Aristo300

Now with 400hp or so that car^^ can compete with the SL's and 6-series.

4onenight

I wish that the lf-a comes out asap as the new sc series.

ren495

The next SC should have 2 versions- the V8 and a V6 hybrid.

The IS will not have a hybrid, it's more of a entry level luxury/ sport car. There will be a dedicated hybrid and I'm guessing a ES hybrid.

The LFA is reported to have a V8 hybrid (like the LS600h) powertrain.

That means the SC should get a V6 hybrid. I really hope Lexus makes one. The same engine that the GS450h has, maybe next gen with lithium ion batteries? Anyway around 360 horses, CO2 pollution below 180 g/km (current GS450h has 186) would be great. These days a V8 is not all that anymore. Same reason why Lexus didn't put a V12 in the LS600h, but a V8 hybrid.

Lexus should not stop with the IS and LFA convertibles. They need to make a new SC. Look at BMW, they even have a 1 series convertible, along with the 3 series.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Well, if the next gen SC is still based on the GS platform, it is capable of having both the V8 (4.6L engine) and V6 hybrid (450h variant).

However, you have to consider the weight and size of the next SC, and ask if such a hybrid variant would be beneficial for a "sports convertible/roadster" body. I don't think it would be wise for Lexus to make a 4000+ lb hybrid roadster...

The IS coupe/convertible is more and more taking over the SC niche.

The next gen SC (if it isn't discontinued) needs to be placed somewhere between the IS convertible and the LF-A (unless if the LF-A becomes the 3rd gen SC, which is possible, but highly unlikely).

ren495

Lexus absolutely has to make a new SC. The LFA is a supercar, not a SC replacement. The IS will be a small sporty coupe/convertible. If they want to compete with the germans they need more models, not less. They need to make the SC bigger, a true BMW 6 series competitor.

And yes, they should absolutely make a hybrid. With the next gen. system using lithium ion batteries I hope, but if they don't make one i'll be seriously disappointed.

Hermosa

How much do you tihnk the next SC will cost? The price has not changed much in a long time.

The 2000 SC400 was $65000 in SoCal in 2000. The SC430 was actually less at $62580 in 2001. Now the SC430 is $65455 in 2008. If they keep the SC in the price range then we would probably see a modest power/performance boost and not a supercar type $120+K car.

FunGuy

Lexus just release the Concept LF-A on their website. I heard from Car and Driver a year ago that the SC may be discontinued. Now does this confirm it? Or will lexus have 3 drop tops in their future line-up. Looks good, makes my current SC look like garbage.

http://www.lexus.com/fcv/lf_a_roadster.html

xknowonex

iTrader: (2)

When one of the corporate guys from the Lexus brought the IS-F to the Cars and Coffee meet a while back, I inundated them with questions, and one of them is about the replacement for the SC. His answer is that there won't be any as a convertible IS coupe will fill in that niche.

intdiamond

iTrader: (2)

According to some local higher-ups at Lexus that I keep peppering with questions, the upcoming LF-C will be the new SC... w/a FI-V8 and no hybrid. the LF-A Roadster will cost more than $125K and has no top at all. A "poor-man's" Ferrari Barchetta. The LF line is the future of Lexus, with sedan, coupe, SUV and drop-top. My 2cents.