Is there a 6-cylinder model coming?

 

There was lots of talk about it last year, including a story in Autospies, but there has been nothing mentioned in months. Lexus has released quite a bit of information recently about their model line and nothing has been said about an SC330. If you do a search you'll see many past discussions/opinions.

 

I asked several people at the dealership. There was some talk from the manufacturer but the idea seems to have died. The concentration will be placed on the new models. Anything can happen though.

 

I don't think there will be a SC330 in the current style. I never thought it's a good idea. The car , being a hardtop convertible would be too heavy for a 6 cylinder engine to give it decent performance IMO.

 

I didn't make the Detroit Show but I really pushed this with the Lexus people at the Washington, DC Auto Show last Christmas, so we'll see if they listen or not. I did my best to convince them there was a market for it....that the average person couldn't walk right into a showroom and fork out 61K for a new SC400.

 

Hi sexysc, I'm going to disagree. Some of us don't care about 0-60 or quarter mile times. I only care about having enough power to pass when needed. Anything over 200 bhp is okay for me. Case in point are my current cars. Both the 99 es300 and 95 sc300 have a little over 200. I have enough power to weave the highways and pass the little old ladies with no where to go. Both are heavy cars...as all Lexus's are. An sc330 with 225bhp would work for me. If we lived in Germany where there's the autobahn super highway, that would be a different story.

 

I agree with reggieK. Not everyone needs a drag racer. And you certainly don't need a V8 just because you got a folding metal top. Look at the Mercedes SLK . For years it has had a folding metal top and the "Kompressor" 4-cylinder with 185 HP...and has sold pretty well. Even so, Mercedes is putting a 6 in the new SLK....the upcoming AMG will probably get a supercharged 6.

And as far as the Autobahn is concerned, the old SC300 certainly was no slouch...its top speed was around 140 MPH.

 

I know not everyone wants a drag racer, but personally I won't even consider a V6 SC330.
The SLK320 is also much smaller and lighter and more suitable for a smaller engine, a ~800 lb weight difference with the SC430.(look it up)
Besides, as a SC430 owner, I would like to see it remain more rare & exclusive, which they are in the city I live in.

 

I can partially agree with you on the SC330 V-6 The 3.0L in-line 6 on the IS300 and the old GS/SC300 series was (and is) such a nice engine...and just butter-smooth....that I agree that a SC330 would be a waste...I'd much rather see a new SC300. But maybe not with this SC body style. It's no secret....I've said this on other threads here.....I'm not a fan of this current Audi TT look-alike SC body style.

But I know I'm probably in the minority here. Most of the guys in this forum want power, and would go with the 430.

 

Good point Reggie, and don't forget that 350+RWHP is just a turbo kit away for our cars. So just incase you do have the need for speed................

 

Lexus just released drawings of new coupe concept. I don't think they would introduce a 6 cylinder version at this point in product cycle. Especially since they essentiallyhave a 6 cylinder convertible already called the Toyota Solara. Also, with a convertible and coupe IS and in the making, I think an SC 330 would muddy up the product line. The SC 430 is supposed to be an upper tier vehicle with some exclusivity. I don't think SC 430 owners would be too happy to have a vehicle come out like that. I know I wouldn't. The SLK has been overwhelmingly sold to women and so with the new SLK, MB is beefing it up substantially to get more men buyers. Nothing wrong with that, but I think they think it has hurt sales numbers quite a bit. Just my $.02.
Doc C

 

a NEED for speed or a WANT for speed? On the Autobahn, with guys coming up behind you at 150 MPH or more.......that's a NEED for speed. Most other places....you get my point.

 

"Need for Speed" is just a phrase, pertains to a power/speed junkie. I agree with you 100%, no one needs to go 150mph, even on the Autobahn for that matter.

I'm not sure about everyone else but I love to:

 

The SC430 is selling well. Why would they bastardize the product? I don't see it happening at all. The Solara is the car you're asking about.

George

 

Not sure I agree.....the last SC300 sold very well alongside the 400. Many people in these forums own one....and write about them. The new SC300/330 does not sell simply because it doesn't exist (yet).
And why doesn't it exist? Probably because most of the Lexus development dollars lately have gone into SUV's....witness the new conventional RX330, the GX470, the LX470, and the upcoming RX hybrid. Lexus...along with many other auto manufacturers....has had to cater to the SUV crowd simply because of its huge numbers......and until now (with the new AWD GS), the sedan and coupe lines have suffered for it.

The Solara you mention, despite its similiar body style, is not in the same league as an SC. It has a soft convertible top instead of a folding hard one, fake wood trim instead of real wood, a Toyota instead of a Lexus warranty, and in general a much cheaper look both inside and out. You can't send a kid to do a adult's job. No, what is needed is a real SC but with the 6-cylinder that would give it a lower price...61K is just too much.