The Lexus SC was first launched by the luxury division of Toyota in 1991. But if there was nothing impressive about the design back then, all changed with the launch of the second generation in 2002. But this is still not enough. If Lexus wants to still be important on the personal luxury coupe class they need to do something about it. And they will with the launch of the third generation SC in 2009.

The launch of the LF-A Roadster Concept at the Detroit Auto Show gave us a pretty good idea of how the future Lexus models will look like. And inspired by the Concept's design here's how we presume the third generation SC might look like.

Lexus has to come with something big that will easily compete with models like BMW 3-Series. In order to do this, the exterior changes aren't the only one that are required. There are important changes required under the hood too.

Click on read to find out more about the 2010 Lexus SC.

2010 Lexus SC

Specifications
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  • Model: 2010 Lexus SC

2008 SEAT Altea freetrack 2.0 TDI

Specifications
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  • Model: 2008 SEAT Altea freetrack 2.0 TDI
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According to various sources the future generation SC will be powered by the same engines as the current generation LS (meaning that the next generation SC will be called SC460?). This will mean a 4.6 liter V8 engine that delivers 380 hp@6,400 rpm. But on the other hand, this will mean 100 hp more than the current SC only has a maximum power of 280 Hp we seriously doubt that.

Also on the second hand the BMW 335i only has a maximum power of 300 hp and Lexus' target is the 3-Series we presume the SC's output will also be around 300 hp.

The 2010 Lexus SC will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 5.5 seconds and will hit a top speed of 155 mph.

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History

Lexus launched the SC in 1991. The first generation included the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 added in 1992. The second generation, the SC430, went into production in 2001. The SC 430 features a hardtop convertible design and a V8 engine.

First generation

In May 1991 Lexus expands its product line to three models with the addition of the SC 400 sport coupe. Designed at Calty Design in Newport Beach, Calif., the stunning coupe shares the tradition of Lexus luxury and adds a healthy dose of sport. In August 1991 the SC 300 sport coupe, which features a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, joins the Lexus family.

The classic SC 400/300 sport coupes receive improved performance for the 1998 model year with the addition of Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) in both six and eight-cylinder engines and a 5-speed automatic transmission in the SC 400.

Second generation

In April 2000 Lexus announces plans for the SC 430 convertible at the New York Auto Show and in January 2001 the second-generation SC, the SC 430, was launched at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Sales begun in May 2001.

A special edition SC 430 "Silver Belle" is offered through the 2001 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. All 99 vehicles are sold within 14 hours. One vehicle is auctioned via the Internet with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross in honor of the September 11 terrorist attack victims.

In August 2003 to commemorate Lexus' partnership with the Pebble Beach Resorts, a SC 430 Pebble Beach Special Edition of the retractable hard-top convertible is introduced with a limited run of 400 units. The special edition features exclusive Azure Metallic paint, Azure painted aluminum wheels, Ecru leather interior with black walnut wood trim, special badging and blue illuminated door sill scuff plates.

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Competitors

 

BMW 3-Series Convertible

Spring 2007 marks the introduction of BMW’s new 3 Series Convertible. Available initially in 325i and 335i guises, but followed closely by smaller engined variants and diesel-powered models, BMW’s new open-top will deliver the ultimate in performance and refinement thanks to a number of innovations. Featuring the first electronically operated folding hard-top roof offered by BMW, the world’s first car to be offered with SunReflective seat cooling leather and a brace of all-new powerplants, the 3 Series Convertible is set to remain the segment leader.

The 325i Convertible with its all-new 218hp six-cylinder engine develops 270Nm of torque. The open-topped 325i covers the 62mph sprint in 7.6 seconds and can attain a top speed of 152mph. However, it is still capable of a combined consumption figure of 35.8mpg.

Representing the flagship of the range is the 335i Convertible with its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine. Using an aluminium cylinder block rather than the magnesium alloy unit from the 325i Convertible, but with the added benefit of lag-free forced induction, the 335i posts a zero to 62mph time of 5.8 seconds. The 306hp engine, higher than the output of the E36 BMW M3, has been restricted to a 155mph top speed. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 28.5mpg. Peak torque of 400Nm from just 1,300rpm through to 5,000rpm gives the driver a real surge of effortless power, acceleration and flexibility.

Volvo C70

The second generation C70 Convertible was launched in 2005 at Frankfurt motor show. The aim was to create two cars in one - without compromising on either. A three-piece retractable hardtop transforms the Volvo C70 from coupe to convertible at the touch of a button. The C70 was developed in close cooperation with Pininfarina of Italy.

The engines in the all new Volvo C70 are five-cylinder, transversely installed in-line units. A five-cylinder engine gives low vibration and smooth operation. Together with large displacement, the five-cylinder configuration provides high torque across a broad rev band, and thus also swift acceleration and excellent driveability within a wide speed range.

The Volvo C70 T5 is the top model and it features a turbocharged engine mated to either a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox. The T5 models of the Volvo S40, V50, C30 and C70 are now available with improved power output. The increase in power, from 220 to 230 bhp, is the combined result of a number of minor changes.

The retractable hardtop is raised and lowered in about thirty seconds with the help of an electric motor and hydraulics. When lowered, it is fully concealed in the luggage compartment. Thanks to a special load assistance function, the remaining space can nonetheless be utilised very effectively for luggage.