Which Lexus SC has a V8?
The Lexus SC models powered by a V8 engine are the SC400 (first generation) and the SC430 (second generation). The SC300 uses a inline-6 engine, not a V8. The SC lineup ran from the early 1990s until 2010.
Overview of the Lexus SC line
The Lexus SC is a two‑door grand tourer produced by Lexus, positioned as a luxury sport coupe. The first generation paired a V6 (SC300) with a V8 (SC400) in the 1990s, while the second generation introduced the SC430, a more refined, feature‑rich V8‑powered coupe with a retractable hardtop that ran until 2010.
Which models use a V8?
Below is a concise list of the Lexus SC variants that used a V8 engine, along with their engine designations and general production context.
- SC400 — 4.0-liter V8 (1UZ-FE) from the first generation
- SC430 — 4.3-liter V8 (3UZ-FE) from the second generation
These are the only Lexus SC models that employed a V8 engine. The SC300 retained a six‑cylinder powerplant, and production of the SC line concluded with the SC430 in 2010.
Engine details by model
SC400 — 4.0L V8 (1UZ-FE)
The SC400 is the V8-powered option from the first generation. It uses Lexus’ 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8, paired with rear‑wheel drive. The setup is known for smooth, refined power delivery and strong mid‑range torque, befitting a grand‑tourer of its era.
SC430 — 4.3L V8 (3UZ-FE)
The SC430 represents the second generation’s V8 variant. It uses the 3UZ-FE 4.3-liter V8, delivering more power and torque than the SC400. It also features a folding metal roof (a retractable hardtop) and a six‑speed automatic transmission, aligning with the model’s luxury‑sport character.
Summary
In short, the Lexus SC variants with a V8 are the SC400 (first generation) and the SC430 (second generation). The SC300 remains the V6 option in the lineup, and the SC line ended with the SC430 in 2010.
