Did the SC300 come with a V-8?
No—the Lexus SC300 did not come with a V-8 engine; it used a 3.0-liter inline-six known as the 2JZ-GE.
Engine in the SC300
Before detailing the list, here are the core facts about the SC300’s powertrain: the car relied on a 3.0-liter inline-six called the 2JZ-GE, with two main transmission choices depending on year and market.
- Engine: 2JZ-GE 3.0L inline-six
- Displacement: 2,997 cc (about 3.0 L)
- Power: roughly 225 hp (varies slightly by year/market)
- Torque: around 210 lb-ft (285 Nm)
- Transmissions: available with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic
In summary, the SC300’s powertrain centers on a robust inline-six rather than a V-8, delivering a different driving character than the SC400’s V-8.
SC300 vs SC400: V-8 availability
Before listing the key distinctions, note the fundamental fact: the V-8 option existed in the SC400, not the SC300. The two models shared a body but offered distinct engines within the same first-generation lineup.
- Engine for SC400: 4.0 L V8 (1UZ-FE)
- SC300 did not offer a factory V-8 option
- SC400 typically used with a 4-speed automatic transmission (the SC300 offered a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto)
Conclusion: If a V-8 is essential, the SC400 is the direct alternative within the same generation; the SC300 remains the inline-six option.
Additional context: generations and market notes
The first-generation Lexus SC line (X100) spanned roughly the early to late 1990s. Engine choices were split by model name, with the SC300 featuring the 2JZ-GE inline-six and the SC400 featuring the 1UZ-FE V8. Specifications could vary slightly by market and model year.
Summary: The SC300 never shipped with a factory V-8. If you want V-8 power in that era’s Lexus coupe, you’d look to the SC400, while the SC300 centered on a capable 3.0 L inline-six paired with either a manual or automatic transmission for a distinct driving feel.
