For
anyone who has never thought of Lexus as sultry, the first impression of the SC
430 must be an astonishing discovery. As alluring as any siren, windblown by warm
sea breezes as it skirts a West Coast shoreline washed in amazing sound, it has
the mystery, the hint of full-throttle gusto, the no-compromises distinction. Equate
it with a languid, classy, black-eyed Salma Hayek gracing the silver screen with
a hint of South of the border fire roiling under the surface. (With apologies
to Renee Zellweger, it's definitely not Bridget Jones country.) There's
fire under the hood of the SC 430 as well, despite its ultra low emissions ranking,
with the same all-aluminum 4.3-liter V-8 engine churning out 300-horsepoewr that
lives in luxuriously smooth, top-of-the-line Lexus models. Although a natural
in Southern California sunshine, it actually was designed near the French Riviera
-- a telltale inspiration that undoubtedly helped foster its seemingly unLexus-like
character that simply demands attention. From
its debut two years ago as deliberately-designed convertible, with quick-drop
retractable hardtop added for practicality, this rear-drive sportscar has never
stopped turning heads or racking up Destination Reviews. Lexus calls it a well-balanced
thoroughbred with its 18-inch wheels contributing to a smooth and supple ride.
We found early on it caught so much attention that other drivers chased it down
-- behind the wheel or on foot -- to get a better look. Beneath
the exterior are a wealth of fine points, with almost everything standard on this
neo classic almost-four-seater, based at $62,525. A few options, including $400
runflat tires or a $2,000 Pebble Beach premium special edition could boost it
to mid-60s range. A standard, fast-response DVD nav system is welcome despite
an early propensity to gather fingerprints. The hardtop stows in less than half-a-minute
and the superb Mark Levinson sound system automatically adjusts for the open-air
difference.
Mated
to a five-speed automatic with Shift Logic control, and every conceivable driving
safety feature including brake assist and tire pressure monitors, it feels responsive
in the Lexus mode wherever one decides to travel. Driving off onto Sunset Boulevard,
we can't help but feel sophisticated, with a tinge of daring added for spice.
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