Lexus SC 430 Set the Standard for Premium Convertibles and Coupes Special SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition Introduced for 2004

The Lexus SC 430 was the first retractable hardtop convertible in the premium luxury segment when it was introduced as a 2002 model and quickly became one of the best-selling models in its segment. The retractable hardtop transforms the SC 430 from a coupe into a convertible in less than 25 seconds with the push of a button. For 2004, the seat recline feature in the SC 430 has been enhanced to allow greater adjustment when the seat is not in its rear-most position.

Befitting a modern classic, the exterior design of the Lexus SC 430 was created by the company's European design center and was inspired by the sights and styles of the French Riviera. The interior is a plush combination of natural materials including leather and wood. 

SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition

New for 2004, Lexus has introduced the SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition to highlight the classic, timeless design of this premium retractable hardtop convertible and to commemorate a four-year marketing partnership with the Pebble Beach Company.

Lexus will only produce about 400 of the SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition, each distinguished by the never-before-seen Pebble Beach Azure Pearl color on its body and wheels. The interior color combination for this special vehicle features Ecru leather and black bird's eye maple wood trim. The doorsill scuff place illumination color is blue for the SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition.

Special Pebble Beach badges further differentiate this limited-production model, including a satin chrome badge on the front fenders, Pebble Beach "Lone Cypress" console badge and "Lone Cypress" floormats. The SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition also includes as standard run-flat tires and a rear spoiler, which are the only two factory options for the SC 430 model. Additionally, each Lexus SC Pebble Beach Edition comes equipped with a complimentary black leather Lexus and Pebble Beach Company golf bag. The special edition SC 430 will be available in showrooms in August 2003.

"The SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition celebrates the timelessness of classic automobile design," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "Driving is important at Pebble Beach and the SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition is prepared to deliver a memorable driving experience with classic elegance."

The partnership between Lexus and the Pebble Beach Company establishes Lexus as the Preferred Vehicle of Pebble Beach Resorts. Guests staying at the Pebble Beach Resorts will be chauffeured from the golf course to the spa in a Lexus GX 470 or LX 470 luxury utility vehicle. The partnership also includes various marketing programs.

300-Horsepower V8

The rear-wheel drive SC 430 convertible is engineered to deliver exciting performance even when driven leisurely. The all-aluminum, double overhead-cam, 4.3-liter V8 engine produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of peak torque, and, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, can propel the car from 0-60 mph in only 5.9 seconds. The SC 430 achieves an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) certification, and is powered by the same V8 engine found in the LS 430 flagship sedan and the GS 430 luxury performance sedan.

Continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps eliminate the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower by optimizing valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range, not just at one or two set speeds. The Torque Activated Powertrain Control works with the Electronic Throttle Control System to help smooth out acceleration from a standing start by very slightly delaying throttle opening when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal.

The five-speed automatic transmission uses Shift Logic Control to respond to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity, holding gears or downshifting on inclines and downshifting on descents to provide increased engine braking.

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 stiff 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 gives the SC 430 sports car-level handling and contributes to a smooth ride. The SC 430 comes equipped with 1 8-inch wheels.

Safety and Security

The Lexus SC 430 provides owners with cutting-edge safety and security measures. The braking system featuring four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Brake Assist.

EBD monitors all four wheels during braking and varies brake pressure according to load on each wheel. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard 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 (TRAC) to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery road surfaces.

Numerous structural components, such as the rocker panel, have been reinforced, which can help protect occupants in case of collision. Other safety features include standard dual front airbags and front-seat mounted side impact airbags, daytime running lights, fog lamps and projector High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with auto levelers.

A Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) uses coded sensors to monitor the tire air pressure directly and transmit this information to a receiver via radio frequency communication. The receiver calculates the information and, if a significant drop in pressure has occurred, an indicator light illuminates to warn the driver of the condition. The TPM can alert the driver to under-inflated tires, a condition that could potentially lead to a loss of control.

Standard DVD Navigation System

Another convenience feature is the SC 430's standard DVD-based Lexus Navigation System, which provides high-speed route calculation (average time: five seconds), digital contiguous U.S. map coverage, high-quality design and guidance screen enhancement. The system includes expanded coverage for major cities in Canada and multi-language selection, as well. The visual guidance screen features an easy-to-see wide-format color display with a split screen design. It also adjusts seven degrees up or down to help minimize sun glare. Both the audio system head unit and the navigation system are concealed by electrically powered, wood-trimmed access doors.

The high-end Mark Levinson audio system uses nine strategically located speakers to turn the interior into a personal listening room. System equalization automatically adjusts when the roof is lowered and returns to its original levels when the top is raised. The driver can control the system's essential functions with controls on the steering wheel.

An advanced climate control system adjusts airflow and temperature automatically, differentiating between top-up and top-down driving needs, automatically taking into account the exterior temperature to help ensure occupant comfort.

Every new Lexus vehicle comes with a 48-monW50,000-mile basic limited warranty. Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 month/70,000 miles. Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of mileage.

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