The Lexus SC was the first 2-door coupe offering by this luxury automaker in the grand touring class. Toyota introduced the SC as an option and accompanying model for the LS400 which launched earlier as Lexus' entry into the American automobile market.
In the 1980s, the United States car manufacturers were facing stiff competition from cheaper and more fuel-efficient cars from Japan. A voluntary restraint agreement was enacted between the United States and Japan, limiting the number of imported vehicles entering the US. The Japanese automakers realized that it would be more profitable for them to enter the higher-priced, consequently higher profit, luxury car market given this limitation. Honda started marketing under the Acura brand while Nissan came with the Infiniti. Toyota jumped into this sub-brand market by creating the Lexus marque.
Toyota's Calty Design Research Centre located in California carried out the development of the exterior design, which featured all curved surfaces, a new concept for that period. The final design was approved in 1989 and went into production as the Lexus SC and Toyota third-generation Soarer.
First-Generation Lexus SC, 1991-2000
Toyota first introduced the Lexus SC as the SC400 in 1991. The overall sloping profile coupled with low-profile high-performance tyres mounted on alloy wheels and curved side mirrors projected a sports car stance. The exterior package included projector-beam headlights and separate driving lights sitting below the bumper separated by the grilled air intake. A rear spoiler was available as an option. The interior featured analog instruments with real walnut trim on the dashboard. Also included were driver-side airbags, anti-lock brakes and seven-speaker sound system. The leather interior and wood trimmings, which surpass other manufacturer's offerings, rounded up the sports luxury package.
Under the SC400's hood is a 1UZ-FE V8 engine, the same one that powered the LS400/Toyota Celsior. This powerplant produced 186 kW at 6,500 rpm with a torque of 353 N⋅m at 4,400 rpm. This model rolled out with a 4-speed automatic transmission which, though similar to the LS400, has optimized first gear and final drive ratios to improve acceleration.
A year later, another variant was introduced and designated as the SC300 model. It came powered by 2JZ-GE, an inline 6-cylinder engine rated at 168 kW and torque of 285 N⋅m, and teamed up with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. This same engine powered the Toyota Supra but with a slight increase in output. The traction control system or TRAC was available as an option in the SC300.
Its suspension is an improved version of the double-wishbone as found on the LS400. Lightweight aluminium replaced steel members and the suspension geometry was modified to provide better tuning for sports handling.
Tests conducted on the SC400 for acceleration from 0-100 km/h for 1992-1995 models was 6.9 seconds. In 1996, the 1UZ-FE was upgraded to produce 194 kW and improve acceleration to 6.7 seconds. In 1998, the powertrain saw another upgrade integrating VVT-I technology; this time, it was capable of producing 216 kW with 407 N⋅m of torque and achieving 6.1 seconds on the 0-100 km/h test. Tests on the SC300 managed 6.8 seconds on the 5-speed manual transmission and 7.2 seconds for the automatic.
These first-generation models of the Lexus SC were offered for nine years with a cosmetic redesign on the taillights, rocker panels, front bumper and spoiler. In 1996, a redesign of the fascia incorporated a front grille and a modified front bumper. In 1997, the SC400 received a 5-speed transmission upgrade.
Second-Generation Lexus SC, 2001-2010
The second generation of the Lexus SC was rolled out as the SC430. It was a completely new design being the first convertible done by Lexus. It came with a power-retractable aluminium hardtop, standard wheel and tyre package of 40 series low-profile tyres on 18-inch aluminium wheels, with optional run-flat tyres. Interior seating is now the 2+2 configuration to make space for the folding roof. The interior was done in high-quality leather, brushed aluminium trimmings and maple-and-walnut wood trims. A Mark Levinson audio system came as standard with automatic controls for optimal conditions in an open or closed roof. Styling of this luxury sports coupe, with its elegant and compact profile, has the feel and looks of a roadster.
A 4.3L 3UZ-FE V8 VVT-I powered the SC430, pushing 224 kW at 5,600 rpm and torque of 440 N⋅m at 3,400 rpm to the drive wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission system. Acceleration tests from 0-100 km/h came out at 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. In Australia, the rated outputs were 210kW and 419 N⋅m. An upgrade in 2006 also introduced the 6-speed A761E automatic transmission to the powertrain which replaced the previous 5-speed.
Suspension package included four-wheel independent double-wishbone tuned for sports handling. With the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and the low profile tyres, this car gives a firm control in any road driving situation.
Lexus collaborated with the Pebble Beach Company and produced the Lexus SC Pebble Beach Edition, a limited version available from 2004 to 2009. These models sported unique colours that changed from year to year. Special badging featured the Pebble Beach Resorts logo incorporated in the front fenders, centre console and floor mats.
The SC430 received numerous awards and recognition in different publications and auto shows, a testament to its styling and performance.
End of the line
Its production lasted only until 2010 due to dwindling sales. Lexus LC eventually succeeded it in 2016.
Even after production has ceased, the SC430 remained active in motorsports in GT competitions and eventually found its way to formula drift. Toyota first entered the SC430 in 2006 in the Super GT under the GT500 class. In 2007, it ultimately replaced the Supra in Toyota's racing platform.
The Lexus SC's contemporary styling, luxury, and level of build quality have proven its durability and marketability, even on the used auto market.
It gave Lexus an automobile for the luxury grand touring class to compete with established manufacturers and thrive, paving the way for a host of high-end vehicles from this Toyota sub-brand.
- Jarad