The Lexus SC series is a family of luxury coupes built by Toyota. The first generation, available as the SC 300 or SC 400 was produced from 1991 (as a 1992 model) to July 7, 2000. A second-generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001. The first generation SC 300/SC 400 were assembled in Motomatchi, Japan.

The Lexus SC is a front engine, rear-wheel drive design and was sold with either inline 6 or V8 engines.

1991–2000

The SC 300 and SC 400 were mid-sized coupes available in the United States with a 3.0 L inline 6 2JZ-GE (SC 300) or a 4.0 L V8 1UZ-FE (SC 400), and in Japan also available with a 2.5 L twin-turbo inline 6 as the Toyota Soarer 2.5GT-T/TL. The MKIII Soarer began production in January 1991 and continued production until June 2000. The Toyota Soarer/Lexus SC coupe has always been assembled at Toyota's Higashifuji Technical Center in Japan. The V8 motor used in the SC 400 and LS 400 models was reported to have cost over US$400,000,000 in research and development. The SC 300 is equipped with the same engine as the non-turbo MKIV Toyota Supra and a five-speed manual transmission was available as an option until 1997.

The SC 400 was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1992. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1992 through 1995.

2001–present

Lexus showcased its new sports convertible, the SC 430, at the Paris Motorshow in 2000, with the car entering production the following year. The rear-wheel drive SC 430 convertible is powered by an aluminium, double overhead-cam, 4.3 L V8 engine complemented by a five speed, automatic gearbox.

Lexus designers from Europe and Japan worked together to create the convertible's sleek, streamlined design. The car features a retractable aluminium hardtop, all-leather interior, and 18 in alloy wheels. It can seat four and has a base price of US$63,825.

Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, BMW 6-Series, Jaguar XK8, Cadillac XLR, and Maserati Spyder.

External links

• Australian Lexus Soarer Club (http://www.lexus.australia.as/)
• Intellexual - SC/Soarer FAQ (http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html)