Lexus SC

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Lexus SC
2008 Lexus SC 430
Manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation
Production 1991–present
Assembly Motomachi, Japan
Susono, Shizuoka, Japan
Class Personal luxury coupé
Layout FR layout

The Lexus SC series is a personal luxury coupé sold by Lexus since 1991. The SC features a front engine, rear-wheel drive design and seating for up to four passengers. The first generation SC débuted as the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 was added in 1992. Both first generation models were produced until 2000. The second generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001. The SC 430 features a hardtop convertible design and a V8 engine. The first generation SC was largely styled in California, and the second generation SC was mainly conceived at design studios in Europe.

In Japan, the related third-generation Toyota Soarer, with which the first generation SC originally shared body design and multiple components, featured a separate line-up of vehicle configurations and different powertrains. The fourth generation Soarer, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005. The SC was the sole coupé in the Lexus lineup until the arrival of the IS C and carries a U.S. base price of $65,455 and a UK base price of £54,880.[1]

Contents

[edit] First generation (1992-2001)

First generation (SC 300, SC 400)
1993 Lexus SC 400
Also called Toyota Soarer
Production 1991–2000
Successor Lexus SC 430
Body style(s) 2-door coupé
Engine(s) 3.0 L 2JZ-GE I6
4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic (1998-00 SC 400)
5-speed manual (1992-97 SC 300)
Wheelbase 105.9 in (2690 mm)
Length 191.3 in (4859 mm) (1992-97)
192.5 in (4890 mm) (1998-00)
Width 70.5 in (1791 mm) (1992-97)
70.9 in (1801 mm) (1998-00)
Height 52.4 in (1331 mm) (1992-94 SC 300)
52.6 in (1336 mm) (1995-97 SC 300 & 1992-97 SC 400)
53.2 in (1351 mm) (1998-00 SC 300/400)
Curb weight 3,506 lb (1,590 kg) (1992 SC 300 manual)
3,505 lb (1,590 kg) (1992 SC 300 automatic)
3,604 lb (1,635 kg) (1992 SC 400)
Fuel capacity 20.6 US gallons (78.0 L; 17.2 imp gal)
Related Toyota Soarer

In the summer of 1990, following the successful début of Lexus a year earlier, Toyota decided that work would begin on a mid-size Lexus coupé to compete with the luxury coupés of other marques like Mercedes-Benz SL, Acura Legend coupe and Infiniti M30 coupe. At that point, Toyota had no genuine luxury coupés in its model range. Initially, the existing Japanese second generation Toyota Soarer was selected to serve as the basis for the new Lexus coupé, much like the Lexus ES 250 was based on the Toyota Camry. However, the Soarer's design at the time was considered "boxy"-looking and outdated. Since the coupé was going to be targeted towards the American market, the project was handed over to the Calty Design Research center in California.

The American Calty design team took a revolutionary approach to designing the car, using duracluster molding shapes to design the body, and working 3-dimensionally instead of the traditional 2-D sketch approach. As described by design chiefs Denis Campbell and Erwin Lui, the result was a car that was based on "emotion and feeling" rather than linear aesthetics. The design of the coupé was considered revolutionary, possessing almost no straight edges and built on curvature. As a result, it produced a drag coefficient of Cd 0.31, which was considered very aerodynamic at the time. Some critics found the design of the new Lexus coupé to be very distinctive compared to other cars at the time; later, the SC design was considered influential in the development of automotive designs that followed.[2]

1992-96 Lexus SC 400.
1998 Lexus SC 400.
1992 SC 400 interior.

The SC 400 débuted on June 1, 1991 in the United States as a 1992 model. The SC 400's 4.0 L V8 1UZ-FE, the same engine as used in the LS 400, was reported to have cost over $400,000,000 in research and development.[3] The SC 400 was honored as the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1992. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1992 through 1998.

In July 1992, the SC 300, a smaller engined brother to the SC 400, premiered in the United States. The SC 300 was equipped with a 3.0 L inline 6 2JZ-GE. Compared to the SC 400, the smaller-engined variant cost $7,040 less with a manual, and $4,180 less when equipped with the four-speed automatic transmission, (U.S. base price of $31,650 for the 1992 model year).[4] Lexus' traction control system, TRAC, was offered as an option.[4]

The first generation SC lasted in production until July 7, 2000, a span of over 9 years, owed in part to its advanced design. This production cycle was quite long compared to the average car of the 1990s, which was being redesigned every 3-4 years to keep up with the changing styling of automobiles. Even with the SC's long production cycle, only minor exterior changes were made. New tail lighting and a modified spoiler design was part of the mid-cycle vehicle refresh. A front grille was added in 1997, along with a redesigned front bumper, side skirts and rocker panels.

The original 1991-92 engines were rated at 225 hp (168 kW)/210 lb·ft (285 N·m) for the 2JZ-GE-powered SC 300 and 250 hp (186 kW)/260 lb·ft (353 N·m) for the SC 400. In 1996, the SC 400's 1UZ-FE engine design was upgraded to 260 hp (194 kW) from 250 hp (186 kW). In 1998, both the SC 300 and 400 were upgraded with VVT-i and thus the ratings were raised to 280 hp (209 kW)/300 lb·ft (407 N·m) of torque for the SC 400 and 225 hp (168 kW)/220 lb·ft (298 N·m) of torque for the SC 300. Tests conducted on the new engines showed an acceleration for the SC 400 of 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, and for the SC 300 an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds.[5] By contrast, the original 1992 SC 400 had a manufacturer's stated 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds, fractionally longer than the updated version.[6]

The first generation SC offered a 4-speed automatic transmission on both the SC 300 and SC 400 models until 1998, when the SC 400 received an upgraded 5-speed automatic. A 5-speed manual transmission was only offered on the SC 300 from its debut until 1997. A majority of the SC 300's are automatic transmission. Finding a manual transmission SC 300 is extremely rare and in some cases, may cost more than their automatic counterpart when buying a used car. Sales of the automatic transmission SC 300 and SC 400 models formed the majority of models purchased.[6] The Lexus SC 400 was never officially sold in the British Isles, but many examples found their way across the Atlantic as personal imports.[7] The first generation SC coupes were assembled at Toyota's Higashifuji Technical Center in Motomatchi, Japan.

[edit] Second generation (2002-present)

Second generation (SC 430)
2001 Lexus SC 430
Also called Toyota Soarer (until 2005)
Production 2001–present
Predecessor Lexus SC 400
Lexus SC 300
Body style(s) 2-door coupé convertible
Engine(s) 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8
Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic (2002-05)
6-speed automatic (2006-10)
Wheelbase 103.1 in (2619 mm)
Length 177.8 in (4516 mm) (2002-05)
178.5 in (4534 mm) (2006-10)
Width 72.0 in (1829 mm)
Height 53.1 in (1349 mm)
Curb weight 3,840 lb (1,742 kg)
Fuel capacity 19.8 US gallons (75.0 L; 16.5 imp gal)
Related Toyota Soarer

Lexus showcased its new sports convertible, the SC 430, at the Paris Motor Show in 2000, and the car entered production in March of the following year. Power was provided by a 4.3 L 3UZ-FE V8 engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. This engine was the same model as that found in the UCF30 Lexus LS. The SC 430's V8 could produce 288 hp (214.76 kW) and 430 N·m (317 lb·ft) of torque, allowing the coupe to go from 0-60 in 6.2 seconds.[8]

In contrast with the previous generation model, the redesigned Lexus SC was intended as a convertible from its inception.[9] Lexus designers from Europe and Japan worked together to create the convertible's sleek, streamlined design. Led by chief engineer Yasushi Nakagawa, designers traveled to the Cote d'Azur to develop the vehicle's exterior shape, and studied the region's architecture, lifestyle, and harbors. The resulting convertible received character lines similar to the region's yachts, in contrast with traditional waveform lines.[10] The vehicle's side profile, the product of extensive wind tunnel testing, was intended to channel air around the passenger compartment at high speed during top-down driving.[10]

2007 Lexus SC 430 in open configuration
2001-2005 Lexus SC 430 with closed hardtop
Interior of 2008 Pebble Beach Edition SC 430.

The SC 430 chassis featured a double-wishbone setup for both the front and rear wheels.[9] The vehicle platform shared elements with the GS 430 sport sedan, including variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering.[10] Safety systems ranged from traction control to vehicle stability control.[9] The convertible received a ULEV emissions certification rating.[9]

The SC 430 featured a retractable aluminium hardtop, all-leather interior with brushed-aluminum accents, navigation screen with folding wood panel, and 18 inch aluminium wheels.[10] Chrome Lexus emblems were mounted on the back of the front seat headrests.[9] The coupe could technically seat four, but rear seat space is limited.[11] The hardtop could fully retract in 25 seconds.[9] Standard luxury features include Espresso Walnut or Bird's Eye Maple wood trim, a Mark Levinson premium sound system, DVD-based navigation system, and headlamp washers. For additional trunk space, as an option the SC 430 could be equipped with run-flat tires.[9]

At its launch, the SC 430 was marketed as the "jewel of Lexus", and as the marque's first convertible, was intended as a more ostentatious addition to the Lexus lineup.[9] Initial base price in the U.S. was $63,825. Reviewers from Car and Driver magazine praised the SC 430 for 2002 as "an unqualified success," calling it "comfortable, fast, smooth, and quiet" with "all of the virtues expected in a patrician roadster."[12] By contrast, Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson rubbished the SC 430 as "clunky," faulting the standard tyre setup, and gave it his informal "annual wooden spoon" label for 2003.

In 2004, Lexus unveiled the Lexus SC "Pebble Beach Edition," a limited-production model of the SC. The special edition SC is produced in partnership with the Pebble Beach Company, and features a unique exterior and interior color combination which changes with each model year. For model years 2004, 2005, and 2006, production of the Pebble Beach edition was limited to 400 units. Each Lexus SC Pebble Beach edition coupe exhibits special badging (featuring the "Lone Cypress" logo) on the front fenders, center console, and floor mats. For the 2006 model, a rear spoiler and spider alloy wheels are also included.

In 2004 and 2005, J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey awarded the SC 430 as the highest ranked premium luxury vehicle.[13][14] Kelley Blue Book gave the SC 430 its Best to Hold Value Award in 2002.[15] In June 2004, a custom-designed Carolina Herrera SC 430 was shown at the Madrid Auto Show.[16] The special edition SC 430 CH used a 'Testa di Moro' body color, with matching interior leather and carpeting, along with designer logos on the wheels and door sills.[17] A line of accessories was also developed for the vehicle.

In late 2005, the SC 430 premiered along with the Lexus marque in Japan. Unlike its predecessor, the SC 430 was officially imported to the British Isles;[18] the old SC 400 had been a popular personal grey import.[7] Production of the SC 430 occurs at the Kanji (Kanto Jidosha) assembly site in Japan.[19] The SC 430 is sold in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.

[edit] Third generation

According to an article posted by USA automobile magazine Car and Driver, Lexus is working on a "clean sheet" replacement for the SC and the convertible theme will be retained with a soft top instead of the hard top setup currently being used.[20]

In July 2008, Edmunds InsideLine had reported that Lexus had cancelled the next generation SC due to slowing sales.[21] In response, a company spokesman did not confirm or deny the rumors, but called the report in the possible replacement with the introduction of the Lexus LF as "unfounded speculation."[22] Lexus subsequently announced the production of the SC 430 model for 2009,[23] and in 2010.

[edit] Motorsport

Lexus SC 430 Bandai Super GT race car.

In 2006 the SC 430 was entered in the (Super GT) race series in the GT500 class (cars with approximately 500 horsepower). Extensively modified from the factory car, the engine used is a modified version of the SC 430's 3UZ-FE V8 that was also used in the Toyota Supra race car from previous years.

The new SC 430 based race cars were immediately competitive with former GT500 champion Juichi Wakisaka and no. 2 driver Andre Lotterer driving the Open Interface TOM's SC to victory at the opening round at Suzuka giving the SC 430 its first victory on its debut race.[24] Juichi Wakisaka and Andre Lotterer also won the GT500 class championship during the same year. In 2007, Lexus SC fully replaces Supras in the Toyota side, a Zent Cerumo SC 430 driven by Yuji Tachikawa was victorious in the GT500 opening round race.[25]

Lexus SC 430 Open Interface GT500 race car.

In 2008, a Zent Cerumo SC 430 driven by Yuji Tachikawa and Richard Lyons won the Fuji 500 race, round 3 of the Autobacs Super GT at Fuji Speedway.[26] In 2009, five SC 430s were entered in Super GT racing in the GT500 class, including the Petronas TOM's SC 430 driven by Juichi Wakisaka and Andre Lotterer, along with the Eneos SC 430, Kraft SC 430, Dunlop Sard SC 430, and Zent Cerumo SC 430.[27]

[edit] Figures

Sales data for the Lexus SC are as follows, sourced from manufacturer yearly data:

Generation Model(s) Calendar year Total sales (U.S.)
UZZ31/JZZ31
SC 400/300 2000 631[28]
UZZ40
SC 430 2001 14,333[29]
2002 14,462[29]
2003 10,298[30]
2004 9,708[30]
2005 8,360[31]
2006 5,847[31]
2007 3,927[32]
2008 1,986[32]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Higgins, Adrian. "Lexus SC430 - Lexus 4.3 Coupe". Autotrader. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/EDITORIAL/CARS/FEATURES/car_review_lexus_sc430.html. Retrieved 2009-07-03. 
  2. ^ Autochannel: 1995 Lexus SC 400 Luxury Sports Coupe
  3. ^ Intellexual.net - comprehensive Lexus SC 300/400 FAQ
  4. ^ a b Griffin, Larry. Lexus SC 300: Three premiered . Five speeds. The Tooth Fairy delivers. Car & Driver, p. 89-90, Issue May 1992.
  5. ^ "2000 Lexus SC 300/400 Road Test". Consumer Guide. http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2000-lexus-sc-300-400-1.htm. Retrieved 2009-06-19. 
  6. ^ a b "Lexus Knowledge Base" (PDF). Lexus. 2007. http://www.lexus.com/lexus/query.do?col=lexus&qt=SC+art&x=0&y=0. Retrieved 2007-04-08. 
  7. ^ a b 4car Buying Guide Lexus SC 400
  8. ^ "2008 Lexus SC 430". ForbesAutos. 2008. http://www.forbesautos.com/showmodel/lexus/sc_430/. Retrieved 2009-01-12. 
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h "Full Test: 2002 Lexus SC 430". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=47005. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
  10. ^ a b c d "2002 Lexus SC 430 Review". Automedia.com. http://www.automedia.com/2002_Lexus_SC_430/rts20010601sc/1. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
  11. ^ "2002 Lexus SC 430 - First Test". Motor Trend. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/2001/112_0103_2002_lexus_sc430_first_drive/features.html. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
  12. ^ Winfield, Barry. The Lexus SC goes on a Mediterranean diet and slims down to a convertible. Car & Driver, Vol. 46, Issue 8 February 2001
  13. ^ J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Initial Quality Study
  14. ^ Toyota, GM Garner Most Awards in 2005 Initial Quality Study
  15. ^ CARFAX - Kelley Blue Book-Models to Best Hold Its Value
  16. ^ "Lexus SC430 CH: Carolina Herrera ya tiene auto". Autocosmos.com. 2004-06-01. http://www.autocosmos.com.ar/noticias/8811/lexus-sc430-ch--carolina-herrera-ya-tiene-auto.aspx. Retrieved 2009-04-22. 
  17. ^ Maregil, Bárbara (2004). "Lexus SC430 CH: 'By Carolina Herrera'". Supermotor.com. http://www.supermotor.com/revista/novedades/247993/lexus-sc430-ch:-by-carolina-herrera.html. Retrieved 2009-04-22. 
  18. ^ 4car Lexus SC 430 (2001-) Review
  19. ^ Lexus Manufacturing
  20. ^ "Report: Convertible Lexus IS-F greenlighted, soft-top SC possible". MotorAuthority. http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1033468_report-convertible-lexus-is-f-greenlighted-soft-top-sc-possible. Retrieved 2009-08-22. 
  21. ^ IL Insider: Toyota Cancels Next-Generation Lexus SC
  22. ^ Automotive World - US: TMS replies to claims of Toyota and Lexus models facing axe
  23. ^ Lexus Announces Price Changes on Four Models | Auto News Article at Automotive.com
  24. ^ "TOM'S SC430 (Wakisaka-Lotterer) Clinch Season Opener". SuperGT.net. 2006-03-19. http://supergt.net/supergt/2006/06r01/0601race_en.shtm. Retrieved 2007-05-06. 
  25. ^ "Super GT Rd. 1 Suzuka Race Results". 247Motoring.com. 2007-03-22. http://www.247motoring.com/article.php?id=1660. Retrieved 2007-05-06. 
  26. ^ ZENT CERUMO SC430 wins Fuji Super GT race
  27. ^ "Five SC430s in GT500, IS350 for GT300". SUPERGT.net. http://ww2.supergt.net/gtcgi/prg/NList02.dll/Code?No=NS012172&List=15. Retrieved 2009-07-26. 
  28. ^ Lexus sales figures 2000
  29. ^ a b Lexus sales figures 2001-2002
  30. ^ a b Lexus sales figures 2003-2004
  31. ^ a b Lexus sales figures 2005-2006
  32. ^ a b Lexus sales figures 2007-2008

[edit] External links

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