Scion tC
Encyclopedia
The Scion tC is an automobile manufactured and sold by Scion, a division
of Toyota. Introduced in the United States in June 2004 and Canada in 2010. The name tC does not fit in with its stablemates the xA
, xB
, and xD
, because the name XC designation has already been used by Volvo
for its lineup of sport utility vehicle
s. According to Scion, tC stands for touring coupe. The tC is sold as the Toyota Zelas in the Middle East
, China, Central and South America.
with sales beginning in June 2004 as a 2005 model year. The Scion tC was designed to appeal to the Millennial market. Toyota hoped to do so by making standard features numerous and optional features extremely easy to add. The Scion tC shares its chassis with the Avensis
and uses a MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension. Its low price (base MSRP of US$
17,670 for the 2009 model with manual transmission) is a major feature, as well as the pure "monospec" pricing marketing style that Toyota has adopted. This generation was not sold in Canada.
Major standard equipment included power windows, cruise control, air conditioning, keyless entry, mirror-mounted turn signal lights, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a 160-watt Pioneer sound system with CD player, 17" alloy wheels and a panoramic moonroof.
The tC received a minor facelift in 2007 for the 2008 model year that included a revised grille and new taillights.
A bare-bones version of the Scion tC known as the spec package was offered without many of the standard accessories. The Scion tC spec package replaces the 17 inches (431.8 mm) alloy wheels with 16 inches (406.4 mm) steel wheels and seven spoke wheel covers. The glass roof is fixed in place and the steering wheel is made of urethane instead of wrapped leather and lacks stereo controls; cruise control is also not offered and there are many other minor interior and exterior changes. This model, which is meant to serve as a blank slate to the tuner market, was offered in only four colors: Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic. MSRP was $1,400 less than the standard model. The Spec package was discontinued for the 2009 model year.
crash test ratings (2006)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) gave the Scion tC an "Acceptable" overall score in both the frontal offset and side impact crash tests.
All Scion tCs come standard with 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes. For 2008 models, front seat-mounted side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag became standard. Front passenger classification was also added, allowing dual stage control of airbag release dependent upon the weight of the passenger. Vehicle Stability Control is not offered.
. In late 2006, a service bulletin was issued for 29,542 2005 and 2006 tCs due to the possibility of the side airbags deploying as a result of slamming the door forcefully.
Although not part of any recall, an apparent design flaw causes the rear back panel which houses the hatch door release to easily break upon opening the rear hatch. This problem seems to be inherent in Scion tC models '05-'10. Scion has not addressed this problem with owners of the Scion tC, however, contacting Scion directly may result in reimbursement of the cost of the part and/or service to replace the part.
Scion has yet to have a major recall.
(TRD). Currently TRD produces performance parts such as lowering springs and racing struts, full coilover suspension systems, performance brake kits, rear sway bars, front strut tower bars, limited-slip differentials, upgraded clutches, axle-back exhausts and cold-air intakes for the Scion tC. Other cosmetic accessories such as TRD branded valve covers and oil caps are also offered.
TRD also offered a supercharger which is a rebadged Vortech supercharger that is capable of putting out 20 psi (1.4 bar), although when installed by a dealership and under warranty it is set at 6 psi (0.41368543758 bar). Starting in 2008, Scion began making the supercharger with tamper-proof pulleys. As of mid-2009, TRD has discontinued production of superchargers for the Scion tC.
Beginning in late spring 2004, Scion launched the Release Series (RS) line, limited quantities of their current vehicles pre-packaged with individual numbered badging, exclusive accessories, and other special features. Limited edition vehicles from a marketing standpoint were used to create a buzz for the brandname, with their exterior colors tending to be loud or bright hues (i.e. orange, yellow, red, blue, green). Because of the growing popularity of the Scion product line and the scarce production runs (most dealers only get 2-3 of each RS model), these limited edition vehicles quickly sell out. Preordering is available at each dealership on a first-come, first-served basis. To the customer's benefit, Scion's "Pure Price" MSRP prohibits dealerships from adding "market-demand" vehicle mark-up. Naturally, resale values of Release Series vehicles command a premium because of their packaged options and scarcity.
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
The second-generation tC is built from the third-generation Toyota Avensis
platform.
The replacement model debuted at the April 2010 New York Auto Show, and it was scheduled to appear in U.S. dealerships in October 2010. It was to be equipped with a 2.5 liter I4 2AR-FE
engine producing 180 hp and 174 lbft, once again carried over from the Toyota Camry. Visually, the second generation is a toned-down variant of the Scion Fuse concept, featuring a similar rear quarter-panel window line and xB-style blacked-out A-pillars. However, taillights, headlights, and nose treatment are less radical. The 2011 tC continues to have an all-glass roof, roomy interior, and hatchback design. Other changes include a wider track, standard 18 inches (457.2 mm) wheels, larger brake discs, and a performance-tuned electric power steering system. The Scion tC now comes standard with Vehicle Stability Control. It should also be noted that all measurements from the first generation to second generation are the same, with the exception of the width, which is increased from 69.1 to 70.7.
Scion expects to sell 35,000 to 45,000 units in the U.S. in 2011, which was reduced from an earlier forecast of 40,000 to 50,000 units, but still expected to at least double what was sold in 2009.
The 2011 tC was among the first Scions in Canadian showrooms, along with the xB and xD, appearing by March 2011.
Division (business)
A division of a business entity is a portion of that business that operates under a different name. It is the equivalent of a corporation or limited liability company obtaining a fictitious name or "doing business as" certificate and operating a business under that fictitious name...
of Toyota. Introduced in the United States in June 2004 and Canada in 2010. The name tC does not fit in with its stablemates the xA
Scion xA
Scion xA is a five-door hatchback subcompact marketed in the US from 2004-2006 — as an export model of the Japanese Domestic Market Toyota ist. Based on the first generation Toyota Vitz hatchback, the xA shared a platform with the Toyota Platz sedan....
, xB
Scion xB
The Scion xB is a vehicle made by Toyota for the United States market and sold under their youth-oriented Scion brand. It is a box-shaped, 5-door compact hatchback.-First generation :...
, and xD
Scion xD
The Scion xD is a five-door hatchback subcompact marketed in the US and Canada by Japanese manufacturer Toyota beginning with the 2008 model year — replacing the xA. The Scion xD and the second generation xB were first shown to the public on February 8, 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show...
, because the name XC designation has already been used by Volvo
Volvo Cars
Volvo Car Corporation, or Volvo Personvagnar AB, is a Swedish automobile manufacturer founded in 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Volvo was originally formed as a subsidiary company to the ball bearing maker SKF. When Volvo AB was introduced on the Swedish...
for its lineup of sport utility vehicle
Sport utility vehicle
A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...
s. According to Scion, tC stands for touring coupe. The tC is sold as the Toyota Zelas in the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, China, Central and South America.
First generation
Toyota debuted the production tC at the January 2004 NAIASNorth American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
with sales beginning in June 2004 as a 2005 model year. The Scion tC was designed to appeal to the Millennial market. Toyota hoped to do so by making standard features numerous and optional features extremely easy to add. The Scion tC shares its chassis with the Avensis
Toyota Avensis
The Toyota Avensis is a large family car built in Derbyshire, United Kingdom by Japanese carmaker Toyota since 1997. It is the direct successor to the Carina E and is available as a four-door saloon, five-door liftback and estate...
and uses a MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension. Its low price (base MSRP of US$
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
17,670 for the 2009 model with manual transmission) is a major feature, as well as the pure "monospec" pricing marketing style that Toyota has adopted. This generation was not sold in Canada.
Major standard equipment included power windows, cruise control, air conditioning, keyless entry, mirror-mounted turn signal lights, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a 160-watt Pioneer sound system with CD player, 17" alloy wheels and a panoramic moonroof.
The tC received a minor facelift in 2007 for the 2008 model year that included a revised grille and new taillights.
A bare-bones version of the Scion tC known as the spec package was offered without many of the standard accessories. The Scion tC spec package replaces the 17 inches (431.8 mm) alloy wheels with 16 inches (406.4 mm) steel wheels and seven spoke wheel covers. The glass roof is fixed in place and the steering wheel is made of urethane instead of wrapped leather and lacks stereo controls; cruise control is also not offered and there are many other minor interior and exterior changes. This model, which is meant to serve as a blank slate to the tuner market, was offered in only four colors: Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic. MSRP was $1,400 less than the standard model. The Spec package was discontinued for the 2009 model year.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4 L Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT-iVVT-iVVT-i, or Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, is an automobile variable valve timing technology developed by Toyota, similar in performance to the BMW's VANOS. The Toyota VVT-i system replaces the Toyota VVT offered starting in 24 December 1991 on the 5-valve per cylinder 4A-GE engine. The...
, compression ratio of 9.6:1 for the 2005/06 models and 9.8:1 for 2007-2010. - DisplacementEngine displacementEngine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
: 2362 cc - Power: 161 hp @ 6000 rpm (2007MY+) / 160 hp @ 5700 rpm (2005-06MY)
- Torque: 162 lbft @ 4000rpm (2007MY+) / 163 lbft @ 4000 rpm (2005-06MY) / 185 lbft with TRD Supercharger
- Transmission: Standard 5-speed manual transmissionManual transmissionA manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or optional 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissionAutomatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
(2008-2010 automatic transmissions are labeled as "4 speed sequential" transmission in the Scion brochure) - Curb weight: 2970 lb (1,347.2 kg) (automatic); 2905 lb (1,317.7 kg) (manual)
- Fuel tank: 14.5 US gal (55 l; 12 imp gal)
- EPA ratings for manual transmission: 20 miles per US gallon city / 27 miles per US gallon hwy (2007MY+); 19 miles per US gallon city / 27 miles per US gallon hwy (2005/06)
- EPA ratings for automatic transmission: 21 miles per US gallon city / 29 miles per US gallon hwy (2007MY+); 20 miles per US gallon city / 27 miles per US gallon hwy (2005/06)
- Performance
- 0-60 mph 7.4sec.
- 1/4 mile (~400 m) 15.6 s @ 89.9 mph (144.7 km/h)
- 1/4 mile (~400 m) 14.7 (TRD Supercharger)
Safety
NHTSANational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
crash test ratings (2006)
- Frontal Crash Test - Driver:
- Frontal Crash Test - Passenger:
- Side Impact Rating -
- Side Impact Rating - Rear:
- Rollover Rating:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
(IIHS) gave the Scion tC an "Acceptable" overall score in both the frontal offset and side impact crash tests.
All Scion tCs come standard with 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes. For 2008 models, front seat-mounted side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag became standard. Front passenger classification was also added, allowing dual stage control of airbag release dependent upon the weight of the passenger. Vehicle Stability Control is not offered.
Recall
In early 2006, a factory service bulletin was issued for some 2005 and 2006 tCs due to the possibility of the glass wind deflector being shattered by road debrisRoad debris
Road debris, a form of road hazard, is debris on or off a road. Road debris includes substances, materials, and objects that are foreign to the normal roadway environment...
. In late 2006, a service bulletin was issued for 29,542 2005 and 2006 tCs due to the possibility of the side airbags deploying as a result of slamming the door forcefully.
Although not part of any recall, an apparent design flaw causes the rear back panel which houses the hatch door release to easily break upon opening the rear hatch. This problem seems to be inherent in Scion tC models '05-'10. Scion has not addressed this problem with owners of the Scion tC, however, contacting Scion directly may result in reimbursement of the cost of the part and/or service to replace the part.
Scion has yet to have a major recall.
Toyota Racing Development (TRD)
Similar to many other models of Toyota/Lexus/Scion, there are many upgrades available through the in house tuning shop Toyota Racing DevelopmentToyota Racing Development
Toyota Racing Development or TRD is the in-house tuning shop for all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion cars. TRD is responsible both for improving street cars for more performance and supporting Toyota's racing interests around the world. TRD produces various tuning products and accessories, including...
(TRD). Currently TRD produces performance parts such as lowering springs and racing struts, full coilover suspension systems, performance brake kits, rear sway bars, front strut tower bars, limited-slip differentials, upgraded clutches, axle-back exhausts and cold-air intakes for the Scion tC. Other cosmetic accessories such as TRD branded valve covers and oil caps are also offered.
TRD also offered a supercharger which is a rebadged Vortech supercharger that is capable of putting out 20 psi (1.4 bar), although when installed by a dealership and under warranty it is set at 6 psi (0.41368543758 bar). Starting in 2008, Scion began making the supercharger with tamper-proof pulleys. As of mid-2009, TRD has discontinued production of superchargers for the Scion tC.
Release Series line
2005
- tC RS 1.0 only available in Absolutely Red with 2500 units produced
2006
- tC RS 2.0 only available in Blue Blitz Mica with 2600 units produced
2007
- tC RS 3.0 only available in Blizzard Pearl with 2500 units produced
2008
- tC RS 4.0 only available in Galactic Gray Mica with 2300 units produced
2009
- tC RS 5.0 only available in Gloss Black with 2000 units produced
2010
- tC RS 6.0 only available in Speedway Blue with 1100 units produced
2011
- tC RS 7.0 only available in High Voltage Yellow with 2200 units produced
Second generation
In February 2009, Scion Vice President Jack Hollis announced a new tC replacement would arrive within two years.The second-generation tC is built from the third-generation Toyota Avensis
Toyota Avensis
The Toyota Avensis is a large family car built in Derbyshire, United Kingdom by Japanese carmaker Toyota since 1997. It is the direct successor to the Carina E and is available as a four-door saloon, five-door liftback and estate...
platform.
The replacement model debuted at the April 2010 New York Auto Show, and it was scheduled to appear in U.S. dealerships in October 2010. It was to be equipped with a 2.5 liter I4 2AR-FE
Toyota AR engine
The AR engine family is a straight-4 piston engine series by Toyota, first introduced in 2008 for the RAV4, and subsequently for the Highlander, Venza, and Camry.The AR series uses a die-cast aluminium engine block and aluminium DOHC cylinder head...
engine producing 180 hp and 174 lbft, once again carried over from the Toyota Camry. Visually, the second generation is a toned-down variant of the Scion Fuse concept, featuring a similar rear quarter-panel window line and xB-style blacked-out A-pillars. However, taillights, headlights, and nose treatment are less radical. The 2011 tC continues to have an all-glass roof, roomy interior, and hatchback design. Other changes include a wider track, standard 18 inches (457.2 mm) wheels, larger brake discs, and a performance-tuned electric power steering system. The Scion tC now comes standard with Vehicle Stability Control. It should also be noted that all measurements from the first generation to second generation are the same, with the exception of the width, which is increased from 69.1 to 70.7.
Scion expects to sell 35,000 to 45,000 units in the U.S. in 2011, which was reduced from an earlier forecast of 40,000 to 50,000 units, but still expected to at least double what was sold in 2009.
The 2011 tC was among the first Scions in Canadian showrooms, along with the xB and xD, appearing by March 2011.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.5 L Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) 16-valve 4-cylinder with Dual VVT-i, compression ratio of 10.4:1.
- DisplacementEngine displacementEngine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
: 2,494 cc - Power: 180 hp @ 6000 rpm (176hp for Toyota Zelas)
- Torque: 173 lbft @ 4100 rpm (170 lb ft torque for Toyota Zelas)
- Transmission: Standard 6-speed manual transmissionManual transmissionA manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or optional 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissionAutomatic transmissionAn automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
(with manual shift mode.) Toyota Zelas uses 6-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic. http://www.drivearabia.com/news/2010/12/08/toyota-zelas-2011-scion-tc-dubai-abu-dhabi-motor-show-uae/ - Curb weight: 3,060 lb (1,387 kg) (manual); 3,102 lb (1,407 kg) (automatic)
- Fuel tank: 14.5 US gal (55 l; 12 imp gal)
- Tire size: 225/45R18
- EPA ratings for manual transmission: 23 miles per US gallon city / 31 miles per US gallon hwy
- EPA ratings for automatic transmission: 23 miles per US gallon city / 31 miles per US gallon hwy
- EPA rating combined: 26 miles per US gallon (automatic and manual transmissions.)http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 sec (manual)http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/1101_2011_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_contenders_and_finalists/scion_tc.html
- 0-60 mph: 7.4 sec (automatic)http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2011_scion_tc_automatic-short_take_road_test
- 1/4 mile: 15.1 sec (manual) http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/1101_2011_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_contenders_and_finalists/scion_tc.html
- 60-0 braking distance: 124 feet.
Sales
In terms of sales, the Scion tC was once Scion's most popular model and from 2005 to 2007 accounted for almost half of all cars sold under Scion. Its best selling year was 2006.| Calendar Year | US Sales |
|---|---|
| 2003 | n/a |
| 2004 | 28,062 |
| 2005 | 74,415 |
| 2006 | 79,125 |
| 2007 | 63,852 |
| 2008 | 40,980 |
| 2009 | 17,998 |
| 2010 | 15,204 |
Motorsports
- With the demise of the Toyota CelicaToyota CelicaThe Toyota Celica name has been applied to a series of coupes made by the Japanese company Toyota. The name is ultimately derived from the Latin word coelica meaning "heavenly" or "celestial"....
, the Scion tC is now used for the Toyota Pro/Celebrity RaceToyota Pro/Celebrity RaceThe Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is an annual 10-lap auto race held each April since 1977 as part of the United States Grand Prix West, and later the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend at Long Beach, California...
held during the Long Beach Grand PrixLong Beach Grand PrixThe Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is an open-wheel race held on a street circuit in Long Beach, California. Christopher Pook is the founder and promoter which began as a vision while working at a travel agency in downtown Long Beach. It was the premier circuit in the Champ Car from 1996, and...
, beginning in 2006.
- There are several tC's in drag racingDrag racingDrag racing is a competition in which specially prepared automobiles or motorcycles compete two at a time to be the first to cross a set finish line, from a standing start, in a straight line, over a measured distance, most commonly a ¼-mile straight track....
. Kenny Tran Jotech Motorsports, Leslie Armendariz Horizon Motorsports, Christian Rado World Racing, and Gary White (formerly Brad Personett)Titan Motorsports. Kenny Tran has been competing in the NHRA Sport Compact drag racing series hotrod class where he garnered the 2007 championship. Kenny cut his fastest run with 7.91 ET @ 184 mi/h during a NHRA race at Pomona Raceway. In 2007 and 2008, the Jotech Motorsports team won back-to-back Pro Import Class titles of the Battle Of The Imports drag series. Leslie Armendariz's All-Motor Scion tC pushed a record setting 9.34 @ 143 mi/h. Christian Rado claimed 2nd place in the Pro FWD class of the 2008 BOTI nationals, he also later claimed a victory with the first FWD car to pass the seven second mark in a quarter mile with a blistering time of 6.97 seconds. Gary White won second place in the Extreme 10.5" class of the ADRL Battle of the Belts World Finals.
- A 2011 tC was entered for the Formula Drift season in 2011 and is driven by Fredric Aasbo for Team Need For Speed. The 2AR-FE engine, being 2.5 liters was bumped up to 2.7 liters for over 500hp.
- For the 2008 Formula Drift year, RS*R converted a Scion tC to rear wheel drive. This was done by taking a Toyota Avensis chasis (which the Scion tC is based on, originally an AWD platform) and converted it into RWD. The car was powered by a tuned BEAMS 3S-GE engine. Ken Gushi currently competes with this vehicle. After talks with team mate Christian Rado, Ken Gushi switched back to the factory 2AZ-FE engine, for the 2010 Formula Drift season. Ken Gushi stated "Chris Rado, my Scion Team mate who runs his famous record tearing Scion tC uses the same base motor (of course for a different application) has proven this motor to withstand numbers up to 900hp, possibly even more." Ken Gushi's tC is now pushing 790hp.
- For the 2009/10 Formula Drift seasons, Tanner FoustTanner FoustTanner Foust is a professional racing driver, stunt driver, and television host. He competes in rally, drift, ice racing, time attack and rallycross with multiple podium placements and national championships. He is a co-host on the American version of the motoring television series, Top...
competed using a Rockstar, AEM and Toyo Tire sponsored Scion tC converted to RWD, built by Papadakis Racing. It was powered by a TRD (Toyota Racing DevelopmentToyota Racing DevelopmentToyota Racing Development or TRD is the in-house tuning shop for all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion cars. TRD is responsible both for improving street cars for more performance and supporting Toyota's racing interests around the world. TRD produces various tuning products and accessories, including...
) built V8 taken from a former TRD Busch Series NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
stocker.
- For the 2008 KONI Challenge season, Dan Gardner and Craig Stanton drove a Scion tC in the Street Tuner (ST) Class.
- For 2009, a Supercharged tC driven by team owner Dan Gardner was entered in the SCCA World Challenge Touring Car 2 (TC2) class. Scott Webb drove the car to victory, bringing Scion home their first-ever professional win.
- For the 2010 SCCA World Challenge season, Dan Gardner and Robert Stout drove a pair of supercharged Scion tCs in the Touring Car (TC) class. Robert Stout would win at the 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, giving Scion its first-ever TC class win.