First Drive: All-new 2011 Scion tC

2011 tC Leading Scion into “A New Dimension.

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

Chicago, IL, September 2010; Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion, says Scion is “a non-traditional, underground brand, a huge supporter of up-and-coming artists and a host of 1,500 events a year”. Scion, a line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. aimed at trend-setting younger buyers, is the first new brand from Toyota since the debut of Lexus in 1989. Unveiled by TMS in March 2002, Scion’s line of vehicles is aimed at a new generation of consumers who actively seek out the latest trends in style and innovation. Some of the innovations include marketing techniques, new approaches to product styling, versatility, and the sales process. 800,000 Scions are on the road.

The all-new 2011 Scion tC sports coupe was unveiled at the New York Auto Show in Spring 2010 and will be arriving at dealers by October 1.

Scion has about 993 “shop-in-shop” dealers all co-located within Toyota showrooms around the US, which is good news for interested buyers and helps make for a good ownership and service experience. There is nothing worse than being in love with a car but not having a dealer nearby.

The first-generation tC was considered very successful by Scion and felt it only natural that an all-new version with premium style and features would redefine its segment and meet the desires of the evolving sports coupe buyer. Attention was paid to the “fun-to-drive quotient”. “The all-new tC adds masculine styling, enhanced performance, and technologies that Scion drivers demand”, said Hollis. The new tC’s styling is described as aggressive, bold and robust, giving it a premium feel at an entry-level position. Designed by Calty in California and Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, the tC shares elements with the FUSE concept vehicle that debuted at the 2007 New York auto show.

A bigger 2.5-liter, 180HP engine produces 19 more horsepower and 11 additional lbs.- feet of torque than the first-generation model, plus better mpg... 23 City and 31 Highway... with either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed automatic with sequential shift and Artificial Intelligence gets from 0-to-60 in 8.3 seconds, and has the ability to “learn” a driver’s style in order to refine and smooth the shifts. The six-speed manual has improved shift feel and a 7.6-second 0-to-60 time. Scion forecasts 30% of buyers will choose the manual.

Performance and handling characteristics are transferred to the road with standard 18-inch alloy wheels and wider 45-series tires for more grip.

Larger brakes than the previous generation provide better stopping performance, which is something the buyers are looking for and chief engineer Masayuki Nagai provided. The tC rides on an upgraded platform featuring a new sport-tuned suspension with MacPherson struts in front and a double-wishbone design in the rear. Along with a wider track, this suspension provides excellent handling without compromising the smooth ride owners demand. A new Electronic Power Steering system eliminates the maintenance requirements of a hydraulic pump system, and improves fuel economy.

The interior has a sophisticated feel with a well integrated center stack. Dual-dial tach and speedo feature metallic trim and deep-orange lighting. Seats are one-inch wider, have a high back and substantial bolsters for good lateral support. Walk-in levers on the front seat backs provide easy access to the rear.

The driver seat has a memory feature that allows it to return to its previous position. The rear seats recline 10 degrees for comfort and are split 60/40 for surprising rear utility.

The huge rear hatch combined with the fold-down rear seats makes for versatility and cargo carrying.

A telescoping action has been added to the previous generation tilt-only steering wheel that allows optimal positioning for the driver. The Steering-wheel has a great feel with a thick, leather-wrapped rim and steering wheel-mounted controls.

A standard 300-watt sound system that was taken from the Lexus LX 570 has eight speakers that are strategically mounted in the doors and rear quarter trim and specifically tuned for the tC’s cabin to optimize performance. Buyers can choose between three head units, ranging from the impressive base unit all the way to a touch-screen Scion Navigation unit. Blu Logic option provides Bluetooth connectivity.

Every tC is equipped with the Star Safety system, which consists of ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and new Brake Assist, Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Control. Every tC will come with Smart Stop brake over-ride system. A new front passenger knee airbag brings the airbag total to eight. Active front headrests move up and forward in rear-end collisions.

The all-new tC with manual transmission is priced at $18,275; and the automatic at $19,275.

This fall, Scion will be taking the tC on the road with the x-Change drive tour. It will be going to 30 cities, connecting directly to young urbanites. But the tour will also be working directly with them to help raise money for local non-profit art programs and artists.

On my Chicago-land drive loop, I found the tC sports coupe to be well balanced, nimble, provide smooth acceleration, quiet, easy ingress and egress and comfortable. Scion is the most ethnically diverse non-luxury brand. The tC fits the hip, urban Gen-Y car buying audience well.

� Larry Nutson

Click PLAY to watch "RoadTrip: 2011 Scion tC Sports Coupe"