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The Lexus SC
430 reminds people of many different cars but manages to be
its own entity all the same. The most obvious comparison is to
the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Granted, the SLK is a roadster
(two seats), and the SC is a “2+2” (two seats in front and
two cupholders in back masquerading as seats but fooling no
one). What links Japan to Germany is the retractable hardtop,
which the SLK has used to induce mouth-breathing in passers-by
since its 1998 model year introduction. Mercedes must have
gotten it right, because Lexus appears to have copied its
operation almost to the letter. The SC 430’s top works its
magic in less than 30 seconds. Among modern convertibles, this
interval is longer than average, but it’s so damn cool to
watch, you might even wish it took longer.
Lexus has already succeeded with two approaches to sport-sedan
luxury: the GS 300/430 and the IS 300. Of the two, the SC more
closely emulates the GS, in that its ride is soft and plush,
its variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering is somewhat numb
and the overall feel is one of isolation from the road. Given
the condition of a lot of the roads, isolation may not be a
bad thing. For more on the SC 430’s handling, performance
and all other aspects.
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