The new 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with P245/40ZR18 Dunlop summer tires. Optional run-flat tires eliminate the need for carrying a spare in the tiny trunk. Puncture a run-flat tire and you can continue driving until you reach a repair facility, but you shouldn't drive over 55 mph or for more than 100 miles. Run-flats also eliminate the need to stop in a dangerous or unfriendly area. Run-flat tires introduce a ride quality that's rougher and not as quiet, however, so test drive and choose this option carefully.

Summary

The Lexus SC 430 is a luxurious roadster that converts to a hardtop coupe with the press of a button. It's smooth and quiet, powerful and enjoyable to drive. Its interior is beautiful, comfortable, and luxurious. It's a terrific car for a long drive assuming you pack light. Though it has a vestigial rear seat, the SC 430 is, for all practical purposes, a two-seater.

This review was produced by New Car Test Drive, the editorial office of which is based in Redondo Beach, California.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Lexus SC 430 ($65,355)

Engines:288-hp 4.3-liter dohc 32-valve V8

Transmissions:6-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):dual frontal and side-impact airbags; 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, front and rear; ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist; traction control; vehicle skid control (VSC); four-sensor tire pressure warning system; projector-type high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with adaptive directional control; ISO-FIX anchor brackets for child seats in the rear

Safety equipment (optional):none

Basic warranty:4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled in:Higashifuji, Japan