A pioneering entry in today's luxury retractable-hardtop segment, the SC 430 enters its eighth year of production by continuing to offer both a sporty character and a comprehensive array of features. Still one of the most evocatively styled vehicles in the entire Lexus portfolio, this V-8-powered, rear-wheel-drive 2+2 boasts the ability to transform itself from coupe to convertible at the push of a button. While the overall genre of high-end open cars has expanded in recent years, true upper-echelon competitors for this distinctive Lexus remain few. Heading the list are the two-seat Cadillac XLR and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, with the BMW 335i Convertible and Infiniti G37 Convertible offering a more affordable alternative for those willing to accept a six-cylinder engine.