresso-wood trim. The 2006 SC 430 increases in price by 2.8 percent or $1,780 over the previous model, with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $65,355.
The Lexus SC 430 was the first
retractable hardtop convertible in the premium luxury segment and is able to transform the SC 430 from a coupe into a convertible in less than 25 seconds with the push of a button.
Lexus also introduces two
limited production vehicles. The 2006 ES 330 Black Diamond Edition features exclusive Black Diamond paint, black Birdseye maple wood trim, and many other distinctive touches. MSRP for this package is $600 and
includes an exclusive Tumi luggage set.
For the third consecutive year, Lexus will offer the SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition. With only 500 vehicles produced for the entire United States, the 2006 Pebble Beach
Edition will be a true exclusive. The distinctive features include a striking combination of Tigereye exterior paint and Camel-leather interior as well as elegant Pebble Beach emblems. The 2006 edition will also be
offered with a specially commissioned Lexus Tigereye luggage set. MSRP for the 2006 SC 430 Pebble Beach package will be $2,000.
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