2006 Lexus SC 430

THE BASICS

Base price/as tested: $65,355/$67,084

Fuel economy: 20.1 miles per gallon in Globe testing

Annual fuel cost: $1,979 (at $3.06 per gallon, regular, 13,000 miles per year)

THE EARLY LINE

This is a redesign of a car that has had some nicely aggressive exterior tweaks and inside upgrades, but whose mission remains the same.

THE SPECIFICS

Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Seating: Billed as four occupants; bet on two.

Horsepower: 288

Torque: 317 lb.-ft.

Length: 178.5 inches

Wheelbase: 103.1 inches

Height: 53.1 inches

Width: 72.0 inches

Curb weight: 3,840 pounds

THE SKINNY

Nice touch: The nifty one-touch interior covers that pop out and in without distraction.

Annoyance: Top down, isn't there some place to put luggage? I've been in race cars with more luggage space.

Watch for: Toyota to jump into the sports car battle with something new. If Honda can announce it is about to build jets, surely Toyota can rocket us over land.

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