Toyota Soarer III (Z30) photos

The third generation Toyota Soarer luxury coupe (Z30 series) launched in May 1991. Designed by Calty Design Research in California, the chassis served concurrently as the Lexus SC 300/400 for global export. The aerodynamic body featured smooth sculpted surfaces, rounded quad headlamp projectors, and a low 0.31 drag coefficient. The opulent interior was equipped with genuine wood trim, 3D Optitron gauge illumination, a premium Nakamichi audio system, and a touchscreen GPS navigation interface.

Engine offerings included the twin-turbo 2.5-liter 1JZ-GTE inline-six (280 hp, updated in 1996 to a single VVT-i turbo), a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE (225 hp), and a silky 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8 delivering 260 horsepower. Top-spec 4.0GT Limited models offered Toyota's revolutionary computer-controlled hydropneumatic Active Control Suspension. Transmissions were a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Major facelifts in 1994 and 1996 updated the front bumper air dams, side cladding, and rear spoiler.