TOKYO — Toyota has canceled the next-generation Lexus SC coupe/convertible and may shelve the planned replacement for the Toyota Avalon sedan, Inside Line has learned.

The SC has consistently been a slow seller for the Lexus brand, which is getting a new performance flagship, the LF-A supercar, in 2009. In the first six months, Lexus sold only 1,230 SC 430s, down more than 40 percent from a year ago.

The 2008 SC 430 is priced at $67,120. It is fitted with a 288-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 that is rated by the EPA at 16 mpg in city driving and 23 on the highway.

Toyota had been developing a successor to the SC, based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the LF-A. Originally slated for production in early 2009, the next-generation SC was pushed back to mid-2011 and now has been canceled, according to Toyota insiders.

With development of the next-generation 2012 Camry well underway, Toyota also is studying whether to cancel the planned replacement for the Camry-based Avalon, which currently is slated to go into production in Kentucky in early 2010.

In its place, Toyota may opt to produce a long-wheelbase Camry for such markets as North America and the Middle East. The redesigned Camry currently is slated to begin production in mid-2011.


Head over to insideline to read official link

 

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=128990#2
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On the bright side, our current sc430 won't seem dated compared to a new redesigned model. And maybe it will maintain its value longer, kinda like the discontinued Toyota Supra, which seems to have not depreciated in the last 10 years.

 

I may keep the current one forever

 

So does this mean that there will be no 2009 as speculated before? And getting rid of the Avalon seems crazy. I see them everywhere. I would hate to see two different length Camrys out there...

 

I was just thinking the same thing as I was reading kalexxxo's post. For all the current SC owners, this is probably good news.

 

Total speculation. Next SC is going as planned and expect to see more versions of it next time around.

 

Im hoping that this article is not true. A LWB camry is just plain dumb especially when the Avalon is moving over 100,000 units a year. And the SC is not supposed to be a big seller its a halo car and brings in good profit dropping it will hurt image and put a little bit of a dent in sales. Once the third gen debuts sales will be up.

 

Wow that seems crazy to discontinue the avalon!-- and we've been thinking this was gonna happen with the SC430 for a while now

 

Perhaps Lexus figures that the upcoming IS retractable-hardtop convertible coupe can serve as an SC replacement?

 

That's like saying having the SLK AND the CLK can replace the SL

 

I happen to own an '08 Avalon Limited and an '02 SC430. The Avalon is a superb car. It is comfortable, roomy, and has decent performance with ~270 HP. Sound system is pretty good, too. I find it hard to believe it's being changed - I had to wait 3 weeks to get mine.

 

Does it really matter? If they introduce one they introduce one. If they don't they don't. But it will probably help out current owners in terms of resale.
Lexus should at least put in the 460 drive train.

I would not lose any sleep over it.

 

Avalon sales have dropped off a bit recently. In '07 73K were sold, down from 89K in '06. The Av is probably due for some kind of refresh soon.

Still, that's a lot of cars for Toyota to walk away from which seems unlikely.

 

The SC is really underpowered for what it is.. So if they're going to keep it alive, I hope they give it more power. Regarding the Avalon - if they bring the next Camry upscale a bit - what difference would it make if there's a long wheel-base version? It would be so similar that nobody would care..