Press Release

Lexus Announces 1997 Coupes

11/07/96

Improved Value, Refined Design Enhance 1997 Lexus Coupes


TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 4 -- Reaffirming its commitment to
the luxury sport coupe segment, Lexus today introduced the 1997 SC 400
and SC 300 Sport Coupes with more aggressive design features and
enhanced value. Introduced in 1991, the Lexus Coupe was immediately
recognized as a departure in automotive styling technique and its
influence has since been evident in numerous vehicle designs.

Lexus executives anticipate modestly growing interest in sport coupes,
fueled by new competition in the market. "As more and more Baby
Boomers become empty nesters they will seek expressive, fun
automobiles. Some will consider a luxury sport coupe," said Jim Press,
Lexus Division senior vice president and general manager. "While
lately some of our competitors are recognizing this with new two-door
and two-seater entries, the SC 400 and SC 300 have already established
a great reputation for style and performance. Now they're more
attainable than before."

Already considered classics by many, the Lexus Coupes benefit from
enhanced styling, advanced engineering and improved value.
Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starts at $39,000 for the
SC 300, equipped with standard 5-speed manual transmission. The
automatic-equipped SC 300 is $39,900. MSRP for the V8-powered SC 400,
equipped with a standard 4-speed automatic transmission, is $50,800.

Exterior and interior enhancements for 1997 are the first major
styling changes since its inception. For a more muscular look and
added protection, the SC receives a redesigned front bumper and fog
lights along with an integrated front spoiler, side mud guards and a
new wing-type rear spoiler. Refined rear lights enclosed in a
dual-layer lens with new vertical-split graphics express greater depth
and a stronger look. A new upper intake slot adds to the Coupes' more
purposeful appearance.

Among new interior features is a Drive Computer that provides the
driver with five types of trip information, softer leather seats for
more comfort, a shift lever knob closer to the driver for improved
ease of use, and a newly available black/ivory interior color
combination for a more dynamic driving environment.

The SC 400 is powered by an all-aluminum 4.0-liter, four-cam 32-valve
V8 producing 260 horsepower. The SC 300 powerplant is a high-revving
3.0-liter twin-cam 24-valve six with 225 horsepower output.

The Lexus SC 400 and SC 300 have collected numerous awards, including
best overall quality of any model in the most recent J.D. Power and
Associates Initial Quality Survey. Thanks to greatly improved value,
their distinctive style, performance and quality are more easily
attainable.

The SC 400 and 300 Coupes complete a lineup of 1997 Lexus vehicles
which combine high customer satisfaction, the industry's highest
quality and outstanding overall value. Pricing for the remainder of
the 1997 Lexus lineup was announced September 4.

The all-new next-generation ES 300 entry-luxury sedan starts at just
$29,900. The LS 400, the best-selling prestige import luxury sedan,
features new standard side airbags, yet remains priced at $52,900. The
GS 300 luxury sport sedan remains unchanged at $45,700, and the LX 450
luxury sport utility vehicle carries an MSRP of $48,450 for 1997.