Toyota Soarer

In 1987, following the design freeze of the upcoming upscale Lexus division's UCF10 LS 400 (Celsior) flagship sedan due in 1989, Toyota commissioned its California design studio Calty to develop a new luxury coupe. In mid-1991, this vehicle debuted in the U.S. as the Lexus SC 300/400. In the same year, the third generation Toyota Soarer debuted in Japan as the Z30 series, replacing the Z20 series in that market. The Z30 series Soarer shared the body and key components with the Lexus SC, but featured different interior features, powertrain configurations, and other performance enhancements.

Further information: Lexus SC 300 / SC 400

In 1987, following the design freeze of the upcoming upscale Lexus division's UCF10 LS 400 (Celsior) flagship sedan due in 1989, Toyota commissioned its California design studio Calty to develop a new luxury coupe. In mid-1991, this vehicle debuted in the U.S. as the Lexus SC 300/400. In the same year, the third generation Toyota Soarer debuted in Japan as the Z30 series, replacing the Z20 series in that market. The Z30 series Soarer shared the body and key components with the Lexus SC, but featured different interior features, powertrain configurations, and other performance enhancements.

This new Soarer continued some of the features that Toyota had pioneered on the earlier models, such as digital dash instrumentation and integrated car systems control via the in-dash EMV touchscreen. For example, it was now one of the first cars in the world to feature factory GPS navigation via CD-ROM.

The Toyota Soarers made from the years 1991–2000 were offered with a 4-speed automatic transmission for all models. In addition, the JZZ30 Soarer could be had with a 5-speed manual transmission. All models were available with a Torsen torque-sensing differential. Unlike their US Lexus equivalents however, the 30-series Soarer lineup never received a 5-speed automatic, and only the six-cylinder versions received variable valve timing ( VVTI ) engines, in 1996. Also, the UZZ30 (equivalent to the Lexus SC400) was only sold from 1991 to 1993, and the JZZ31 (equivalent to the Lexus SC300) was not introduced to the Japanese market until 1994.

Styling-wise, the Soarer received only minor changes to (e.g. rear lights, front grille and front/rear bumpers as well as the addition of side-skirts) during its 9-year production run, a testament to the original design.

Starting in 1997, the Soarer was used as a high speed patrol car in multiple Japanese prefectures, using the 2.5GT trim with a 5-speed manual transmission.^{[citation needed]}

Z30 series Soarer models