Review: Lexus Z40 SC (2001-10)

Review: Lexus Z40.I SC 430 (2001-05)

Overview

Released in October 2001, the Lexus Z40 Series I (Z40.I) SC 430 was a two-door convertible with a retractable hardtop. Manufactured in Higashi Fuji, Japan, the rear-wheel drive Z40.I SC 430 was powered by a 4.3-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed A650E automatic transmission (with adaptive gear shifting).

3UZ-FE engine

The 4.3-litre 3UZ-FE V8 engine had an aluminium cylinder block and head, sequential fuel injection, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable inlet camshaft timing (‘VVTi’), an acoustically controlled variable induction system, dual knock control and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Although premium 98 RON unleaded petrol was recommended, the engine could also operate on 91 RON and 95 RON unleaded petrol.

The Z40.I SC 430 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Dimensions and body

The SC 430 was 4515 mm long, 1825 mm wide, 1370 mm tall and had a 2620 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1740 kg and, with its roof in position, the drag coefficient was 0.29 Cd. Furthermore, the retractable aluminium roof could open or close in less than twenty-five seconds though only when the vehicle was stationary.

Suspension

The SC 430 had double wishbone front suspension with high-mount upper arms and multi-link double-wishbone rear suspension, both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and ball-jointed type stabiliser bars.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the SC 430 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters.

Brakes

The SC 430 had 296 mm by 32 mm ventilated front brake discs with floating twin-piston calipers and 307 mm by 12 mm solid rear discs with fixed two-piston calipers.

Features: SC 430

Standard features for the SC 430 included 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR18 Z-rated tyres, a 440 watt Mark Levinson sound system with nine speakers and a six-stack CD player, DVD-based satellite navigation with a seven-inch touchscreen, climate control air conditioning, Bader leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats, front fog lamps, high intensity discharge (HID) projector headlights with washers, automatic (i.e. light-sensitive) headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, an automatically dipping passenger-side mirror on reverse, a power adjustable steering wheel, scuff plates, a trip computer, wind deflector, an alarm and immobiliser. 

September 2004: SC 430 update

From September 2004, the SC 430 was fitted with Bluetooth connectivity; other changes at this time included revised suspension with monotube dampers and an updated satellite navigation system.

Related links

• Press Kit: Lexus Z40.I SC 430 (October 2001)
• Press Release: Lexus Z40.I SC 430 – Bluetooth (September 2004)

Review: Lexus Z40.II SC 430 (2005-10)

Overview

Released in September 2005, the Z40 Series II (Z40.II) SC 430 introduced a six-speed automatic transmission and directional headlights. Visually, the Z40.II SC 430 could be identified by its lower radiator grille with six horizontal bars, redesigned head lights, front bumper with chrome centre bar in the foglamp recesses and rear combination lamps with clear indicator lenses.

August 2006: SC 430 update

In August 2006, the SC430 underwent a further update when it was fitted with driver and front passenger knee airbags, as well as a front passenger seatbelt warning.

Related links

• Press Release: Lexus Z40.II SC 430 (September 2005)
• Press Release: Lexus Z40.II SC 430 – end of production (August 2010)
• Wikipedia.org: Lexus Z40 SC