Scion's tC is perhaps the company's most mainstream offering -- a two-door coupe with sleek styling and a competitive price tag. The car -- first launched for the 2005 model year -- shares a platform with the Avensis sedan and an engine with the Camry.

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The tC is powered by a 2.4-liter double overhead-cam four cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). This CARB-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) produces 161 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162-lb.ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The tC features a five-speed manual transmission or an available electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

2008 refresh

For the 2008 model year, Toyota announced a number of enhancements and changes. The 2008 tC is distinguished by the new Scion family front fascia, including a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-type low beam headlights with black trim.


The tC also receives new rear tail lights similar in style to the headlights with round combination lamps. Inside, the tC receives a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and Pioneer subwoofer.

Azure Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl exterior colors were replaced with Sizzling Crimson Mica and Wave Line Pearl.

Apple iPod connectivity is standard across the Scion lineup for 2008. Scion's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. This head unit integrates 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 audio controls. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's Pioneer speakers.

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.

Pricing

The tC Spec Package - a blank canvas for the tuner community - will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $15,300 for a manual transmission and $16,100 for an automatic transmission, an increase of $300, or 2.0 percent and 1.9 percent respectively.

With the additional standard equipment, the base MSRP for the core model tC is $17,000 for the manual transmission and $17,800 for the automatic transmission, an increase of $600, or 3.7 percent and 3.5 percent respectively.