95SC400

Just got the September Motor Trend...

Lexus is going to come out with a new SC that will "expand the SC lineup" !!!

It will be a coupe and convertible and will apparently not be based on the SC430! It will be out in mid/late 2003.

What will it look like???

My fear... A Lexus Solara

My hope... A mix of the SC300/400 and Mercedes CL coupe.

Legends6spd

i read that. but i'm not so sure i read the part where it's NOT based on the SC430?
i did remember reading that it'll have the INLINE SIX... THANK GOD its not the V6 (camry written all over it).

i really hope that it'll be a coupe, and a convertible line (like 3 series, or audi) , and not that it's a coupe AND a convertible in one - like the SC430, but w/ a smaller engine.

KingpinC4

I think its going to the the sc430 but with a 6 cyl. engine. You really see toyota bringing a whole new model to the table when it could just drop a new engine in an existing body?

Legends6spd

well, even though i THINK it'll be SC430 with teh smaller 6 engine... reason I'm holding out hope for a new model on the table is if it's just a SC430 with a smaller engine, why does Lexus need to wait till 2004 to release it? They'd be able to come out w/ it RIGHT NOW. the car exists, and the engine can be grabbed from existing GS/IS.
Sure, u may take away the sales right now from the SC430, but the SC430 has been doing pretty well. and the SC300/SC330 would open a whole new market to those who don't have $65k to spend but is shopping the 3 series convertible or Z3, A4 Cab, S2K, SLK...etc

Lex Luthor

Legends, have you considered that Lexus corporate wants to wait a little before releasing a 2JZ powered SC, so that they can meet their sales projections for the first two years of SC430 production without losing sales to a less expensive and therefore less profitable model? Did the article have any info on ballpark pricing? The rumors I heard said 40 grand. Can anyone confirm that it will definitely be a derivative of the existing SC? I'm very interested, matter of fact i'll be delaying picking up an SC3 to turbo until I can see this new model, anyone with any more info?
- Jon

London Bill

It's just a rumour repeated from somewhere else, the next Soarer will be a Supra/Soarer, 4.3L V8 and possibly supercharged.

Legends6spd

Lex Luthor, I think you hit it right on the head. Lexus wanted to wait so it doesnt cut into the sales of it's more expensive counterpart.

My pt is, even if the smaller engine model will cut into its sales, the SC430 has sold remarkably well (although no longer going at a premium over MSRP) that it won't matter much.
In fact, I think it has outsold the demand, and at the same time lack the smaller engine that MORE ppl is seeking.
If you really think about it, the only true competitor to the SC430 is the new SL500 in terms of a 2+2 hardtop convertible with ultra luxuries.

The SLK is not a true competitor in that it's much smaller and it's on its way out. Others have soft tops only.

I'm very eager to see the new SC3. I don't know how it will affect the value of our current SC's. But I'm hoping with the new release, there will be more aftermarket parts available for our cars as well.

lex400sc

The new SC330 is going to be a 240hps 3.3-liter V6. It will use the same V6 motor as the GS330, IS330, and I think the Executive model will use it too.

Lex Luthor

I heard they're sticking with the I6 for certain cars, you're telling me everything will be a V6 now?

Legends6spd

lex400sc,

According to new Motor Trend (just got it this week), the SC will be an Inline 6. Which made me happy, as I too, have heard it's the 3.3 V6 from other sources.
I'd like to believe the latest news from MT. of course, they could be wrong.

BLK13X

Or a late model Soarer/Chaser 1JZGTE!!

The styling of the 'Z40 isn't that bad (never compare it to the Z30's though!), with a smaller engine (but basically the same power etc) Lexus would have a real winner on their hands. But for all I know is that they won't even bring it out into Australia... not until about 2 years after it's introduction everywhere else... great market here in Aus!!

machinegt

i hope they decide to produce a contender to bmw, merc, and audi's horsepower race, rather than produce another pampered down feminine product.

henrynguyen

I read the news from Supra owner groups that a new SC coming out will be Lexus/Supra. They did not make up their mind whether to put a 4.3 Liter V8 engine or maybe it might be an L-6 twin turbo engine.

kschwenk

Moterweek says an IS430 will start the 2004 year.

Legends6spd

IS430 would be a great competitor to the M3.
However, it wouldn't make too much sense business wise in that it'd trump the GS430.
Also, Lexus will be out with a 5.0L engine by 2004-2005 (LS500), so why would the 4.3 just make its debut in the IS then?
Not to discredit your post, but this is one I'd really have to SEE to BELIEVE.