Is the Lexus SC400 a V8?
The Lexus SC400 is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine.
Produced in the 1990s as the V8-powered counterpart to Lexus’s SC300, the SC400 offered a smoother grand-touring experience with more power under the hood. This article examines the SC400’s engine, its place in the SC lineup, and what differentiated it from its six-cylinder sibling.
Engine and powertrain
Below is a concise snapshot of the SC400’s core specifications and what they mean for performance.
- Engine: 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8
- Displacement: 4.0 L (approximately 3,999 cc)
- Power output: roughly 260–290 horsepower, depending on model year and market
- Torque: typically around 260–300 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Production window: late 1990s, with the SC400 model spanning roughly 1992–2000 in various markets
In summary, the SC400’s V8 setup gave it a hallmark blend of smooth power delivery and confident highway cruising, distinguishing it from the SC300’s inline-6 powerplant.
Where the SC400 fits in the Lexus SC lineup
To understand its place within the SC family, consider how the models differ and what buyers could expect from each.
- Engine choices: SC400 uses the 1UZ-FE V8; SC300 uses the 2JZ-GE inline-6
- Performance emphasis: SC400 prioritizes effortless acceleration and refined V8 character; SC300 emphasizes a more spirited inline-6 feel
- Shared design: Both models share the same coupe silhouette and chassis, with differences mainly under the hood
- Lineage and successors: The SC line evolved toward the SC430 in the early 2000s, which introduced a newer V8 configuration for the later model years
These distinctions help explain why the SC400 is remembered as the V8-powered heart of Lexus’s first-generation SC lineup.
Summary
Yes—the Lexus SC400 is a V8. It pairs the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8 with rear-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic, delivering the smooth, confident power that defined the SC400 as the V8-focused variant of Lexus’s early grand-tourer lineup. For buyers seeking V8 torque paired with refined luxury, the SC400 stands out among its SC siblings.
