Toyota Soarer/Lexus SC430 (Z40). 2001–10 (prod. 5,473 sold in Japan to 2005). 2-door coupé–convertible. F/R, 4292 cm³ (V8 DOHC). Toyota goes more upmarket with fourth-generation Soarer, going after Mercedes-Benz SL (R230). Designed as a convertible from the start, with styling by Sotiris Kovos and engineering by Yasushi Nakagawa. Compromised, with vague steering and handling; ride was not that good. Most cramped Soarer in the rear. However, it always rated extremely well in the J. D. Power quality surveys. Became a Lexus in Japan in 2005 when that marque débuted (when the car was revised, and equipment levels were upped in the home market), though exported as Lexus SC430 from the start.

Manufacturing location: Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan

Marque: Toyota | Model: Toyota Soarer | Predecessor: Toyota Soarer (Z30) | Successor: Lexus RC