Toyota Soarer

The Toyota Soarer was a personal luxury GT coupé sold by Toyota in Japan from 1981 to 2004. The Soarer débuted in 1981 with the Z1 series, replacing the Toyota Crown Coupe, which took the form of an angular two-door coupé. In 1986, a more rounded Soarer was launched (the Z2 series). In 1991, the third generation (30 series) Toyota Soarer premiered in Japan. The 30 series Soarers were related to the Lexus SC 300/400, a luxury coupe Toyota had commissioned for its new upscale Lexus division outside Japan. While sharing the same body style and multiple components as the first Lexus SC, the 30 series Soarer lineup offered different powertrain specifications and multiple unique vehicle configurations.

The Soarer was a competitor to the Nissan Leopard coupe.

In 2001, Toyota introduced a convertible successor which appeared in Japan as the fourth generation (40 series) Toyota Soarer, and elsewhere as the Lexus SC 430. In contrast to previous versions, the fourth generation Soarer and Lexus SC models were largely equivalent. In 2005, following the introduction of Lexus in Japan, sales of the 40 series Soarer were discontinued and the Lexus SC 430 became available in the Japanese market.

Z1 series (1981-1985)

Infobox Automobile generation


name = Toyota Soarer Z1
Data for Japanese Versions, 1982
production = 1981-1985
engine = 2.0 L OHC-I6 (IG-EU), 125 JIS hp
2.0 L OHC-Turbo-I6 (M-TEU), 145 JIS hp
2.8 L DOHC-I6 (5M-GEU), 170 JIS hp
transmission = 5 speed manual transmission; 4 speed automatic
length = 183.3 in (4655 mm)
width = 66.7 in (1695 mm)
height = 53.6 in (1360 mm)
layout=FR layout
body_style = 2-door coupe
weight = 1180-1310 kg (2605-2895 lb)
wheelbase = 104.7 in (2660 mm)

The Z1 series Toyota Soarer was produced from February 1981 to December 1985, and came in 2.0L, 2.8L or 3.0L I-6 variants. The first generation Soarer debuted with a rear-wheel drive configuration [http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html#001] . It boasted numerous technological items, such as touchscreen computer controlled air conditioning climate control, digital speed and tachometer display using LED, among other elecronic features.

The suspension utilized Macpherson type front struts with trailing arm type IRS in the rear. The vehicle also came with self-diagnosis maintenance reminders.

There were a number of different engines available.
*GZ10=1G-EU or 1G-GEU
*MZ10=M-TEU or 5M-GE
*MZ11=5M-GE
*MZ12=6M-GE

Early MZ10s were differnent in some regards to later MZ10s. Some of the difference are listed below.
*Later MZ10s had a water to air intercooler
*Later MZ10s had an oil and water cooled turbo (as opposed to the oil cooled only turbo in the early MZ10s)

The Z1 series Toyota Soarer was honored as Japan's Car of the Year for the 1981-1982 model years.

The MZ12 was equipped with the following features:
*ABS
*Cruise Control
*7 way adjustable (driver only) leather seats
*Toyota Electronicly Modulated Suspension (TEMS)
*Digital Automatic climate control
*Electro multivision display (CRT type display), GT LTD Only

Z2 series (1986-1991)

The Z2 series Toyota Soarer was produced from January 1986 to April 1991, and came in four variants: a 2.0L DOHC I-6 (1G-FE), a 2.0L naturally aspirated or twin turbo DOHC I-6 (1G-GE or 1G-GTE), and a turbocharged 3.0L DOHC I-6 (7M-GTE) with available air suspension. The styling of the second generation Soarer is similar of that of the MX73 Toyota Cressida and GX71 Toyota Mark II. [http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html#001] . The Soarer shared its platform with the newly introduced Toyota Supra.

A limited 500 unit production of the Aerocabin version was also available. This was the Z2 series with a convertible top.

There were a number of different engines available.GZ20=1G-EU or 1G-GEU or 1G-GTEUMZ20=7M-GTEUMZ21=7M-GTEU

In 1988 Soarer Z2 got restyling - rear taillights changed and minor interior changes (climat, dash). Other than that engines were improved: 1G-GTEU 180 -> 210 hp7M-GTEU 230 -> 240 hp

Also from that time M-series engines got oil squirters to cool pistons from that time.

30 series (1991-2000)

:"See also: Lexus SC 300 / SC 400"In 1990, following the successful launch of its upscale Lexus division outside of Japan, Toyota commissioned its California design studios to develop a new luxury coupe. In 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 Z3 or 30 series Toyota Soarer, replacing the Z2 series in that market. The 30 series Soarer shared the body style and key components with the Lexus SC, but featured different interior features, powertrain configurations, and other performance enhancements.

At the time of its 1991 debut, the Toyota Soarer boasted some of the rarest and most luxurious features of any car on the road at the time. It was one of the first cars in the world to feature factory GPS navigation and integrated car systems control (via the in-dash EMV touchscreen). It rivalled the likes of US$75,000 BMW & Mercedes-Benz vehicles and could be bought for a fraction of the price. It had a luxury feel to it, yet the 2.5GT twin turbo model in particular was truly a very powerful sports car as well. Not surprising though, given it shared the same chassis as the MKIV Toyota Supra. Both cars' suspension, brakes, drivetrains, and engine parts were interchangeable.

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. 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.

In addition, 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.

The JZZ31 model used the same engine and transmission as the MKIV 1993-1998 Toyota Supra N/A. This 3.0 liter DOHC Inline Six engine, the 2JZ-GE, was also used in the Lexus IS 300 and GS 300 models.

30 Series Soarer models

*JZZ30 - 2.5L 6 cyl twin turbo (1991-1996)
*JZZ30 - 2.5L 6 cyl single turbo VVTi (1996-2000)
*JZZ31 - 3.0L 6 cyl (US Lexus SC 300) (1992-2000)
*UZZ30 - 4.0L 8 cyl (US Lexus SC 400) (1992-2000)
*UZZ31 - 4.0L 8 cyl air suspension (1991-1997)
*UZZ32 - 4.0L 8 cyl 4ws, active suspension (1991-1996)

30 Series JZZ30 turbo models

In Japan, the 1991-1996 Soarer was available in one specific model (the JZZ30) with a "1JZ-GTE 2.5L Twin Turbo" engine. It officially produced 206 kW (276bhp) and 363Nm of torque @ 4800 RPM. From August 1996 the twin turbo engine was updated to a single turbo unit with variable valve timing (VVTi), nominally producing the same 206 kW but greater low-end torque of 378Nm at just 2400 RPM (see The Toyota JZ Engine Guide below). The 1996 model also received minor cosmetic changes including revised front and rear bumpers and side mouldings.

The 2.5 litre turbo Soarer variant was available in two trim levels - the GT-T and the GT-TL which added electric seats, wood trim and cruise control to the list of standard features.

30 Series JZZ31 models

In USA, the SC300 was introduced in line with the LS400 and SC400 as an alternative to the V8 engines, where the JZZ31 packed with the 2JZ-GE inline six. In Japan this happened also but 2 years later in 1994, where it replaced the UZZ30 Coil Suspension V8 model in the Japanese Market. The UZZ30 SC400 spec model in the USA remained on sale however till 2000 the end of soarer production. This new JZZ31 featured the 2JZ-GE motor also seen in the Toyota Supra and other top models in Toyota's line.

The Motor produced a generous 225BHP (168KW)@ 5800 RPM and 285NM of Torque @ 4800 RPM. Acceleration from the naturally balanced six is very smooth revving with pace up to the 6500 RPM redline where the cars DOHC 24 valve configuration gives it the up top acceleration. Being the lightest of the 1991-2000 Model Soarers at around 1500kg or less depending on the model options, performance is fairly reasonable, 60mph can be seen in the mid 7 second bracket and the 1/4 Mile in the high 15's. Improvements are readily available as the Toyota Supra is very similar so there is a large after market part selection in the USA and Oceania, Turbo upgrades to the non turbo models are the most common high power and torque upgrades with impressive results.

Regarding the trim specs of the JZZ31, or commonly know as the Soarer 3.0GT in Japan there's the top spec "G Pack" which is very similar to the UZZ30 featuring wood trims and the 7 Speaker sound system etc. On the other hand the most low featured "Base" model is also available like the base model TT, where plastic trims are in place of other wise wood, cruise control is non existent, the seat material is of a cheaper quality and also packs a low level stereo system.

The JZZ31 continued production in Japan and USA as the SC300 until December 2000.

30 Series UZZ31 and UZZ32 models

The UZZ31 and UZZ32 Soarer models, not sold in the U.S., had more luxury features than the JZZ30 single/twin turbo cars or the JZZ31/SC 300 and UZZ30/SC 400. Features like full leather electrically adjustable seating with seat heaters and memory systems, electrically adjusted auto-retracting steering, and ultrasonic de-misters in the wing mirrors helped distinguish these cars from their sportier versions and from their German competition. The UZZ31 and UZZ32 models were also available with an "EMV" (Electro Multi Vision) package which provided a screen with television, navigation (Japan only), diagnostics, car computer and touch control of all functions in the climate air conditioning system and of the sophisticated 7-speaker (with subwoofer) audio system with digital signal processing.

The UZZ31 model used an air suspension system that had two settings for both ride height and damper stiffness.

The UZZ32 model was the top of the line 30 series featuring four wheel steering and a complex hydraulic computer- controlled active suspension system. This did away with conventional springs and anti-roll (stabiliser) bars in favour of hydraulic struts controlled by sensors that detected cornering, acceleration and braking forces. The system worked well and gave an unusually controlled yet smooth ride with no body roll, but the weight penalty of the system affected straight-line performance somewhat, and the car was costly to produce. As a result, only 873 UZZ32's were made and are now collectors items in the UK and Australia. To put the rarity in perspective, some later model and very low milage examples of the UZZ32 can be seen for sale between $20,000-$35,000+ AUD where as the majority of the other soarers (Non active V8, I6 and TT models) can be had for $8,000-$15,000.

40 series (2001-2005)

:"Further information: Lexus SC 430"

The 40 series Soarer model was largely identical to its Lexus equivalent, sold outside Japan as the Lexus SC 430 since 2001. The 40 series Soarer 430SCV featured a hardtop which could fold into the boot of the car, in the fashion of the contemporary Mercedes-Benz SL. The coupe was equipped with the 3UZ-FE VVTi (variable valve timing) 4.3 litre V8 motor - as was available in the Lexus LS 430 luxury sedan. It produced a respectable 208kw (280HP) and 430Nm of torque. This enabled the coupe to accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in a reasonable 6 seconds. The shared body style of the 40 series Soarer/SC 430 was developed by Toyota designers at design studios in France and Japan. Compared with the 30 series, some observers generally considered the fourth generation a retreat in visual style due to its more compact and top heavy appearance. As a result it had lost the long sleek look previously seen and admired greatly in the 30 series models.

With the 40 series Soarer, design and production synergies culminated in the development of a single shared design configuration for both the Soarer and Lexus models, unlike the previous generations. The rise of Lexus as Toyota's premium worldwide marque also contributed to the design focus on the Lexus model configuration rather than a separate Toyota-branded series of Soarer coupes. On July 26, 2005, Lexus was introduced in Japan with the 2006 SC 430 in its lineup. The debut of Lexus and the SC 430 coincided with the conclusion of Toyota Soarer sales.

External Resources

* [http://www.soarerworld.com/forum/ Soarer World - the world's largest and busiest forum for Soarer owners]
* [http://planetsoarer.com/ Planet Soarer]
* [http://www.soarer.ne.jp/index-e.html Soarer Owners Club in Japan (English)]
* [http://www.intellexual.net/ Intellexual.net SC300/400 FAQ]
* [http://www.z2soarer.info Information on the second generation (Z2) Toyota Soarer]
* [http://autospeed.drive.com.au/cms/A_2750/article.html The Toyota JZ Engine Guide]
* [http://www.soarercentral.com/ The Australian Lexus Soarer Club user forum]