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- Lexus Soarer
- Amazing build, luxury interior, great resell value, solid ride. Cult import classic.
ConsEarly Japanese models not the greatest handling.
The Toyota Soarer was an influential coup sold by Toyota from 1981 to 2004. In 1990, following the successful launch of its upscale Lexus division outside of Japan, Toyota commissioned its California design studios to develop a new luxury coupe. Outstanding build quality, a folding metal roof and exceptional refinement became its main qualities. Although there is really no such thing as a Lexus Soarer this luxury coupe was originally marketed in Japan and also in the USA as a Toyota Soarer but is also known sometimes now as a Lexus Soarer. It was not sold in Europe. There were 5 Japanese Soarer models, all right hand drive. Many were bought in Europe and other markets as imports and in some cases the Toyota badges were replaced later with Lexus badges. To add to the confusion the Lexus SC range modelled on the Japanese Soarer are also known as Lexus Soarers. Known as the Toyota Soarer in Japan, but badged as a Lexus SC300/SC400 for the States and other markets, this version of the coupe was never officially sold in the UK.
1981 - The Z1 series Soarer, a two-door box coup was launched.
1986 - The Z2 series, a more rounded Soarer, was launched.
1991 - The third generation 30 series Toyota Soarer launched in Japan. The 30 series Soarers were similar to the Lexus SC 300/400 luxury coupes Toyota were launching as part of the luxury Lexus division for foreign markets outside Japan. The 30 series Soarer shared the body style and key components with the Lexus SC, but featured different interior features, powertrain configurations, and other performance enhancements. In 1991 the Lexus SC 300/400 also debuted in the U.S.
2001 - Toyota introduced a fourth generation convertible in Japan as the 40 series Toyota Soarer and overseas as the luxury Lexus SC 430. The fourth generation Soarer and Lexus SC models was the first time both Soarer and SC models were basically the same.
2005 - Lexus was launched in Japan. 40 series Soarer dropped and the Lexus SC 430 made available. The Toyota Soarer now known throughout the world as a Lexus SC430.
There were five Japanese models all of which looked similar although some have a rear spoiler.
2.5 Litre Twin Turbo (later became a single turbo)
3.0 Litre
4.0 Litre V8 (Coil Suspension)
4.0 Litre V8 (Air Suspension)
4.0 Litre V8 (Active Suspension)
Also branded/known as:
JZZ30 - 2.5L 6 cyl twin turbo (1991-1996)
JZZ30 - 2.5L 6 cyl single turbo VVTi (1996-2000)
JZZ31 - 3.0L 6 cyl (US Lexus SC 300) (1994-2000)
UZZ30 - 4.0L 8 cyl (US Lexus SC 400) (1991-1993)
UZZ31 - 4.0L 8 cyl air suspension (1991-1997)
UZZ32 - 4.0L 8 cyl 4ws, active suspension (1991-1996)
Soarer Standard FeaturesReversing camera
Digital dashboard display
Global positioning systems (gps).
Power steering
Elec mirrors, windows,
Power seats
Climate controlled air conditioning
Airbags
Leather upholstery
Electric seats with memory
Heated seats
Heated mirrors
Cd player (some 12 stack)
Tv
Cruise control
Trip computer
Selectable overdrive
Keyless entry fob
Electronic instrument cluster
Elec folding mirrors
Premium nakamichi soundsystem with 12 cd stacker
Leather door trim
Lcd dimmer on rearview mirror
Climate control
The Lexus SC series is the 4 seater luxury coup sold by Lexus featuring front engine, rear-wheel drive design and seating for up to four passengers. The first generation SC was the V8 SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 laucnhed.
