Car Evolution: Scion tC Spec Package: In Detail

The Scion tC, the best value in the sport coupe market, is offered in a new Spec Package model for 2007, aimed at the tuner segment with a lower price point than the standard model.

"Thanks to its outstanding performance and value, the Scion tC has been a popular model with tuners, and the 2007 tC Spec Package will bolster this model's appeal in that segment," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The tC Spec Package gives the tuner community a 'blank slate' on which to express their own creativity, with the reduction in MSRP helping to get them started."

Since one of the first things a tuner customer changes is a car's wheels, the 2007 Scion tC Spec Package model substitutes steel wheels, P205/55 R16 tires and seven-spoke wheel covers; the standard tC model will continue with 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels fitted with P215/45Z R17 Bridgestone Potenza Z-rated all-season tires.

Other changes made on the tC Spec Package include a fixed glass panorama roof, unique upholstery, and a urethane steering wheel. This low-volume model will be distinguished by special treatment to the grille and headlight garnish and offered in just four colors (instead of the standard model's seven) � Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic.

Aside from the new Spec Package, the tC carries over for 2007 with a sun visor with a sliding extension, updated seat fabric and direct tire pressure monitoring system.

Complete Performance Package

The sleek Scion tC sits low and wide, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase and an overall width of 69.1 inches. The long wheelbase contributes to the tC's interior roominess and ride comfort, while a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension helps to provide responsive handling.

The tC's high-strength architecture allows the strut-type front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension to help provide an ideal blend of compliance and response. Steering and brake feel have been carefully tuned to provide optimal feedback from the road to the driver.
As expected in a performance car, the Scion tC comes standard with a four-wheel disc brake system. A two-step brake booster increases power assist in proportion to pedal force to provide precise pedal feel. For safety, the tC comes equipped with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking during severe braking maneuvers, and EBD monitors differences in front- and rear-wheel speeds and distributes optimal braking force to all four wheels.

High-tech Powerplant

The Scion tC serves up fun-to-drive power right from the factory, thanks to its 2.4-liter double overhead-cam four-cylinder engine. This sophisticated powerplant boasts an aluminum cylinder block and head, magnesium cam cover, electronic throttle control and Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Tuned specifically for the tC, the engine produces 161 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
This CARB-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) engine is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The Scion tC has EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 22/29 mpg with the manual transmission and 23/30 mpg with the automatic.

High-Performance Audio

Scion has been successfully attracting young, first-time new-car buyers in part by getting in tune with their musical preferences, including the migration from
compact disc to digital music formats. Scion was the first brand to offer iPod connectivity and control across its entire lineup.

The tC's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system features a centrally-located volume control knob and a mini-jack port located in the center console compartment that allows for connectivity to most portable music players. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's six speakers.

A Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit with Apple iPod control is available as an accessory upgrade for all 2007 Scions. The tC was the first car in its class to integrate track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and steering wheel buttons. The upgrade unit also features audio display color change illumination.

Both the standard and upgrade head units still retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen and Sound Retouch digital equalization which provides clearer CD sound quality.

Personalization

Owners can enhance performance of the tC with components developed especially for it by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), including performance suspension kits, a high-performance clutch, quick shifter, leather-wrapped shift knob and sequential shift light kit.

The approximately 40 available accessories make it easy for the customer to take the performance/style factor even higher in the tC and truly personalize the car. Notable highlights include EMX Super seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero P225/40Z R18 all-season tires, polished stainless steel muffler, color-keyed ground effects and a rear lip spoiler.

High-End Interior Without the High Price
The Scion tC interior features materials and content that, like the car's performance, belies its very affordable price. In addition, the tC offers outstanding utility in a spacious cabin, with attention to detail unexpected in this segment. The sport bucket seats are covered in a premium deep-texture fabric for a rich "class-above" feel and appearance.

The driver's seat provides adjustments for both height and thigh support, along with a walk-in function with memory for both the seat and backrest. A simple push of a convenient lever at the top of the seat back yields a wide step-in space for easy access to the rear seats.

Shutter-type flush-closing dash vents complement the overall design of the contrasting metal-tone center console. The genuine cast-aluminum temperature control dial is flanked by soft-touch electronic buttons and an LCD display that shows exterior temperature, seven fan speeds and a clock.

Designers incorporated many high-quality interior details. Extensive use of
sound absorption materials helps maintain low NVH levels to further support the
"class above" feel. The dash and upper door panels are trimmed in a material that was inspired by the texture of Japanese paper, and the front-passenger airbag is seamlessly integrated into the dash. Interior moving parts employ dampers for smooth operation.

Further evidence of Scion DNA can be found in the use of amber instrument panel illumination with meters and gauges that spring to attention when the car is started and unique day/night illumination that reverses contrast of the gauges for easier viewing.

The rear 60/40-split seats fold forward for a nearly flat load floor. Unique in this segment, the rear seats also recline to 45 degrees and can be adjusted into 10 different positions. Finally, when both the front and rear passenger seats are folded flat, the Scion tC provides more than 8.5 feet of length for cargo, complete with tie-down hooks in the rear seat and cargo areas.

Storage capacity includes four roomy map pockets, numerous CD, bottle, cup and cell phone holders, bag hooks in side panels and a two-tiered, fabric-covered center console. More storage is provided under the rear floor deck, where a large right-side area is available to secure valuables.

Advanced Safety

In addition to ABS and EBD, safety features for tC include headrests and
three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, front airbags and a standard driver's knee airbag.

Front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags are available as the only factory option. In addition, the Scion tC comes standard with a first aid kit.

Unparalleled Value

Like all Scion models, the tC is offered in well-equipped "mono-spec" trim. The standard equipment is so complete that the customer needs only to choose between manual or automatic transmissions, vehicle color and whether or not to have front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Standard features include the panorama glass power moonroof (a first in this segment), air conditioning, cruise control, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lights, power door locks and mirrors, rear cargo tonneau cover, auto up/down power windows with jam protection, in-key remote keyless entry, rolling-code engine immobilizer security system, auto-off headlamps, electronic hatch release, chrome-plated exhaust tip and a unique audio unit cover.

All Scion models come with three complimentary oil changes, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

The standard tC model is available in a choice of seven colors: Azure Pearl, Flint Mica, Super White, Black Sand Pearl, Black Cherry Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic and Nautical Blue Metallic. Exterior colors are complemented by a high-quality dark charcoal fabric interior in the standard tC model.

Generous Warranty

All Scion models are backed by a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

Source: Source: Toyota Motor Corporation