By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
The Lexus motto is 'the relentless pursuit of perfection.' The Lexus SC 400 is very near that goal--in fact it may have gone past perfection. The power was silky smooth and the suspension kept everything in the driver's control. And, even though the car moved like a sports car and handled like a sports car, the driver and passengers were isolated from most external noises and bumps.
I recently reviewed the Lincoln Mark VIII. Mash the throttle in the Mark VIII and you hear a wonderful engine note. In the Lexus you're more likely to feel the power than hear it. The engine note from the Lexus is much more muted, an unfortunate imperfection.
New for 1997 is a revised front-end treatment with the addition of a grille. The grille insert gives the coupe more of a family resemblance. The forthcoming 1998 GS 300/400 will look similar to the coupe, and almost unchanged from the concept car shown earlier this year in Detroit. Each car will have four headlights and a small grille in the middle. At a recent press preview I had a short opportunity to drive the 1998 GS 400 and it is impressive.
The 32-valve 260hp V8 engine makes 10hp more than last year. That power is put to the pavement through the rear wheels and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus coupe borders on the sports car side; if the suspension was tauter it would be a sport car. It seemed easier to drive the SC 400 this year than before; it was defiantly easy to back with the new rear spoiler mounted flush on the trunk.
Safety is one of the utmost concerns in the automotive world today. To that end, Lexus has encompassed many modern safety features into the SC 400. They include: driver and front passenger airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, front and rear crumple zones, keyless entry, and side-impact door intrusion beams.
The interior, as you can image, is very well appointed. Some of the features include maple wood trim, memory seating, power windows, locks, mirrors, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, and heated front seats. While Lexus doesn't make a convertible model, the SC 400 offers an optional power moon roof, featured in the evaluated car, that brings in the sun and wind, without the noise of a convertible.
Mileage ratings for the V8-powered coupe are 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. While I drove the car harder and faster than the average driver, I still achieved a reasonable 19 mpg. The base price is; $50,800. With options and destination the total price as tested comes to $55,857.
The Lexus SC 400 is a solid performer. It likes to run hard and it delivers you to your destination in total comfort, luxury, and most importantly, style.