GT5 Transcripts/Toyota Soarer Z30

The Toyota Soarer was sold as the Lexus SC in the US.

Toyota decided that the time was ripe to market a luxury sports coupe in the U.S. So in May of 1991, it pulled the covers off the third generation Soarer; which would ultimately be known in North America as the Lexus SC.

To accommodate American drivers, the Soarer physically grew when compared to the previous model. Its overall length and width increased 7.2 inches and 2.6 inches respectively, making its measurement from front to rear at 192.9 inches and 71.0 inches in width (for the initial version).

The Soarer's elegant shape was penned at Toyota North American design studio, called CALTY, so the car was styled with U.S. tastes in mind. It featured a flowing profile that suggested a sports car body. The face was highlighted by a grille-less design with large fixed headlights.

Under the Soarer's hood was a twin turbocharged 2.5-liter DOHC inline-6 that pumped out 276 HP, while a 4.0-liter DOHC V8 produced 256 HP. It produced more in U.S. trim. The former engine came mated to a 5-speed manual, while the latter was mated to a 4-speed automatic. The suspension consisted of double wishbones at all four corners, with the 2.5-liter model getting the Piezo electric TEMS system (Toyota Electric Modulated Suspension). In 1996, Japan stopped selling the V8 model, replaced by one with a 3.0-liter inline-6. But thanks to its timeless design and smooth powertrain, the Soarer proved popular in Japan and here in the U.S.