Speculation around Lexus coupes has been numerous over the last few years, including everything from the return of the LFA to a Toyota GR 86-based “UC” small sports coupe. Amongst those has been consistent chatter that at the end of their lifecycles, the RC and LC coupes would be replaced by one model positioned between them.
If such a coupe exists, should Lexus revive the SC name?
The Lexus SC: A tradition of design and performance
The first generation Lexus SC was developed in conjunction with the A80 Toyota Supra and Toyota Soarer, and released in 1991 in the United States as two models: the 2JZ-powered SC 300 and V8 SC 400. The original SC was lauded as one of the most striking coupe designs of its day and a vehicle that influenced automotive design for years to come.
The second generation Lexus SC was also a standout design exercise and is still considered one of the most controversial and daring designs Lexus ever released. After Lexus’ 1999 Sport Coupe Concept garnered so much positive press from the public and media alike, the SC 430 production car went on sale in 2001 with a two year waiting list at dealerships. The retractable hardtop convertible was polarizing during its 9-year model with a mid-life refresh for the 2006 model year, and ultimately slower sales until it was discontinued in 2010.
Is now the time for a third generation SC?
After it was discontinued in 2010, the SC was succeeded by the RC coupe which arrived in 2014 as a 2015 model year vehicle, and later the LC 500 and 500h which went into production for the 2018 model year after universal praise for the LF-LC concept car. As the RC is now in its tenth year of production and the LC is getting long in the tooth, recent speculation has centered around Lexus replacing both coupes with a model positioned between them.
Might this signify the revival of the Lexus SC? The RC was positioned below the SC in Lexus’ hierarchy, and the LC above it. If both coupes will end their lifecycles in favor of one new midsize coupe, it feels right that “SC” should be the name for such a vehicle.
Rumors from Best Car indicate the following:
- Front engine, rear-wheel drive configuration using a revised version of the GA-L platform used on the LC 500 and LS 500
- 2+2 seating format
- Propulsion via Lexus’ well known 3.4L twin-turbo V6, a range-topping hybrid V6 model, and possibly a 2.4L turbocharged four cylinder hybrid model
- A hybrid model will be introduced initially, as well as a BEV model later
Could this be a Lexus SC + Toyota Supra revival?
Speculation around the next-generation A100 Toyota Supra has also made us wonder if like the first generation SC, a new model could be co-developed with the Toyota Supra. If Toyota’s joint partnership with BMW ends with the current A90 Supra, a SC/Supra revival would make business sense as much as it would make enthusiasts happy.
For now these might only be rumors, but for a brand that has seen success with motorsports racing and who wants to prove their performance credentials, a next-generation performance vehicle of some sort must be in the works.
What do you think? Should Lexus revive the SC model with a new coupe? Let us know in the Lexus Enthusiast forums.