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 overdue update. The new SC was also available as a hardtop 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 V8 was the same used by LS sedan. The 5-speed automatic transmission would be replaced with a 6-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.