2005 LEXUS SC 4.3 V8 6AT (288 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lexus introduced the second generation of the SC in 2000 at the New York Auto Show, and, unlike its predecessor, it was a coupe-cabriolet.

By 2005, the car was already old on the premium segment, and the carmaker introduced an updated version. Since Toyota sold it on three continents, including Europe, it had to comply with new emission regulations. The SC was unique in its class. Neither Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Cadillac had a coupe-cabriolet.

Sotiris Kovos made the car’s design after he was inspired by yachts. The SC’s long hood and swept headlights were new, and so was the six-slat grille that sported the chromed Lexus badge. In the redesigned bumper, the carmaker installed new fog lights on the lower area, supported by a horizontal chromed bar.

Inside, Lexus introduced new colors and materials for the facelifted SC model. It provided a revised, three-dials instrument cluster with the speedometer in the middle. Strangely, the carmaker still offered a tape player for the luxurious vehicle. In fact, the SC was the last new car to provide a standard tape player on the U.S. market in 2010.

Under the hood, Toyota kept the same trustworthy 4.3-liter V-8 that provided 286 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, one more than the 2001 model. The car’s platform featured independent suspension in all corners, improving comfort.