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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 Lexus SC400
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| All-New SC 400/300 Engines and Transmissions Satisfy Enthusiasts' Need For Speed |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:12:42 |
| Rating |
 474 ( -65 -13.71% ) |
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Description:
Enjoying continued success in the image-conscious luxury sport coupe segment, the Lexus SC Coupes complete a thorough remake started in '97 with the introduction of two new engines and a new 5-speed automatic transmission for 1998.
Since its inception in 1991, the SC Coupe has received numerous tributes for its unique styling and exhilarating performance. A creation of Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, the combination of innovative design and standout performance made the SC Coupe a trendsetter for future car development.
With new engines and transmissions for both the SC 400 and 300, more stimulating performance is on tap. Incorporating new technology developed by Lexus, the SC 400 eight- and SC 300 six-cylinder engines produce more horsepower and better acceleration while maintaining impressive fuel economy and reduced emission. New convenience features, including additional interior wood trim and integrated garage door opener, complement the numerous existing luxury amenities in the SC Coupes.
Powertrain
Exhilarating acceleration and increased power is produced by the next-generation Lexus four-cam, 32-valve V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing/intelligence (VVT-i). An industry first for a V8, VVT-i employs continuously variable intake valve timing control to provide greater engine performance, better fuel economy and reduced emissions over a broad rpm range. Improved power output includes 290 hp at 6000 rpm, an increase 30 horsepower, while peak torque of 300 Ibs.-ft. occurs at 4,000 rpm, a 30 Ibs.-ft. increase. The SC 400 zero to 60 time is improved to 6.3 seconds.
The SC 300 is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder powerplant that also utilizes VVT-i technology. Producing 225 hp at 6,000 rpm and 220 Ibs.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, an improvement of 10 Ibs.-ft, this engine applies wide valve angles, four valves per cylinder and extensive weight- and friction-reducing technology to produce unusually high output for its displacement.
The SC 400 features an all-new five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission that improves both acceleration and overall efficiency. The addition of a fifth gear provides wider ratios between low and high gears and shorter and smoother shift intervals. First gear ratio has a wide range to improve standing-start and medium-speed acceleration.
A 4-speed automatic transmission with improved shift response and an electronic throttle control system (ETCS) for smoother acceleration is standard equipment on the SC 300. An artificial intelligence shift control system (Al) has been adopted to achieve smoother operation under a variety of driving conditions. The 5-speed manual transmission has been discontinued due to lack of demand.
Suspension and Handling
Both the SC 300 and SC 400 employ four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with coil springs and gas pressurized shock absorbers. Precise suspension tuning provides stable handling precision coupled with refined ride characteristics to provide the best of both snorts and luxury cars.
Vehicle-speed-sensitive progressive power rack and pinion steering renders a quick 3.1 turns, lock to lock, for positive steering inputs and reassuring feedback. Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes with a 3-channel anti-lock system are fitted to all four wheels.
Both Coupes ride on 225/55R16 V-rated performance tires. The SC 400 is fitted with 1 6x7.0 inch alloy wheels and the SC 300 1 6x6.5. Both Coupes offer chrome-plated wheels as an option.
Features and Conveniences
Several new interior features have been added for increased security and safety.
For increased protection from vehicle theft, both Lexus Coupes feature an engine immobilizer system, which prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key is placed in the ignition. A key-integrated transponder chip transmits a pre-programmed identification code that matches a stored code in a computer memory. A sophisticated "rolling code" backup system deciphers and confirms the transponder code. If confirmation is interrupted or tampered with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) prohibits fuel delivery and ignition and shuts down the engine.
Like the LS 400, GS 400 and GS 300, a multi-function key-integrated entry system replaces the separate fob-type system for more compact size. The key-integrated system allows the operator to lock and unlock the driver door or all doors, open the trunk, activate a beep tone to easily locate your vehicle and sound a panic alarm that also flashes the vehicle's headlights and taillights.
An integrated garage door opener is part of the moonroof option and rests within the driver sun visor. Able to "learn" frequencies and codes of 98 percent of all garage door transmitters currently on the market, the garage door opener even accepts "rolling code" security, making the system resistant to unauthorized circumvention by electronic scanners.
Other new features for the SC Coupes include a gated shift lever for easy manual shifting and additional console wood trim. The SC Coupes also include a wood and leather shift knob to complement the existing wood panels.
In addition to newly added features, the SC Coupes continue to offer an extensive list of standard equipment including a powered front passenger seat entry assist. An "easy access" four-link door hinge is double-jointed and swings the door out and forward for improved entry and exit.
Lexus Coupes share numerous convenience features with their sedan stablemates, including power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with an automatic memory tilt-away feature. A multi-adjustable power driver-seat memory function stores preferred seat position and outside mirror settings for two persons. Along with leather interior, these features are standard equipment on the SC 400, optional on SC 300.
Two new colors include Baroque Red Metallic and Imperial Jade Mica.
Safety
All 1998 Lexus vehicles will be fitted with next-generation supplemental restraint system (SRS) dual front airbags with reduced propellant power. Front seat belt pretensioners and four-wheel, three channel anti-lock brakes are also standard equipment on SC 400 and SC 300.
The optional Lexus TRAC electronic traction control system employs a combination of engine throttle and brake intervention and is packaged with thermostatically heated front seats.
Audio and Electronics
Both Lexus Coupe models are equipped with a standard seven-speaker premium audio system, featuring door-mounted tweeters and midrange speakers with tuned sub enclosures. Rear-deck-mounted full-range speakers are joined by an 8-inch separately powered sub-woofer which utilizes the trunk cavity as a tuned low frequency enclosure. Maximum standard system power is 170 watts. A 280-watt Lexus/Nakamichi system and 12-disc CD changer are optional.
The Lexus SC Coupes specifically appeal to the driver who seeks high levels of performance, handling and active driving pleasure. Chief competitors to the SC Coupes include the BMW 8-Series, Mercedes-Benz SL and SLK and Jaguar XK8.
The SC 400 and 300 have won more than a dozen awards from various automotive publications since its launch in 1991. Since its inception, both Coupes have consistently finished at or near the top of their segment in the annual J.D. Power and Associates' annual Initial Quality Survey (IQS) as the highest quality car made. Most recently, Lexus won the 1997 J.D. Power and Associates' Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) for best car line in Vehicle Dependability at Five Years of Ownership. |
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