2004 Detroit Auto Show: Scion Stages World Premiere of All-New tC Sports Coupe

DETROIT, Jan. 5, 2004 -- Scion, the new car marque from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new tC sports coupe at a press conference today at the 2004 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

"In June, the all-new 2005 tC will join the entry-level xA and the urban utility xB, coinciding with Scion's national rollout," said Jim Farley, Scion vice president. "The tC was developed specifically for Scion and the U.S. market with an aim to deliver a level of style, performance and value that will be flat-out impossible to beat."

The design target for the tC was to offer a sporty coupe with sophisticated styling and surprising versatility. The sleek tC sits low and wide. Configured as a three-door hatch with a panorama glass moonroof, the tC has the formal look of a coupe with a trunk. Body panel gaps have been narrowed, as have the pillars, for improved visibility. Further adding to the tC's sleek appearance, the windshield wipers are set low so the driver has an unobstructed view. Outside mirrors have built-in turn signal lights, and the hatch incorporates a power release. Standard keyless entry and remote hatch operation can all be managed from a newly designed gray and black key, unique to Scion.

The tC's sophisticated styling exudes a Scion family identity. Traces of Scion DNA can be found in the interior with use of amber illumination, metal-tone trim and innovative instrumentation panel grains. A material that was inspired by the texture of Japanese paper was developed for the tC dash. Exterior Scion cues include taut, clean lines from front to rear, accentuated rocker panels and wheel arches, and a sporty mesh grille.

Like its Scion siblings, the tC will be equipped with many subtle hints of refinement, such as the use of dampers on interior moving parts, normally found in more upscale vehicles. The temperature control dial is made of genuine cast aluminum. The front-passenger airbag is seamlessly integrated into the dash, and narrowed gaps on interior components measure near those of the all-new Camry Solara coupe.

The tC will offer incredible utility in a very spacious cabin. The driver's seat will have both a height and thigh adjustment, along with a walk-in function with memory. Rear 60/40-split seats will be equipped with three headrests and three-point seat belts in all seating positions. The rear seats will recline 45 degrees and can be adjusted into 10 different positions. Finally, when both the front passenger and rear seats are folded flat, tC will provide more than 8.5 feet of length for cargo.

Performance will match the tC's sleek styling. The tC will be a tenacious road handler as it will be equipped with a double-wishbone rear suspension, front MacPherson struts, 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-lock Brakes system.

Power will be delivered through an all-aluminum 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that will produce 160 horsepower. The engine will be mated with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. For added performance, a dealer-installed supercharger package developed by Toyota Racing Development will be offered later in the year. The turn-key performance option with an output of approximately 200 horsepower can be purchased with the vehicle, or added later. And like all things Scion, it will be surprisingly affordable.

Like the xA and xB, the Scion tC will be offered in mono-spec trim. Standard features will include the panorama moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels with graphite appearance finish, air conditioning, cruise control, a high-output Pioneer sound system, power windows, door locks and mirrors, and a center console with armrest. Sound absorption materials help maintain low NVH levels that are more common in a class-above car.

"When Scion goes on sale nationally in late June, Scion showrooms are expected in approximately 60 percent of all Toyota dealers," said Farley. "The launch of the 2005 tC sport coupe will complete the third leg of Scion's original three-vehicle strategic launch plan. But, it will not be the last."

                 2005 Scion tC Preliminary Specifications

  Engine
  2.4-liter four-cylinder DOHC with VVT-i (2AZ-FE)
  Horsepower                          160@5,700 rpm
  Torque                              163@4,000 rpm
  Fuel System                         EFI

  Powertrain
  Five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic transmission

  Suspension
  Front/rear    Independent MacPherson struts/Double-wishbone

  Wheels and Tires
  Standard 7JJ x 17-inch split six-spoke alloy wheels with P215/45 R17 tires

  Brakes
  Four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS

  Exterior Dimensions (inches)
  Wheelbase              106.3
  Overall Length         174.0
  Overall Width          69.1
  Overall Height         55.7