Post by AMSpeed13 on Jul 18, 2009 8:56:42 GMT -5
The Toyota Soarer was a luxory coupe sold by Toyota, Japan from 1981 to 2004. The Soarer launched in 1981, releasing the Z10 series. In 1986 the more rounded Soarer was released, the Z20 series. In 1991 the Z30 series was released. The Z30 Soarers were also released in America, but under the Lexus name tag, the SC300/400. While the Lexus SC shared many components and the same body style, the Z30 Soarer offered different powertrain specs and different vehicle configurations. In 2001 Toyota released the Z40, a convertible known here in the states as the Lexus SC430. In 2005 Lexus was introduced in Japan and the Soarer line was discontinued, and the Lexus SC 430 was now available in Japan.
All Soarers featured a unique winged lion emblem (not a Griffen) throughout the vehicles history.
Z10 Series (1981-1985)
The Soarer made its first appearance at the 1980 Osaka International Motor Show with the name "EX-8", and the Z10 series Toyota Soarer was produced from February 1981 to December 1985, with 2.0L, 2.8L or 3.0L DOHC I-6 variants. The first generation Soarer debuted with a rear-wheel drive configuration based on the XA6X Celica/Supra. It boasted numerous technological items, such as touchscreen computer controlled air conditioning climate control (on all models excepting base models which featured standard fan/heater controls), digital speed and tachometer display using LED (that were differentiated between models), 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-GEU
MZ11=5M-GE or 6M-GEU
MZ12=6M-GEU
Early M-TEU powered MZ10's were different in some regards to later MZ10s. Some of the difference are listed below.
Later MZ10's had a water to air intercooler
Later MZ10's had an oil and water cooled turbo (as opposed to the oil cooled only turbo in the early MZ10s)
The Z1X 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 Electronically Modulated Suspension (TEMS)
Digital Automatic climate control
Audible Warning messages
Electro multivision display (CRT type display), GT LTD Only
Airbag suspension
Z20 Series (1986-1991)
The Z20 series Toyota Soarer was produced from January 1986 to 1991, and came in four variants: a 2.0L DOHC I-6 (1G-GE), a 2.0L naturally aspirated or twin turbo DOHC I-6 (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 GX81 Toyota Mark II. The Soarer shared its platform with the newly introduced Toyota Supra.
In April 1989 a limited 500 unit production of the Aerocabin version was also available. This came with only 2 seats and an electric folding roof. The Aerocabin came with the same specs as the GT-Limited and were only available with the 7M-GTE engine, 4sp automatic transmission, tan leather interior and pearl paint.
There were a number of different engines available.
GZ20=1G-EU or 1G-GEU or 1G-GTEU
MZ20=7M-GTEU
MZ21=7M-GTEU Air suspension
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 hp
7M-GTEU 230 -> 240 hp (179 kW)
Also from that time M-series engines got oil squirters to cool pistons from that time.
Unlike the A70, the Z20 did not pick up the 2.5L twin turbo 1JZ-GTE. However all models built from 5/1989 including the Aerocabin came with a newer crossmember which allows for easy conversion to the more popular and powerful 1JZ-GTE
Z30 Series (1991-2000)
In 1990, following the successful launch of its upscale Lexus division outside of Japan, Toyota commissioned its California design studio Calty 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 Z30 series, replacing the Z20 series. The Z30 series Soarer shared the body style and key components with the Lexus SC, but featured different interior features, powertrain configurations, and other performance enhancements.
This new Soarer continued some of the features that Toyota had pioneered on the earlier models, such as digital dash instrumentation and integrated car systems control via the in-dash EMV touchscreen. For example, it was now one of the first cars in the world to feature factory GPS navigation via cd-rom, continuing the Toyota/Lexus tradition of not only equalling but surpassing the established luxury brands in price, quality and features. 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 its chassis was used for the MKIV Supra as well. The chassis though, was originally designed for the Soarer. 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. All models were available with a Torsen torque-sensing differential. Unlike their US Lexus, 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. Also, 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.
Styling-wise, the Soarer received only minor changes to the rear lights and front grille during its 9-year production run, a testament to the original design.
Starting in 1997, the Soarer was used as a high speed patrol car in multiple Japanese prefectures, using the 2.5GT-T and a 5-speed manual transmissio
JZZ30 (1991–2000) — 2.5 L 6 cyl twin turbo/single turbo VVTi
JZZ31 (1994–2000) — 3.0 L 6 cyl base model 6 cylinder (equivalent to Lexus SC300)
UZZ30 (1991–1993) — 4.0 L 8 cyl base model 8 cylinder (equivalent to Lexus SC400)
UZZ31 (1991–1997) — 4.0 L 8 cyl air suspension, "EMV" TV/touchscreen system
UZZ32 (1991–1996) — 4.0 L 8 cyl active suspension, four-wheel steering, "EMV" TV/touchscreen system
Z40 Series (2001-2005)
The 40 series Soarer model was largely identical to its Lexus equivalent, sold outside Japan as the Lexus SC 430 since 2001. The Z40 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 208 kW (279 hp) and 430 N·m (320 lb·ft) of torque. This enabled the coupe to accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6 seconds. The shared body style of the Z40 series Soarer/SC 430 was developed by Toyota designers at design studios in France and Japan. Compared with the Z30 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 Z30 series models.
With the Z40 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 TSOOH in its lineup. The debut of Lexus and the SC 430 coincided with the conclusion of Toyota Soarer sales.
References- wikipedia, automedia, toyota.
All Soarers featured a unique winged lion emblem (not a Griffen) throughout the vehicles history.
Z10 Series (1981-1985)
The Soarer made its first appearance at the 1980 Osaka International Motor Show with the name "EX-8", and the Z10 series Toyota Soarer was produced from February 1981 to December 1985, with 2.0L, 2.8L or 3.0L DOHC I-6 variants. The first generation Soarer debuted with a rear-wheel drive configuration based on the XA6X Celica/Supra. It boasted numerous technological items, such as touchscreen computer controlled air conditioning climate control (on all models excepting base models which featured standard fan/heater controls), digital speed and tachometer display using LED (that were differentiated between models), 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-GEU
MZ11=5M-GE or 6M-GEU
MZ12=6M-GEU
Early M-TEU powered MZ10's were different in some regards to later MZ10s. Some of the difference are listed below.
Later MZ10's had a water to air intercooler
Later MZ10's had an oil and water cooled turbo (as opposed to the oil cooled only turbo in the early MZ10s)
The Z1X 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 Electronically Modulated Suspension (TEMS)
Digital Automatic climate control
Audible Warning messages
Electro multivision display (CRT type display), GT LTD Only
Airbag suspension
Z20 Series (1986-1991)
The Z20 series Toyota Soarer was produced from January 1986 to 1991, and came in four variants: a 2.0L DOHC I-6 (1G-GE), a 2.0L naturally aspirated or twin turbo DOHC I-6 (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 GX81 Toyota Mark II. The Soarer shared its platform with the newly introduced Toyota Supra.
In April 1989 a limited 500 unit production of the Aerocabin version was also available. This came with only 2 seats and an electric folding roof. The Aerocabin came with the same specs as the GT-Limited and were only available with the 7M-GTE engine, 4sp automatic transmission, tan leather interior and pearl paint.
There were a number of different engines available.
GZ20=1G-EU or 1G-GEU or 1G-GTEU
MZ20=7M-GTEU
MZ21=7M-GTEU Air suspension
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 hp
7M-GTEU 230 -> 240 hp (179 kW)
Also from that time M-series engines got oil squirters to cool pistons from that time.
Unlike the A70, the Z20 did not pick up the 2.5L twin turbo 1JZ-GTE. However all models built from 5/1989 including the Aerocabin came with a newer crossmember which allows for easy conversion to the more popular and powerful 1JZ-GTE
Z30 Series (1991-2000)
In 1990, following the successful launch of its upscale Lexus division outside of Japan, Toyota commissioned its California design studio Calty 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 Z30 series, replacing the Z20 series. The Z30 series Soarer shared the body style and key components with the Lexus SC, but featured different interior features, powertrain configurations, and other performance enhancements.
This new Soarer continued some of the features that Toyota had pioneered on the earlier models, such as digital dash instrumentation and integrated car systems control via the in-dash EMV touchscreen. For example, it was now one of the first cars in the world to feature factory GPS navigation via cd-rom, continuing the Toyota/Lexus tradition of not only equalling but surpassing the established luxury brands in price, quality and features. 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 its chassis was used for the MKIV Supra as well. The chassis though, was originally designed for the Soarer. 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. All models were available with a Torsen torque-sensing differential. Unlike their US Lexus, 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. Also, 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.
Styling-wise, the Soarer received only minor changes to the rear lights and front grille during its 9-year production run, a testament to the original design.
Starting in 1997, the Soarer was used as a high speed patrol car in multiple Japanese prefectures, using the 2.5GT-T and a 5-speed manual transmissio
JZZ30 (1991–2000) — 2.5 L 6 cyl twin turbo/single turbo VVTi
JZZ31 (1994–2000) — 3.0 L 6 cyl base model 6 cylinder (equivalent to Lexus SC300)
UZZ30 (1991–1993) — 4.0 L 8 cyl base model 8 cylinder (equivalent to Lexus SC400)
UZZ31 (1991–1997) — 4.0 L 8 cyl air suspension, "EMV" TV/touchscreen system
UZZ32 (1991–1996) — 4.0 L 8 cyl active suspension, four-wheel steering, "EMV" TV/touchscreen system
Z40 Series (2001-2005)
The 40 series Soarer model was largely identical to its Lexus equivalent, sold outside Japan as the Lexus SC 430 since 2001. The Z40 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 208 kW (279 hp) and 430 N·m (320 lb·ft) of torque. This enabled the coupe to accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6 seconds. The shared body style of the Z40 series Soarer/SC 430 was developed by Toyota designers at design studios in France and Japan. Compared with the Z30 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 Z30 series models.
With the Z40 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 TSOOH in its lineup. The debut of Lexus and the SC 430 coincided with the conclusion of Toyota Soarer sales.
References- wikipedia, automedia, toyota.