Released in the spring of 2001 the Soarer 430SCV is the fourth generation of the Toyota Soarer marque. The first hint of the new model was shown to the public at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, where it wowed the crowds. After that, it created a similar storm in the United States and Europe. The production model made its European debut at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show. The all-new Soarer features a power retractable metal roof made of lightweight aluminum. The rear window features tempered glass for lighter weight. The roof system features a "slow start, slow finish" control mechanism to ensure smooth retraction. From coupe to convertible in just 25 seconds.

Equally important however, are the excellent driving dynamics ensured by 18-inch wheels, double wishbone suspension and an exceptionally rigid body structure and the highest levels of performance with refinement from its 286 DIN hp, 3UZ-FE 4.3-litre V8 engine with Variable Valve Timing – intelligent (VVT-i), coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The performance of the engine is deliberately designed to feel effortless; enhanced by an exceptionally high torque capacity of 419Nm at just 3,500rpm and complemented by a Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) five speed, intelligent automatic gearbox which can adapt its gear shift pattern to suit driving style and road conditions.

The Soarer 430SCV engine is noteworthy for its achievement of a remarkably linear acceleration, thanks to the use of the ETCS-i, intelligent electronic throttle control system which uses ‘fly by wire’ technology from the throttle pedal to control the opening angle of the throttle valve in the injection system.

This allows three different modes for throttle manipulation: the normal-mode, the power-mode and the snow- mode. Each of these modes has a specific throttle-to-accelerator operation, making the car easier to drive under various conditions. For instance, when snow-mode is selected, the accelerator pedal will need to be pushed further to achieve the same engine output, which reduces the risk of wheel-spin or sudden skids.

ETCS-i also controls the idle speed, and is linked to the traction control, the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), cruise control and shift shock reduction control. This function allows for a temporary reduction in engine-output, to make gearshifts smoother.

In addition to a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.4 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 180km/h, the sophisticated engine management systems also ensure that the engine returns a fuel consumption of 12.0 l/100km.

The gearbox features line pressure control, which ensures that line-pressure is optimised in accordance with the engine output and conditions, enabling smooth yet quick up and down-shifting.

The Artificial Intelligence shift control responds to the road type (winding, up, down) to adapt its shift-pattern, and it also takes into account the drivers’ style, to anticipate their intentions. This avoids unnecessary shifting.

Further refinements ensure that the Soarer 430SCV will continue to meet the legendary standards of the marque in reliability and longevity. Valvetrain timing belts are designed with a maintenance life of 150,000km, while the use of iridium-tipped sparking plugs allows 90,000km of maintenance-free operation.

A further, major refinement which will aid long-term reliability is the use of a digital multiplex communication system which replaces much of the traditional electrical wiring harnesses and many sensors. Instead, electronic control units (ECUs) are connected on a single electronic control line to exchange multiple pieces of coded information.