What is the deal with the "drive by wire" system? Last weekend, I test drove the SC430 and I have to say I was some what disappointed. Considering it has the same engine as in my GS400, it feels like its missing a cylinder or 2. Just does not have the same pep as in the GS. I know that the engine is tuned differently but the lack of throttle response in this new SC430 is just horrible. It really takes about 2-3 seconds after full throttle that the car decides to move. Even when it gets going, the gear shifting seems a bit choppy and not as smooth as in the GS400.

I remember driving the new ES300 with this same system as a loaner when my car was in for service. Here is a link to my review on that car
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=37301

The common technology that is shared between these new cars is the "drive by wire system" . You get better gas mileage, but the penalty is a major lack of throttle response, and choppier gear shifting in these newer cars than compared to the older model Lexus vehicles. Has anyone else experience these issues?

My question to you SC guys, is can we disable or alter this effect by installing a aftermarket Torque Convertor?

On a postive note, the SC430 is one beautiful car. I love the interior and the hard top convertible technology is something to envy. This is a definate head turner, especially with the top down. Just wished there was more space in the back.

 

If you are disappointed in the SC why are you looking to lease one.

 

DrewGS4, I was also disappointed in the throttle response of the SC430... especially coming from an Audi A6 4.2... but I bought one anyway. Because of the looks of the car, I expected it to be a rocket off the line. However, once I started to appreciate this car for what it really is... a sports touring car, not a sports car... I made the switch.

I think your observation is valid. The throttle response on the SC430 is fairly slow. My QX4 is actually faster. However, there is always power on tap and if you really need an immediate rush you can downshift manually. As you mentioned, everything else about the car is great... interior, exterior, sound system, folding top... so you just need to make your choices based on your needs.

Believe me... once you're doing 80 mph on the highway with the top down and the Mark Levinson cranked up you won't care about throttle response, but if it's really important to you I'd look elsewhere.

Oh, and yes, Bobs SC... some of us do have the right to find fault with the SC430 and still buy one.

 

Bob, like I stated before... the SC430 is gorgeous. The only time this car will be driven to the max is when I drive the car which will be about 20% of the time. For the most part, it will be driven by my wife and my brother. We have a business, and we need a tax lease deduction on another car and the reason why I am looking to lease this car.

The only other competitor to the SC is the SL500 but the new model is just too much money. The older SL has been around since 1990 so I am really not interested in that.

I have become spoiled on my GS400 and I have gotten use to the power curve in my car vs. the SC430 which has a completely different power ratio. The car is built as a cruiser and once this car is past 30mph there is plenty of power available on tap.

dseag2, the new lexus vehicles with the drive by wire system definitely have a slower throttle response off the line vs. the older vehicles which used a cable system. I learned this from a similar thread that I posted in the GS forum.

 

most cars out there today are drive by wire!!!! Its the way the auto mfgrs were able to meet regulations for emissions and gas mileage without too much expense...

If you hate drive by wire don't even consider a new Infiniti -- they are ALL drive by wire now... INCLUDING the QX4!!!!

...even VW has all Drive by Wire since 2001


..and I'm sure there are more out there!!!!!!!

 

Chris, I'm sure the QX4 is drive by wire, but it is neck-snapping quick off the line. I've actually had to warn people who borrow it to ease up on the gas when starting out. My buddy with an RX300 almost ran into the mailbox leaving the house. Don't get me wrong... I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Lexus fan ('99 SC300, '01 GS300, '03 SC430), so I'm not trying to defend the competition, but obviously drive by wire doesn't have to be the kiss of death for throttle response.

BTW, I bought the QX4 as a daily beater to get me through the rainy season in So. Florida and it has turned out to be one of the most enjoyable vehicles I've ever owned. Nothing special on the outside, but the interior is beautiful, it always has power on tap, and it handles beautifully. Shame they're discontinuing it, but that made the price even more attractive!

 

I guess that means your not a fan of the new FX45 or FX35 huh?

I love them compared to the QX4...

BTW: the older QX4s did NOT have drive by wire.. it started with 2002 on the QX4 I believe....

 

BTW: I forgot to mention that the Drive By Wire system is and can be different... because it is all in the programming... for VWs, for example, there are several aftermarket companies who reprogram the ECU so that 'lag' goes away and the HP is improved.... (but gas mileage is decreased....)

 

Chris, don't want to stray too far off topic, but I LOVED the Fx35/45. Didn't get one for the following reasons:

-Didn't feel like laying down that much cash for a second car. The QX was a screamin' deal.
-Second car is the "beater car". FX doesn't fit that bill.
-Didn't want to buy a first year model, and according to owners there are a few complaints about harsh ride which is supposedly being addressed soon by Infiniti (shades of SC430!)
-Needed a break from high-profile motoring. Won't get that with the FX

As beautiful as the FX is, I have all the "cutting edge" styling I need in my SC430. It's kind of refreshing to drive something more traditional for a change. The QX4 is a sleeper... the more you drive it, the more you like it. And now I have one round car and one square one!

(FYI, my QX4 is a 2003, so it does have the drive by wire.)

 

that makes sense