Making its world debut at the New York motor show alongside the N.A.-spec iQ mini, is the second-generation of Scion's tC compact coupe that is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships later this fall. Highlights include a new chassis and a more powerful 2.5-liter engine with new transmisions.
Following a similar formula with the first-generation tC that was first launched onto the market in 2004, Scion's coupe model features a new exterior design with certain styling cues like the helmet-inspired cabin shape said to be adopted from the Calty-designed Scion FUSE concept shown at the 2006 edition of the NY Show.The car also gets protruding fender flares that house larger 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in wider tires.
Inside, the cabin has been designed from scratch and features an old-school bimmer-like driver-orientated cockpit with the instrument-panel, gauge cluster and center-console all facing inward in a V-shape.
Toyota said that the cabin has been lengthened thus improving passenger space, while utility is enhanced with reclining rear seats that split 60/40. The panoramic moonroof remains standard in the new tC.
The 2011 tC rides on a new platform and gets a revised electronic power-steering and retuned suspension featuring MacPherson struts up front and double-wishbones at the back. It also rides lower than the previous model and comes standard with larger 16-inch disc brakes on all corners.
Scion's 2011 tC coupe benefits from an all-new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i that generates 180 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 19HP and 11 lbs.-ft of torque over the previous model.
Power is transferred to the front wheels through a revised six-speed manual gearbox or a new six-speed automatic with sequential-shift.
Scion has yet to release performance and fuel economy figures for the new tC.
