New Car Review of the 2006 Lexus SC 430 Convertible Coupe

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MSRP As Tested: $63,175

Versions: SC 430

Vehicle Category: Convertible Coupe

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive.

Standard Engine as Tested: 4.3-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 24-valves, V-8,288 - horsepower at 5600 rpm and 317 lb-ft torque at 3400 rpm.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 19/25.

Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, Seat-mounted side airbags, Seat belt pretensioners and force limiters, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Four-sensor Tire Pressure Monitor System, Front and rear energy-managing crumple zones, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Dual side door impact beams.

Competition: Acura TSX, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, Saab 9-3.

Want to look like a movie star? Just get behind the wheel of this Lexus.

It's the svelte SC 430, a hard-top convertible that looks like it belongs on the streets of Beverly Hills. With a powerful engine, upscale technology and fabulous cabin, it makes you feel like a star and look like one, too.

Unlike most Lexus vehicles, which pamper their occupants without turning heads, the SC is clearly meant to get attention with sinuous curves and a sexy stance. No matter which angle you see it from, it looks like it's ready to pounce.

If you think the SC stands for "sports car," though, you'll be disappointed. Sure, it can pounce, but it's so gentle that it takes much of the fun out of driving.

It's not that the engine isn't powerful enough. The 4.3-liter V8 makes 288 horsepower, enough to reach 60 miles per hour in slightly less than 6 seconds.

Instead, the problem is its 3,840-pound weight, which makes it feel more like a flabby truck driver than a world-class figure skater. In other words, it's like driving a typical Lexus sedan, not a sports car.

With a soft suspension tuned for cruising silently on the highway and smoothing out rough roads, the SC doesn't feel as enticing as you'd expect from looking at its sporty lines. It tends to wallow slightly in corners, a function of both its heavyweight status and marshmallow suspension.

And, as long as we're being picky, its back seat is a total joke. It's big enough to carry a few bags of groceries, but even tiny kids would find the legroom cramped. Only ask adults to ride in the back seat if you hate them.

Aside from those gripes, this car is the model of perfection -- but don't ask me. Ask J.D. Power and Associates.

The SC 430 also set a record for being the highest quality vehicle in North America with an average of only 44 problems per 100 vehicles. That's the highest quality score ever recorded by the J.D. Power surveys, contrasting with an industry average of 119 problems per 100 vehicles.

The attention to detail shows in every aspect of this car. Materials and construction seem absolutely perfect and are impressive even by Lexus' lofty standards, with a rich interior that bathes passengers in luxurious high-end leather and wood. Nothing feels flimsy or cheap.

This luxurious feeling extends to the car's amenities, including a fantastic stereo system by Mark Levinson that comes standard. Other standard features include a DVD-based navigation system, power heated seats, audio controls on the steering wheel, and a wonderful climate control system.

Plus there's the power folding top.

Unlike a typical convertible's soft fabric or vinyl top, this one is rigid to keep noise to a minimum. With the top up, it's almost as silent as a Lexus sedan, but the push of a button makes the top fold away into the trunk for a fantastic open-air driving experience. Watching the top disappear is like watching an intricate dance, and you can't help but wonder how many years of engineering went into making it operate so flawlessly.

You could wonder the same thing about the whole car. It feels solid, looks magnificent, and drives like a dream -- so long as the dream doesn't involve a racetrack.

Pros: It looks incredible, has a powerful engine and drives as smooth and quiet as any other Lexus. The disappearing hard top is an engineering marvel.

Cons: Thanks to its hefty weight and soft suspension, it's not nearly as much fun to drive as it otherwise could have been. The back seat is also a total joke, with barely enough room for the smallest kids.

Ratings (1-10)

• Style: 10
• Performance: 9
• Price: 6
• Handling: 4
• Ride: 10
• Comfort: 10
• Quality: 10
• Overall: 8

More Data

Where Built: Japan

Major Options: Pebble Beach Special Edition, Preferred Accessory Package. Rear spoiler, Run-flat tires.

Seating: 4.

Number of Rows: 2.

Length in Inches: 178.5

Warranties: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper, 6/70,000 miles Extended powertrain, 6 years/unlimited miles Corrosion protection, 4 years/unlimited miles Roadside assistance.

Weight in Pounds: 3840 lbs.

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not available.

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: 4530 lbs.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 19.8

Destination Charge: $695