Lexus Debuts 2002 SC 430 Hardtop Convertible At North American International Auto Show Lexus Debuts 2002 SC 430 Hardtop Convertible At North American International Auto Show Detroit 01/09/2001 -- The dreams of many luxury car customers came true today when the 2002 Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible had its worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show. The SC 430 will go on sale March 15, 2001, and melds sophisticated exterior styling, luxurious interior innovation, potent engine performance, and an elegantly designed retractable hardtop that will transform it from a 2+2 coupe into a convertible in less than 25 seconds with the push of a button. The SC 430 will be competitively priced with a manufacturerās suggested retail price (MSRP) of $58,455. The only factory options are run-flat tires ($400), spoiler ($440) and the Lexus Navigation System ($2,000). A fully loaded SC 430 will have an MSRP of $61,295. The delivery, processing and handling fee is $545. Current plans call for 12,000 of the new convertibles to be sold in the United States in 2001. In following years, annual sales are expected to level off at approximately 10,000 per year. Focus on Beauty One of the SC 430ās strongest selling points is its eye-catching style. The exterior design was created by Toyotaās European design center and was inspired by the sights and styles of the French Riviera. The interior is a plush combination of natural materials such as leather and wood, which are painstakingly used to re-create the comfort of a luxurious living room. The styling of the SC 430 was subjected to wind-wrap tests to ensure it met Lexusā famous standards for low noise, vibration and harshness. Experienced convertible buyers will be amazed at the quiet cabin, with the roof up or down. Occupants can even have a conversation at normal volumes with the wind whipping by. Class-Leading Performance Underneath its beautiful skin, the new rear-wheel drive SC 430 convertible is powered by a 300-horsepower all-aluminum, double overhead-cam, 4.3-liter V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It also achieves a remarkably linear acceleration thanks to a newly developed electronic throttle control system, the Intuitive Powertrain Control. The powerful V8 is coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission to propel the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it also will meet ULEV emissions standards. Front and rear double wishbone independent suspension minimizes vibrations and contributes to a smooth ride. Lexus created a purpose-built high-performance platform for the SC 430. By designing the car as a convertible from the start, engineers optimized its structure to provide excellent strength whether the retractable hardtop is up or down. The solid structure has allowed Lexus to tune the suspension to deliver responsive handling without foregoing Lexusā renowned smooth ride. Additionally, an ideal weight distribution of 53/47 helps deliver optimal balance for enhanced performance. Luxury, Safety and Security Through Technology From the ground up, Lexus engineers have incorporated the latest automotive technological innovations to provide the most luxurious driving experience backed by cutting-edge safety and security measures. The SC 430 comes equipped with 18-inch wheels, the first such offering for Lexus. In addition, a new tire pressure warning system 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 drop in pressure has occurred, a buzzer sounds. Optional run-flat tires serve dual purposes in terms of safety and convenience. The SC 430 may continue to be driven up to 100 miles at speeds up to 55 mph with a punctured tire instead of risking a roadside swap. And with run-flat tires, there is no need for a spare. This frees up trunk space to stow larger items such as a set of golf clubs. Additional safety and convenience is provided by the SC 430ās available DVD-based navigation system which boasts high performance, complete digital contiguous U.S. map coverage, high-quality design and guidance screen enhancement. The visual guidance screen features an easy-to-see 256-color wide-screen display with a split screen design. It also adjusts 7 degrees up or down to provide optimal visibility regardless of the sunās reflection. At its inception, Lexus introduced new standards for factory-installed audio systems. To raise the ante, Lexus worked with home audio experts Mark Levinson to develop a new type of sound system for the SC 430. Nine strategically located speakers will turn the interior into a personal listening room that makes every seat in the car "the best seat in the house." The equalization of the system automatically adjusts when the roof is lowered and returns to its original levels when the top is raised. Essential functions of the system can be easily operated by using controls on the steering wheel. The SC 430 features an advanced climate control system that makes top-down driving more comfortable than conventional convertibles. The system adjusts airflow and temperature automatically, differentiating between top-up and top-down driving needs. The climate control system will automatically take into account the exterior temperature to help ensure occupants stay comfortable. When driving in cooler weather with the top down, the system will direct warm air to the foot and lap areas. On hot days, the system will circulate cool air to the same target locations. Since safety is paramount at Lexus, the new SC 430 takes advantage of several advanced technologies. The convertible uses a braking system featuring four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control, Vehicle Skid 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 supplements the applied braking power. Numerous structural components, such as the rocker panel and the rear deck lid, have been reinforced to help protect occupants in case of collision. Other safety features include standard dual front and front-seat mounted side impact airbags, daytime running lights, fog lamps and projector High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights. Vehicle security is enhanced through several measures. The key cylinder locks on the passenger-side door and rear luggage compartment have been eliminated. However, these locks are easily opened through the key-integrated remote. The center console and glove box are both fitted with a key cylinder lock to protect valuables when the hardtop is down. The SC 430 also is fitted with an immobilizer and alarm system. When the door is locked and the alarm system is set, the luggage release and fuel lid release are canceled. The SC 430 is built at the Kanto Auto Works, Ltd. Higashifuji plant in Japan. The same plant built the SC 400/300 sport coupes. Every SC 430 will come with a 48-month/50,000-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.