After its introduction in July 2004, the Scion tC sports coupe soon became the brand’s top-seller—no small feat, given Scion’s identity as a producer of innovative and trend-setting products, and a lineup that proved to be an instant hit with consumers when Toyota unveiled the name exclusively in California the previous year.

Six years down the road (the twisting variety, if tC drivers could choose), the tC’s popularity isn’t likely to diminish with the arrival of the second-generation, all-new 2011 Scion tC. As the Vice President of Scion, Jack Hollis, explains, it’s “a new dimension” for the model, from the “refined aggression” of its sleek profile to its thrill-to-drive, let’s-get-moving character.

With a more masculine design, a spacious interior and an overall feel that’s decidedly more premium, the 2011 tC will give current tC owners and newcomers to Scion alike plenty to smile about. And that’s before they slide behind the sporty new steering wheel and take the tC for a spin, when its upgraded performance and new platform become thrillingly apparent.

“The all-new tC appeals to a sports coupe owner who wants to make a bold statement,” says Hollis. “The tC has the youngest median-age buyer in the industry, and with more power, superior driving dynamics and increased fuel efficiency, that should remain the case with the new tC as well.” After the success of the first-generation tC, notes Hollis, “it was only natural that an all-new premium version would redefine its segment and meet the desires of the evolving sports coupe buyer.”

Here’s an overview of some of the features that help set the 2011 Scion tC apart from its predecessor—and its competitors in the sports-coupe field.

PLATFORM, POWER & PERFORMANCE

The 2011 tC rides on an all-new platform including a specially tuned MacPherson strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear suspension for improved handling. There’s also a new Electronic Power Steering System. The engine is also all-new: a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder with dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence, which maximizes performance), producing 180 horsepower—19 more than before—and 11 additional foot-pounds of torque for agile acceleration. Despite the increased power, the 2011 tC is more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. A new intake manifold and a sport-tuned, free-flowing exhaust system combine to deliver a bold and aggressively “throaty” sound.

A choice of two transmissions offers—as Hollis puts it—“fun, flexibility and excellent fuel economy.” There’s a six-speed manual (the previous model had a five-speed), for a more athletic driving experience, or a six-speed automatic (replacing a four-speed) with sequential shift. Performance and handling characteristics are transferred to the road via standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in wider tires for a broader stance and better grip. The brakes are also larger.

OUTSIDE

Overall, the new 2011 Scion tC is bolder and more aggressive looking, with a helmet-inspired cabin

shape. Protruding fender flares amplify the wider, lower stance and are complemented by a sleek frontgrille and projector headlamps. Taillights flow cleanly into the trunk profile. On top is a reassuringly familiar site for current tC owners. “It wouldn’t be a tC if we didn’t include the panoramic moonroof,” says Hollis.

INSIDE

The tC’s driver-focused cockpit has a commanding look and a substantial feel, and features a sporty new three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom and a more modern center shape. There’s also a more spacious area for the front passenger. The seat track has been lengthened, enhancing passenger comfort and increasing versatility.

The instrument panel and center console also received a makeover, reinforcing the driver’s sense of control. The dual-dial combination meter reflects precision with its handsome metallic trim and deep-orange lighting. The instrument panel, gauge cluster and center console all face inward in a V-shape, making controls easily accessible.
The stellar—and standard—AM/FM/CD/USB audio system boasts 300 watts of power, eight speakers and steering wheel–mounted controls. Speakers are door-mounted and also located in the rear quarter trim, and the entire system has been specifically tuned for the tC’s cabin to optimize performance. A USB and auxiliary jack makes it easy to connect an iPod and control it through the sound system.
Front seats keep driver and passenger firmly in place, with high backs and substantial side bolsters, including additional shoulder support. Carrying over from the previous model: rear seats that recline and also split 60/40 for increased storage capacity.

SAFETY

The new tC is reinforced with a variety of key safety features, and the car is expected to achieve top safety ratings.

Toyota’s acclaimed five-dimension Star Safety System™ comes standard. It features Anti-lock Brakes, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist. Also standard: active front headrests and eight airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger.

The new 2011 Scion tC is expected in dealer showrooms in October 2010. For more information, including how you can customize your tC with an array of products, visit your local Scion dealer or www.scion.com/tc.

5 Questions for Dawn Ahmed, Corporate Manager, Scion

How do you describe the typical tC buyer?

The median age of a tC buyer is 25, and Scion expects that to remain the same for 2011. The new tC should attract [those] who seek self-expression and freedom . . . with a desire to personalize and create things new and unique.

Were the opinions of current tC owners as well as prospective owners sought during the process of creating the 2011 model?

Yes, it was important to talk to [both groups] to identify what they would want to see in a second-generation tC. Scion showed a concept car called the FUSE [crafted by Toyota’s Calty Design Center] at a previous New York International Auto Show. People were attracted to the helmet-inspired cabin shape that added to its sleeker profile. That feature was adopted into the production version of the 2011 tC.

It’s always risky messing with success. In creating the new tC, was there a concern that too many—or the wrong kind of—changes might turn away current owners?

Scion has always had vehicles that are polarizing. It makes Scion unique and its vehicles iconic. Just think back when the brand launched the first xA and xB. Some people loved them and others [didn’t]. Scion’s goal was to make this second-generation tC much more aggressive, and it succeeded.

Was any thought given to eliminating the panoramic moonroof, either replacing it with a standard one or making it an option?

Scion is always looking to offer unique products that attract the youngest and most trendsetting buyersin the industry. We consider a variety of options during the development process. The panoramic, all-glass moonroof is one of the tC’s best standard features; it provides a “wow” element and adds a premium look not found in other cars. So it was decided to launch the new tC with a standard panoramic moonroof.

The compact sport coupe category is a crowded one. How has the tC managed to stand out and become so successful?

The tC stands out for many reasons. Like other Scions, the tC offers drivers a sporty vehicle that is easily customizable and at a tremendous value. Scion offers its buyers the chance to express themselves through personalization and customization, everything from upgraded audio systems to big-brake upgrades. Every person is different, and their definition of style is also different. Scion considers its vehicles to be like a blank canvas where each owner gets to paint his or her own picture.