New Car Review of the 2005 Lexus SC Coupe and Convertible Sports Car

Description: Coupe and Convertible Sports Car
Base MSRP Range: $63,575
Invoice Price Range: $55,308
Where built: Japan

The two-seat sports car from Lexus can convert from a hardtop coupe to a daring convertible with push-button ease. With the top raised, it carries an arching profile that looks energetic up front but retro in the rear with a roly-poly rump. With the hardtop folded into the trunk, it seems fluid and fast like a racy roadster. The squatty stance sets up a flat-footed posture in the manner of a classic sports car with all of the right components aboard. It has a big engine too.

The aluminum V8 displaces 4.3-liters and makes 300-hp. Lexus lines the car with gear for safety and performance, as well as electronic displays and lavish (even for Lexus) appointments.

The standard audio package comes from Mark Levinson. A 240-watt amplifier combines with nine speakers, a cassette deck and six-disc CD changer mounted in the dash. All-season run flat tires are new to the list of options this year, as is an upgraded navigation system with enhanced graphics and new functions.