The is a personal luxury GT coupé produced from 1981 to 2005 by Toyota and sold in Japan. It was available at both Japanese Toyota dealerships called Toyota Store and Toyopet Store, and it debuted with the Z10 series, replacing the Toyopet Store exclusive Mark II coupé, the Toyota Auto Store exclusive Chaser coupé, and both the Toyota Store exclusive Crown coupé and Carina coupé.
In 1986, the Z20 series Soarer was launched, based on the then-new A70 series Supra platform, which was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations. In 1991, the Z30 series Soarer premiered in Japan, while its Lexus equivalent, the SC 300/400, debuted in the US market (where the Soarer nameplate was not available).
While externally identical to the SC, the Z30 series Soarer lineup offered different powertrain specifications and multiple unique vehicle configurations. In 2001, Toyota introduced a convertible-only successor in Japan as the Z40 series Soarer and elsewhere as the SC 430. In contrast to the previous series, the Z40 series Soarer and SC were based on a single model and were largely equivalent. In 2005, following the introduction of Lexus in Japan, the Soarer name and emblem were discontinued, and the Z40 model became the SC 430 in common with worldwide markets.
When introduced in Japan, the Soarer competed with the Nissan Skyline, Nissan Leopard, and Mazda Cosmo coupés and served as Toyota's halo car, often introducing new technologies before they were installed on other Toyota products. All versions of the Soarer featured a unique winged lion emblem (often mistakenly called a Griffin) as the logo throughout the vehicle.__TOC__
First generation (1981–1985)
The Soarer, introduced as the EX-8, first appeared at the 1980 Osaka International Motor Show. At its introduction in 1981, it won the Car of the Year Japan Award. Toyota sought to introduce a grand touring coupe, offering a powerful straight-six engine, luxurious accommodations, and a modern, aerodynamic appearance. Internationally, personal luxury cars were popular in the West, and Toyota saw an opportunity to offer the same type of car to Japanese buyers. The Soarer complied with Japanese external dimension regulations, and the first-generation models were classified as "compacts," which gave Japanese buyers tax-saving advantages. The engine displacements were also limited to above 2 liters but below 3 liters, so Japanese buyers could determine how much annual road tax they were willing to pay.
It debuted with a rear-wheel-drive configuration based on the A60 Supra, which utilized MacPherson struts for the front, with a semi-trailing arm rear suspension with coil springs. Cruise control, audible warning messages, 7-way adjustable driver's seat, digital Automatic climate control, and digital speed and tachometer display using LEDs were included on top and mid-model trim packages. At the same time, ventilated disc brakes for all wheels and self-diagnosis maintenance reminders, among other electronic features, were standard equipment.
The AM/FM stereo cassette had the ability to record on higher-quality metal tapes. On the face of the stereo was a microphone jack that would accommodate a microphone. If it was installed with a digital instrument cluster a trip computer was included. The digital cluster featured a digital tachometer, digital speedometer, electronic fuel, and coolant level gauges. The trip computer could calculate and display various things such as fuel economy in kilometers-per-liter, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and distance remaining to the destination. It was offered in four exterior colors with contrasting dark gray or dark brown interiors, while the six trim packages offered optional equipment as standard on the three top-level packages. The trim package names were the 2800GT-Extra, 2800GT, 2000VX, 2000VR, 2000V II with the entry-level 2000V I.
When the mid-model refresh was introduced, several technological improvements were added. The digital speedometer was augmented with Electro MultiVision display, on the 3.0 GT-Limited with the automatic transmission installed. It consisted of a six-inch CRT TV display installed in the instrument cluster showing engine revolutions, shift position, fuel consumption trends, and TEMS suspension settings. It would also notify if any maintenance warnings on linked systems should be done. Different functions would be displayed by touching a button; however, the screen was not touch-sensitive. If the car was stationary with the transmission in park and the parking brake applied, broadcast TV could be watched.
The Soarer was the first Toyota automobile with Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) and an all-new double wishbone suspension was installed for the front and rear wheels, labeled as PEGASUS (Precision Engineered Geometrically Advanced SUSpension) to accommodate the adjustable shock absorbers and anti-lock brakes were included. All mid-model refresh cars can be distinguished by where the side view mirrors are installed, whereby after 1983, the mirrors were relocated to the doors. The trim package names were updated to the 2.8 GT-Limited, 2.8 GT, 2.0 GT, 2.0 Turbo, 2.0VX, and 2.0VR with the entry-level 2.0V II, and for 1984 the 2.8 engine was upgraded to the 3.0-liter engine.
The Z10 series Toyota Soarer was produced from February 1981 to December 1985 in 2.0L, 2.8L, or 3.0L DOHC straight-six engines, and all engines came standard with electronic fuel injection. Early M-TEU-powered MZ11 models were different from later MZ11s in some regards. Later improvements to the MZ11 engine included a water-to-air intercooler, and further enhancements were made to an oil-and-water-cooled turbo, as opposed to the oil-cooled-only turbo in the early MZ11s.
Second generation (1986–1991)
The Z20 series Toyota Soarer was produced from January 1986 to April 1991 and was available in several variants. The styling of the second-generation Soarer is similar of that of the X80 series Cressida, Mark II, Chaser and Cresta. The Soarer shared its platform with the newly introduced A70 series Supra.
The Z20 Soarer revised the previous generation Electro MultiVision CRT display installation from the instrument cluster to a location below the automatic climate control, which could be upgraded to a touch-sensitive interface. A new feature offered navigation information uploaded by the use of cassette tapes then upgraded to CD-ROM. The digital speedometer display was upgraded and provided more information at a glance. The cloth upholstery was unique to each trim package, and the sport bucket seats used in the Toyota Supra (A70) were offered only on GT trim packages upholstered in cloth or leather.
In 1986, the electronically controlled shock absorber (TEMS) carried over from the previous generation, and the double wishbone suspension was now shared with the A70 Supra. An electronically controlled airbag suspension was also available on the GT Limited model.
In 1988, TOM'S released a limited-model package for the 7M-GTE equipped vehicles named the C5. The TOM'S C5 Soarer could be optioned with a remapped ECU, larger turbocharger compressor, a woven fibre intake pipe, KYB shock absorbers with lowered springs, bespoke 16x8" ±50 TOM'S C5 wheels that were manufactured by Ray's Engineering and TOM'S C5 badges for the rear of the vehicle.
In April 1989, a limited 500-unit variant called the Aerocabin was introduced. This variant had only 2 seats and an electric folding roof. The Aerocabin had the same specs as the GT-Limited but was only available with the 7M-GTE engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, tan leather interior, and pearlescent paint.
In 1988, the Soarer Z20 was given a facelift. The grille and rear taillights were redesigned and minor interior changes were made (climate control, dash). Other than that engines were improved, with power increases as follows: 1G-GTEU 7M-GTEU
Unlike the A70 Supra, the 2.5 L twin turbo 1JZ-GTE was not made available for the Z20 Soarer. However, all models built from May 1989 including the Aerocabin did have a revised crossmember.
model codechassis codegradeyearenginetransmissionweight (kg)turbonotes GZ20 HCMEE 2.0 VZ 1986.1–1987.12 1G-EU W57 5-speed M/T 1300 N/A 87.1- +10 kgHCPEE A42DL 4-speed A/T 1310HCMGE 2.0 VX 1986.1–1988.12 W57 5-speed M/T 1320 88.1- +20 kgHCPGE A42DE 4-speed A/T 1330HCMGK 1989.1–1991.4 1G-FE W57 5-speed M/T 1350 ESCHCPGK A42DE 4-speed A/T 1360HCMVF 2.0 GT 1986.1–1991.4 1G-GEU W55 5-speed M/T 1330 87.1- +10 kg, 88.1- +30 kg and ESCHCPVFA42DE 4-speed A/T1340 89.1- A340E 4-speed A/THCMVZ 2.0 GT-TWIN TURBO 1G-GTE W57 5-speed M/T 1400 Twin CT-12 87.1- +10 kg and ESC, 88.1- +20 kg88.1- W58 5-speed M/THCPVZ A340E 4-speed A/T 1420 HCMZZ 2.0 GT-TWIN TURBO L1988.1–1991.4 W58 5-speed M/T 1430 ESCHCPZZA340E 4-speed A/T1450 MZ20 HCMZZ 3.0 GT 1987.1–1991.4 7M-GTE R154 5-speed M/T 1490 CT-26 87.1- +20 kg, 88.1-+ 20 kg, 89.1- +10 kgHCPVZ 1986.1–1991.4A340E 4-speed A/T1470HJPVZ3.0 GT AEROCABIN 1989.4A340E 4-speed A/T1610Limited run of 500 unitsHCMZZ 3.0 GT LIMITED 1987.1–1991.4R154 5-speed M/T152087.1- +20 kg88.1- +10 kgHCPZZ1986.1–1991.4 A340E 4-speed A/T1500MZ21HCMZZ1987.1–1991.4 R154 5-speed M/T 1520 Air suspensionHCPZZ1986.1–1991.4 A340E 4-speed A/T1520ESC (optional) = +10 kg, Sunroof (optional on all models except the aerocabin)= +20 kg
Third generation (1991–2001)
In 1987, following the design freeze of Lexus division's flagship UCF10 LS 400 (Celsior) sedan due in 1989, Toyota commissioned its California design studio Calty to develop a new luxury coupe. In mid 1991, the vehicle designed by the studio debuted in the U.S. as the Lexus SC 300/400.
That same year, Toyota debuted the third-generation Z30 series Soarer in Japan, replacing the Z20 series. The Z30 series Soarer shared the body and key components with the Lexus SC, with different interior features, powertrain configurations, and enhanced performance. The trim packages were the 4.0 GT-Limited, 4.0 GT, 2.5 GT-TwinTurbo-L and the 2.5 GT-TwinTurbo.
The new Soarer continued some of the features of earlier models, such as digital dashboard instrumentation and integrated car systems control via the in-dash EMV touchscreen. It was also one of the first cars in the world to feature a factory GPS automotive navigation system via CD-ROM overlaid with VICS traffic information for Japanese driving conditions. This generation of the Soarer was considered an expensive and extravagant luxury car in Japan. It was longer and wider than a Crown, while comfortably accommodating two passengers, with only modest space available for rear seat passengers. It did not comply with Japanese Government dimension regulations which made buyers liable for yearly taxes due to its size. The larger engines also obliged Japanese buyers to pay more annual road tax.
One of the distinctive features was the articulating door hinges. When the doors opened, the hinges moved out and forward, allowing entry and exit in confined spaces.
From launch in 1991 until 2000 all models were available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the sportier 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 equivalents, the Z30-series Soarer lineup never received a 5-speed automatic, and only the six-cylinder versions received variable valve timing (VVTi) engines, in 1996.
Styling-wise, the Soarer received only minor changes during its 9-year production run, mostly external. External changes were shared with the U.S Lexus models. Changes were: Series 1, May 1991 - December 1993: original body and style. From May 1992 Series 1 received an update with heated seats and exterior temperature display. Series 2, January 1994 - August 1996: new front bumper with one-piece lower grille, fog lights replace cornering lights, new tail lights.