Lexus To Retire The SC430

Most people are learning what it means to live frugally thanks to the downturn in the economy. This along with the advocacy to live ‘green’ is causing consumers to find vehicles that are more practical and easy on the wallets. Many consumers are looking for cars that have the luxury we crave – but the gas mileage that we can afford. This means that auto manufacturers are being forced to retire old models.

Next one up to the chopping block is the Lexus SC430. After months of rumors and questions Lexus has finally announced the end of their SC430 lineup. The vehicle – which was released in 2002 – has seen a downturn in sales. Aside from a small handful of special editions, very few changes have been made to the vehicle. Consumers are becoming more picky about their transportation and Lexus is beginning to feel it.

Last year they sold less than 1,000 of the vehicles and only 300 are confirmed to have been sold during 2010. This is a loss that Lexus is unable to handle long term. The cut will be effective in July of this year. It appears that only true Lexus fans will notice this drastic turn in events. That is until Lexus reveals plans for their new Pebble Beach Edition this summer.

The next generation SC will arrive in 2014 and Lexus hopes and prays that it will have a much bigger impact on consumers. The new SC600h is designed with a 5.0 liter V8 engine and hybrid drive train that will allow it to push out 400 to 500 horsepower. Its biggest competition will be the Mercedes SL-Class. Get your hands on the SC430 before they are gone.