The SC Coupe/ Convertible: Redefining Luxury in a Sport Coupe
Daily Slideshow: The first-generation SC debuted as the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 was added in 1992. Over the next 18 years, both cars went though many design changes, and eventually became the premier Japanese sports coupe before ceasing production in 2010.
1992-2000 First generation SC400
The SC400 luxury sports coupe debuted in the United States in June 1991 as a 1992 model. The SC400's 4.0 liter V8 1UZ-FE, the same engine as used in the LS 400, cost over $400,000,000 in research and development, and set new standards for smoothness and durability. Right out of the gate, the car won Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1992 and made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1992 through 1998. The first-generation lasted nine years - long compared to other cars of this period - with only minor exterior changes. New tail lighting and a modified spoiler design was part of the mid-cycle vehicle refresh, and a front grille was added in 1996, along with a redesigned front bumper, side skirts, and rocker panels.
1992-2000 First generation SC300
In July 1991, the SC300, a smaller-engined version of the SC400, premiered in the United States, with a version of the Supra straight six. The SC300 was equipped with a 3.0 liter inline 6 2JZ-GE engine. The original 1992–1997 engines for the 2JZ-GE-powered SC300 were rated at 225 hp/210 lb-ft. The output of the SC 300 was five horsepower more than the equivalent engine used in the naturally aspirated Toyota Supra. These days, many tuners have combined the SC300 with parts from turbo Supras to make a unique performance coupe.
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2001-2005 First generation SC430
At the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus displayed its new Sport Coupe concept, a V8-powered convertible which predicted the replacement for the SC300/400. The production version of its new convertible hard top, the SC 430, debuted at the New York Auto Show in April 2000 as a 2001 model. Power was provided by a 4.3 liter 3UZ-FE V8 engine with variable valve timing (VVT-i) mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Once again, this engine was shared with the Lexus LS. The SC 430's V8 produced 288 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, allowing the coupe to go from 0–60 mph in 6.2 seconds. In 2004 and 2005, J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey awarded the SC 430 as the highest ranked premium luxury vehicle. Kelley Blue Book gave the SC 430 its Best to Hold Value Award in 2002.
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2004-2006 Second generation SC430 Pebble Beach edition
The Pebble Beach edition SC430 was produced in association with the world famous Pebble Beach golf course, and location of one of the most prestigious car events in the world. It featured a unique exterior and interior color combination which changed with each model year. For each model year, production of the Pebble Beach edition was limited to just 400 units. Each Lexus SC Pebble Beach edition coupe exhibited special badging featuring Pebble Beach golf club's "Lone Cypress" logo on the center console, and floor mats. For the 2006 model, a unique rear spoiler and spider alloy wheels were also included.
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2006-2010 Second generation SC430 mid cycle refresh
For the 2006 model year, the SC430 was updated, with detail changes that included redesigned alloy wheels. Not only was this version sold in North America, but it officially launched the Lexus brand in Japan. Also, unlike its predecessor, the 2006 SC430 was officially imported to the United Kingdom, where the old SC 400 had been a popular grey market import.
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2010 Second generation SC430 Eternal Jewel Edition
In 2010 the SC 430 Eternal Jewel edition was produced just for the Japanese market and limited to 200 units. This JDM only edition included special two-tone paint options, and specially colored interior to compliment the exterior. You can see pictures of all that was available on Motor Trend.
In the US, the 2010 Lexus SC430 was also the last automobile from any major manufacturer sold with a factory cassette tape deck stereo
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Super GT Racing Lexus SC430
Production of the second-generation SC may have ended in July 2010 after nine years of production, but Lexus was still using them in the Super GT until the 2013 season ended. If you are a video game fan, you can race the 2008 version of this car in Gran Turismo 5 and 6. For more details on the SC430, racing program, check out Supercars.net.
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