The Lexus SC coupe received a total redesign and a larger engine for 2002.  The first generation SC ended after the 2000 model year, in preparation for a long onerdue uddate.  The new SC was also available as a convertible, which was a first for Lexus.  The SC was again classified as a 2+2, but the back seats were less spacious than the previous ones, which were not very spacious either.
The SC now featured a more powerful engine.  The new 300 horsepower 4.3 liter V-8 was the same used by LS sedan. The 5-speed automatic transmission would be replaced with a six speed later in this generation.    
The new SC utilized an advanced antiskid/traction system, which gave the SC a bit more control on slick surfaces than its predecessor.