New Scion TC adds punch, fuel economy to sleek design

Scion’s tC Sports Coupe has been completely redesigned for 2011, and in addition to styling changes, it now packs more power under the hood with better fuel economy.

“The all-new tC features styling that is both refined and aggressive, appealing to a sports coupe owner who wants to make a bold statement,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion. “We took the already-successful tC, added a long list of enhancements and attached a price tag that makes it a tremendous value.”

In addition to that, the tC incorporates more safety features than its first-generation predecessor, launched in 2004.

Under the Hood

The Scion tC is powered by a brand-new 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower – 19 more than last year’s model. It also improves the torque output by 11 pound per foot to 173.

The engine utilizes Scion’s lightweight technology for efficiency along with VVT-i electronic valve timing, roller valve rockers and sport-tuned intake and exhaust systems to give the new engine a beefy sound.

Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 23 city/31 highway with Scion’s all-new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. The performance is made manageable with electronic power steering.

The front suspension is handled with MacPherson struts while the rear wheels ride on double-wishbone suspension.

Comfort and Convenience

Scion designers carried the sporty exterior styling to the interior, but it’s not all about sleek looks in lieu of human comforts.

Drivers will find their seats have more thigh room thanks to a flat-bottomed steering column while the gages are easy on the eyes with a three-dimensional appearance featuring big needles for the speedometer and tachometer.

An ECO-drive indicator on models with automatic transmissions allows drivers to get the best fuel economy out of their tCs.

Front bucket seats are more comfortable with firmer supports, and the driver’s seat has six adjustments. The rear seats are designed in a 60:40 split with 10-degree reclining.

An iPod-adaptable Pioneer sound system is standard, and an enhanced Alpine stereo is optional, along with a Scion navigation system.

Safety

While the new tC has plenty of power, Scion engineers took the time to make sure it can stop as well as it goes with larger, electronically controlled anti-lock disc brakes on all four corners.

The Scion also comes with traction and vehicle stability control, which can be manually turned off by the driver.

Passengers are protected by eight airbags, including an all-new driver’s knee airbag. Active front headrests are new to the tC, and a tire pressure monitor will alert drivers when pressure levels drop.