Toyota Soarer (third generation, Z30)

In 1987, following the design freeze of the Lexus flagship LS 400, Toyota commissioned its California design studio Calty to develop a new luxury coupe, which debuted in the United States in mid 1991 as the Lexus SC 300 and 400, while the Z30 series Soarer premiered in Japan. From launch in 1991 until 2000 all models were available with a 4 speed automatic transmission. In 1996 only the six cylinder versions received variable valve timing engines, and from 1997 the Soarer was used as a high speed patrol car in Japanese prefectures.