While externally identical to the SC, the Z30 series Soarer lineup offered different powertrain specifications and multiple unique vehicle configurations.

In 2005, following the introduction of Lexus in Japan, the Soarer name and emblem were discontinued, and the Z40 model became the SC 430 in common with worldwide markets.

All versions of the Soarer featured a unique winged lion emblem (often mistakenly called a Griffin) as the logo throughout the vehicle.

Toyota sought to introduce a grand touring coupe, offering a powerful straight-six engine, luxurious accommodations, and a modern, aerodynamic appearance.

It debuted with a rear-wheel-drive configuration[4] based on the A60 Supra, which utilized MacPherson struts for the front, with a semi-trailing arm rear suspension with coil springs.

At the same time, ventilated disc brakes for all wheels and self-diagnosis maintenance reminders, among other electronic features, were standard equipment.

The trip computer could calculate and display various things such as fuel economy in kilometers-per-liter, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and distance remaining to the destination.

It consisted of a six-inch CRT TV display installed in the instrument cluster showing engine revolutions, shift position, fuel consumption trends, and TEMS suspension settings.

[5] The Z10 series Toyota Soarer was produced from February 1981 to December 1985 in 2.0L, 2.8L, or 3.0L DOHC I-6 variants, and all engines came standard with electronic fuel injection.

The Z20 Soarer revised the previous generation Electro MultiVision CRT display installation from the instrument cluster to a location below the automatic climate control, which could be upgraded to a touch-sensitive interface.

[5] In 1986, the electronically controlled (TEMS) carried over from the previous generation, and the double wishbone suspension was now shared with the A70 Supra.

The grille and rear taillights were redesigned and minor interior changes were made (climate control, dash).

The Z30 series Soarer shared the body and key components with the Lexus SC, with different interior features, powertrain configurations, and enhanced performance.

[5] The new Soarer continued some of the features of earlier models, such as digital dashboard instrumentation and integrated car systems control via the in-dash EMV touchscreen.

It was also one of the first cars in the world to feature a factory GPS automotive navigation system via CD-ROM overlaid with VICS traffic information for Japanese driving conditions.

It did not comply with Japanese Government dimension regulations which made buyers liable for yearly taxes due to its size.

Starting in 1997, the Soarer was used as a high speed patrol car in multiple Japanese prefectures, using the 2.5GT trim with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Like other models in the range there were two different equipment grades available, the base GT-T and the better-equipped GT-TL which added electric seats, wood trim, cruise control and Toyota's TEMS electronic damper adjustment to the list of standard features.

In August 1996, the engine received Toyota's variable valve timing system (VVTi) and in conjunction with a single, more efficient turbocharger, produced much better high and mid-range torque and better fuel economy.

The UZZ30 used a standard Tokico coilover suspension setup, basic stereo system, manual steering column, and very few electronic aids.

[citation needed] The UZZ30 series Soarer was used as the base vehicle for the Lexus SC400 (model code UZZ30) exported to the United States, although to satisfy U.S. requirements, a comprehensive range of luxury options was offered, including some features of the UZZ31, such as seat memory position, traction control, sunroof, sun visors with courtesy light and electronic steering position adjustment.

Those cars came with a standard dash layout of round dials and lit needles similar to the LS400 Lexus sedan.

Also featured on the UZZ31 series were a host of electronic features including automatic headlights (shared also with the UZZ30), speed-sensitive wipers, electric-controlled 2-position memory seats with heated feature as an additional factory option, electronically adjustable steering column with memory, optional reversing camera, cabin air purifying system (also shared with the JZZ31 from 1994), touch screen TV with 12-stack CD player, touch screen SatNav, and a full onboard computer diagnostic system which would output to the TV display unit.

Additionally, the UZZ31 could be "special ordered" from Toyota Japan without the EMV, instead being fitted with the radio/CD unit of the UZZ30 with separate climate control.

The UZZ32 was the top-of-the-line 30 series, featuring all of the options available on the UZZ31 with the addition of the computer-controlled Toyota Active Control Suspension with four-wheel steering.

[11] However, the additional 110 kg (243 lb) weight of hydraulic componentry and power requirements of the system affected performance and reduced fuel economy compared to the standard UZZ30 and UZZ31 models.

As a result, only 873 UZZ32s were made and are typically the most sought-after model in right-hand drive markets such as the Japan, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The Z40 series Soarer 430SCV featured a hardtop which could fold into the boot of the car, in the fashion of the contemporary Mercedes-Benz SL.

The coupe was equipped with the 3UZ-FE VVTi (variable valve timing) 4.3-litre V8 engine, as was available in the Lexus LS 430 luxury sedan.

Compared with the Z30 series, some observers generally considered the fourth generation a retreat in visual style due to its more compact and top heavy appearance.