2012 Scion tC

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3060
City (MPG) 23
Hwy (MPG) 31
Horsepower 180@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 173@4100
Wheelbase 106.3
Length (in.) 174.0
Width (in.) 70.7
Height (in.) 55.7

With the tC having been on the market and largely unchanged since 2004, Scion 's most mainstream model was overdue for a refresh. For the current model year, the tC got a heavy refresh including new interior and exterior styling, as well as a new motor with increased power and fuel economy.

Powered by an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, the latest tC is now more powerful and more fuel efficient than ever. At first glance, the new tC might look similar to the outgoing model, but it rides on a new platform and is in fact sporting some noteworthy changes to the sheetmetal.

The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder, sourced from the Toyota Camry , cranks out 180 horsepower in the tC, a 19 pony improvement, and Scion says it is more efficient than before. A new intake manifold design and a sport-tuned exhaust are said to improve the tC's sound, too.

A pair of new six-speed automatic and manual transmissions replace the outgoing four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions as well. The new six-speed manual- or six-speed automatic-powered tC coupes are rated at 23 city, 31 highway.

These new fuel economy numbers represent a sizable improvement, as the outgoing five-speed manual returned just 20 city, 27 highway, with the outgoing four-speed automatic tC achieving 21 city and 29 highway.

The new platform also features a lowered suspension with standard 18-inch alloy wheels and 16-inch disc brakes for all four wheels. Scion promises that the car is also more engaging to drive than the outgoing model.

Inside, the tC features a more driver-focused dashboard, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and more rear seat room. Scion says that it will continue to make a panoramic moonroof standard on the tC.

The tC offers ten airbags: dual front, side, knee, seat-cushion and rear-side airbags, to be exact. ABS, traction and stability control systems are standard, as is a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and seats designed to lessen the likelihood of whiplash round out the tC’s safety features.

Key competitors
The Scion tC offers a level of sportiness not often found in cars of its size, but it is not alone in the segment either. Cross-shoppers should consider the MINI Cooper lineup, Volkswagen Golf , Kia Forte Koup, Honda Civic Coupe and the newcomers in the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S - although the last two models are a bit more sport-minded.

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: Coupe
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Economy
    • Weight: 3060 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 174.0 in.
    • Width: 70.7 in.
    • Height: 55.7 in.
    • Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 6.3 in.
    • Front Track: 60.6 in.
    • Rear Track: 61.4 in.
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.325
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 88.4 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 14.7 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 41.8 in.
    • Head Room: 37.7 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.4 in.
    • Hip Room: 52.6 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 34.6 in.
    • Head Room: 36.4 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 52.1 in.
    • Hip Room: 48.5 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.5L I4
    • Power: 180 hp @ 6000 rpm
    • Torque: 173 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 31 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 23 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Wheels
    • Front: 18" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: P225/45R18
    • Rear: 18" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: P225/45R18
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

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