Lexus SC430 Convertible Hardtop

Nashville’s thriving Lower Broadway district held a variety of entertainment on a recent warm Friday evening. With shouts of honky-tonk hawkers and one doomsday preacher as background, pockets of people gathered around a group of street drummers on one corner, a guitarist on another, a one-man band a few blocks down and a Lexus SC430 parked on a side street. The Lexus may have garnered the most applause as its hardtop separated and lifted gracefully into the air. Thus begins this convertible’s fluid choreography that culminates with the top disappearing magically into the trunk, leaving behind a head-turning roadster. Of course, Lexus isn’t the first to do this; others have featured retractable hardtops in years past. Mercedes’ current SLK has one, as will that carmaker’s soon-to-be-unveiled update of the larger SL. A number of ragtops do this nifty disappearing act, too, like Porsche 911.

But because few people have ever seen an SC430, Lexus’s first convertible and a hard-to-find model, coupled with its radical styling and this amazing top trick, it became quite the attraction on this particular Friday night. And every day thereafter, too.

The Good News
As mentioned, few cars I’ve driven have drawn the stares this one does. What makes this even more remarkable is the fact it’s a Lexus, a carmaker not exactly known for its adventurous styling.

Much about the SC430’s exterior resembles the beloved Audi TT, which itself is reminiscent of the classic Porsche Speedster. The Lexus appears a good bit larger, however, and, well, humpier.

Inside is ultra-comfortable plush leather bucket seating for two and an ultra uncomfortable backseat. It’s also for two, but far better suited for ferrying small groomed dogs and big purchases.

Mine was saddle leather and beautiful grain wood, a rich contrast to its jet black exterior. As expected, the interior is rife with extraordinary gadgetry and luxuries in everything from sound and climate setup to how yummy the steering wheel feels in your hands. Burled-wood panels conceal the Navigation screen and audio controls automatically when the car is locked with the top down, or manually when you want it to look especially pretty.

But enough about the SC430s physical attractions. Let’s talk performance. This is Lexus’ convertible, its sports car, right?

The operative word here is not “sports car,” but “Lexus.” The SC430 is a fine performer, but not a sports car in the tradition of Porsches or a BMW M roadster or anything else fast, furious and deliberately raw.

This SC430 is refinement refined, a 315-horse 4.3-liter V8 that spins silk. Put your foot into it as the five-speed automatic upshifts and it responds vigorously: 0 to 60 in about 6 seconds. Thankfully, Lexus dispenses with the manual shift mode I’m convinced few ever use.

Once you get past the steering’s lubricated touch, you find this SC430 proves itself trustworthy in the corners, too. It remains centered and, naturally, calm even when prodded. And it never, ever breaks a sweat, much less utters a hint of vibration. That’s not its style.

Smooth, unruffled fun is its style. It should come as no surprise, then, that the ride is more akin to sedan than sports car. Not only will the road not intrude upon you, neither will the wind muss your hair, thanks to the meticulous design that is the hallmark of each and every inch of this car.

The Bad News
As much as I, like so many others, am drawn to the SC430’s bold and distinctive lines, I am not among its admirers. I love it from the front; I think it’s downright ugly from the rear.

Making room to stow the hardtop in the trunk and a long wheelbase obviously gave Lexus some design challenges here that were met with dubious success. From certain angles with hardtop up, the profile even gave me flashes of the old Karmann Ghia. Yikes. But don’t let all that trunk lid fool you; there is only room for a smallish Louis Vuitton or two back there. Although without the spare (mine had the optional run-flat tires), Lexus says you can carry one golf bag. A huge relief to the many, I’m sure.

I also dislike the fact that the transmission reels momentarily when you demand an accelerating downshift, like when you slow down through a turn and then kick it. That’s not unusual for these fancy “intelligent” electronic types, but nonetheless irritating in a performance vehicle.

Gas Mileage
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/23 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $58,455;
Price as tested, $61,295

Is it worth it?
The only options available on the SC430 are the aforementioned run-flat tires, navigation system and rear spoiler, all of which I had. Also of note is the fact that Lexus plans to limit the number of these cars imported to the U.S. to 10,000 per year (slightly more in this inaugural year), keeping demand at peak.

The SC430 is a credible sports car for those who crave mostly comfort and style. Its quirky looks will endear it to many, as will its seductive performance.

But its best asset is its flawless lid. Caught in an isolated summer shower on the interstate, I pulled over to put up the top. Aside from almost causing accidents, the transition demonstrated just how quickly the elements get totally shut out in this SC430. Carefree open air becomes silent, solid, luxury/touring car. And everyone applauds.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.