V8-powered Lexus for Auto Show
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The first SC430 in Australia
Twin exhaust-pipes, 18" mags
4.3-litres of convertible goodness
Lexus expands its range
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As Acura is to Honda, Lexus is to Toyota. The up-market,
prestige vehicles churned out by the mainstream Japanese car
makers are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to
more expensive Euro models.
Just look at the sales figures. Lexus is selling cars by
the boat-load in Australia, with sales increasing 64 per cent
from 1998 to 1999, according to latest VFACTS figures.
With this in mind, it makes sense that Lexus should want
to continue this good run. To be unveiled in a few days time
at the Melbourne International Motor Show (don't worry - we'll
be there), the latest Lexus is looking more and more enticing
as the facts emerge.
The new SC430 has a low profile - from the front to the rear-end,
the new model will turn heads. The headlights are slightly
reminiscent of the Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor Coupe front
end.
But forget the piddly 2300cc engine found in the latter car.
The new Lexus sits on huge 18" aluminium-alloys (a first
for Lexus) and is powered by a stonking 4.3-litre V8.
Sure, we've all heard of 5.7-litre V8s in the top-flight
Holdens, but those things are carrying a lot of weight. The
SC430, however, is a tiny, two-door coupe.
This equates to a rather nice power-to-weight ratio and a
peak power of 209kW. 417Nm of torque will ensure drivers will
be leaving traffic behind with a smile on their collective
faces. From standstill, the SC430 can accelerate up to 100kmh
in just under 6 seconds (5.9 to be exact). Suffice to say,
this is one hot luxury coupe.
Being a derivative of Toyota, the rear-wheel drive, quad-cam,
all-aluminium V8 mill comes with VVT-i, or variable valve
timing intelligence. This supplies the car with more torque
across the rev-range, as opposed to just high-revs.
Lexus new SC430 comes with electronically controlled five-speed
automatic transmission that Lexus says can adapt to various
driving styles and gear-shifting patterns.
Double wishbone suspension front and rear ensure linear traction
and predictable cornering, not to mention a smooth ride. To
enhance the driving experience, the new Lexus SC430 is finished
with natural materials - wood and leather. For those who like
watching where they're going, a DVD-based navigations system
will also impress.
At present, there isn't much more known about Lexus new beast,
but as the car will be showing at the Melbourne International
Motor Show, we'll garner more info soon.
As it stands, Lexus may have found the perfect balance between
jaw-dropping power and stress-relieving comfort. The SC430
could be viewed as a high-risk investment by Lexus, but one
thing is for certain - it's paving the way for a new genre
of super-powered luxury car.
No price on the SC430 has been released yet. The new Lexus
will arrive in Australia fourth quarter, 2001.
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