The Lexus SC 400 coupe was introduced in 1992 as the third body style option from the Japanese luxury automaker. The 400 had a less expensive and less poerful counterpart, the six cylinder SC 300. Both coupes featured a 2+2 notchback body and rear wheel drive. Notchback refers to the inclusion of a small truck instead of a typical 2+2 hatchback liftgate.
The SC 400 was powered by a 4.0 liter V-8, which initially made 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Performance data vary for the SC, but 0-60 time was always listed between 6.5 and 7 seconds. In 1998, a new V-8 engine borrowed from the LS added 10 additional horse power. The 400 was also available as a 5-speed manual foor thr first time that year.
The body style was virtually unchanged throughout the nine year run of the SC, but both coupes received some more muscular and aggressive looking exterior trim in 1997. The SC was quick and fairly nimble for its weight, and it was filled with many of the LS sedan's amenities. However, it was frequently criticized for its apparent failure to fully live up to either the standards of a true sports coupe or a true luxury car.
