Scion, Toyota's youth brand in the North American market, revealed the redesigned tC coupe at the New York Auto Show. The second generation tC sports a cleaner, more masculine look, heavily influenced by the Calty-designed Fuse concept unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show.
Launched in 2004, the tC is Scion's sportiest vehicle, and it will now riding on a new platform. The new car is 41mm wider than the outgoing model but retains the same overall footprint, wheelbase and the wheels-at-each-corner stance. The proportions are better judged though, so that it appears lower and has a slightly more aggressive demeanor. At the front, the grille is narrower and the headlamps sleeker, with 3D covers bulging out from the surrounding surface.
The most noticeable difference however is in profile. Here, the A-pillars have been painted matte black to accentuate the 'helmet look' of the roofline and DLO. A subtle shoulderline runs below the glasshouse before kicking up and disappearing into the C-pillar, following the angle of the rear window line. It is then picked up aft of the C-pillar adding definition to the rear haunch. In the lower half of the doors there is a scalloped section to detract from the expanse of the side surface. There are no surprises, but it is clean and well-executed.
Inside there is an added level of 'premium' with a driver-oriented IP and a quality feel to the dash upper. Looking like painted wood, the grainy material adds a technical feel to what would normally be quite subdued. A new flat bottom three-spoke steering wheel, more robust bolsters for the front seats and a V-shape theme for the gauge cluster and center console further reinforce the sportier intentions of this car.
Powered by a new 2.5-liter engine mated to either a six-speed manual or a six speed sequential-shift automatic, we imagine the tC will continue to be good tuner's canvas, as expressed by the 'Bloodshot red' Five Axis-tuned model also on show.
