Toyota axes next generation Lexus SC and Avalon replacement under consideration (U.S)

Toyota will cancel the next generation of the SC coupe-cabriolet and may replace or axed the Avalon sedan.

The SC was designed in Europe, for Europe and since the SC's launch in 2003, it has been a very slow seller in the Lexus line-up. In the first six months, Lexus sold only 1,230 SC 430s in the U.S, down more than 40 percent from a year ago. Powering the SC is a 288bhp, 4.3 litre V8 VVT-i petrol engine, which is used in the current LS460. With carbon emissions of 269g/km and 24.8 mpg (UK) or 11.4l/100km, it was hardly going to be a popular car.

Toyota was developing a successor to the SC, based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the LF-A. Originally slated for production in early 2009, the next-generation SC was pushed back to mid-2011 and now has been canceled, according to Toyota insiders.

With the development of the 2012 Camry under-way, Toyota also is studying whether to cancel the planned replacement for the Camry-based Avalon, which is currently slated to go into production in Kentucky in early 2010.

To replace this, Toyota may opt to produce a long-wheelbased Camry for such markets as North America and the Middle East. The redesigned Camry currently is slated to begin production in mid-2011.