When did Lexus stop making the SC430?
Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, stopped producing the SC430 coupe in 2010 after a 10-year production run. The SC430 was a high-end, retractable hardtop convertible that was popular in the early 2000s but faced declining sales towards the end of its lifecycle.
The Rise and Fall of the Lexus SC430
The Lexus SC430 was first introduced in 2001 as a replacement for the previous SC300 and SC400 models. It featured a sleek, elegant design with a retractable hardtop that could fold away in just 25 seconds. The SC430 was powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine and offered a smooth, comfortable ride that appealed to luxury car buyers.
In its early years, the SC430 was a strong seller for Lexus, with annual sales peaking at over 16,000 units in 2002. However, as the decade progressed, the SC430's sales began to decline. Factors contributing to this included:
- Changing consumer preferences: Buyers began shifting away from large, heavy coupes towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Increased competition: Rivals like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and BMW 6 Series offered newer, more modern designs that appealed to luxury buyers.
- Aging design: The SC430's styling, while attractive when new, began to look dated compared to newer models on the market.
By the late 2000s, Lexus was selling fewer than 3,000 SC430s per year. In 2010, the company decided to discontinue the model, ending its 10-year production run.
The Legacy of the Lexus SC430
While the Lexus SC430 may not have enjoyed the same level of success in its later years, it remains an important part of the brand's history. The SC430 helped establish Lexus as a serious player in the luxury coupe and convertible market, and its retractable hardtop design was a technological marvel at the time.
Today, the SC430 is considered a classic Lexus model, with enthusiasts and collectors seeking out well-maintained examples. Its distinctive styling and comfortable driving dynamics have ensured that the SC430 will be remembered as an important chapter in the Lexus story.
What makes the SC430 special?
The Lexus SC430 is more than a beautiful convertible. With a commanding 4.3-litre V8 that can generate an impressive 288 horsepower, mated to a slick six-speed super electronically controlled transmission with sequential multi-mode shifter, the SC430 embodies the very essence of exhiliration – top up or top down.
Why did Lexus stop making the SC430?
Replacement. In July 2008, Edmunds InsideLine had reported that Lexus had cancelled the next generation SC due to slowing sales.
How much is a Lexus SC 430 worth?
Prices for a used Lexus SC 430 currently range from $4,999 to $29,999, with vehicle mileage ranging from 8,244 to 291,400. Find used Lexus SC 430 inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
What does SC stand for in Lexus?
Sports Coupe
Lexus SC. Aimed at targeting the mid-size luxury coupe market, the SC stood for Sports Coupe. It also has the unique distinction of being one of the few models produced by Lexus without an S or X at the end.
