Scion quietly reveals 2008 tC

Amidst the flurry of press surrounding the release of Scion's xD and xB, the refreshed tC got lost in the shuffle. For 2008, Scion made a some notable changes to its best selling coupe, with mildly revised styling, added safety features and an upgraded audio system.
On the styling side of things, a new mesh grille, blacked out headlamps and lower lattice work separate the new tC from its elders, along with two new colors for 2008: Sizzling Crimson Mica and Wave Line Pearl.
On the inside, Scion has made iPod connectivity standard across all of its models, via a Pioneer 160-watt head unit, while the optional premium audio setup allows users to download four- to eight-second clips that will display on the LCD readout.
Under the hood, the 2.4-liter inline four is still producing 161 HP and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, channeling power down to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
Follow the jump for the full press release and be sure to check out the gallery by either click the image above or one of the pics below.
Gallery: 2008 Scion tC
PRESS RELEASE
Scion tC Receives Freshened Styling And Standard Apple iPod Connectivity For 2008
February 8, 2007 – Chicago - The Scion tC, the best-selling vehicle in the Scion lineup, raises the bar in the sports coupe segment as it receives sharp styling revisions, new standard equipment and safety features for 2008.
Freshened Exterior and Enhanced Interior
The 2008 tC is distinguished by the new Scion family front fascia, a menacing horizontal combination of headlights and grille. For the tC this includes a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-type low beam headlights with black trim. The tC also receives eye-catching 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.
Standard iPod Connectivity
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.
Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the tC comes standard with rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers, and subwoofers.
The tC's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit.
Both the standard and premium head units 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, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems will also feature six speakers: two tweeters and speakers in each door panel.
Advanced Safety
Like all 2008 Scions, the tC comes standard with front dual stage airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor system, headrests, three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions and a first aid kit. The tC also features a driver's knee airbag.
Sporty Package
The tC's roominess and ride comfort can be attributed to its 106.3-inch wheelbase and 69.1-inch wide stance. In addition the tC has four-wheel independent suspension, strut-type front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension, for responsive handling.
A four-wheel disc brake system is standard on the tC. A two-step brake booster increases power assist in proportion to pedal force to provide precise pedal feel. 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.
Fun-To-Drive Performance
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.
Fully Equipped
All Scion models come well-equipped in a "mono spec" trim. The tC offers full standard equipment so the customer only needs to choose between manual or automatic transmissions and vehicle color.
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 complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services for the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.
The standard tC model is available in a choice of seven colors: Flint Mica, Super White, Black Sand Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Sizzling Crimson Mica, Wave Line Pearl and Nautical Blue Metallic. Exterior colors are complemented by a high-quality dark charcoal fabric interior in the standard tC model.
Blank Canvas
Toyota Racing Development (TRD) offers many parts to enhance tC performance, including performance suspension kits, a high-performance clutch, quick shifter, leather-wrapped shift knob and sequential shift light kit.
It's easy for customers to take the tC to the next level with Scion Genuine Accessories. Customers can change the tC's look with the approximately 40 available accessories including EMX Super seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero P255/40Z R18 all-season tires, polished stainless steel muffler, color-keyed ground effects and a rear lip spoiler. The Optomize accessory program, available at Scion dealers, also offers customers the convenience of cutting-edge, well-known name-brand accessories.
For those who really want to express their creativity, Scion also offers the tC Spec Package model aimed at the tuner segment with a lower price point than the standard model. Since wheel changes are so popular in the tuner community, the tC Spec Package model comes standard with steel wheels, P205/55 R16 tires and seven-spoke wheel covers. The tC Spec Package also features a fixed glass panorama roof, unique upholstery, a urethane steering wheel, and a grille and headlight garnish with special treatment. The color pallet for this model includes Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver metallic, compared to the standard model's seven colors.
Comfort and Class
A Scion would not be complete without unexpected utility and content for its class. The tC offers this and more with its unique attention to detail.
The tC's comfortable front sport bucket seats feature driver's side height and thigh support adjustments, along with a walk-in function with memory for both the seat and backrest. The 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.
The metal-tone center console features a genuine cast-aluminum temperature control dial flanked by soft-touch electronic buttons and an LCD display showing exterior temperature, seven fan speeds and a clock. Shutter-type flush-closing dash vents complement the center console's waterfall design.
The dash and upper door panels are covered with unique trim that was inspired by the texture of Japanese paper, while the front-passenger airbag is seamlessly integrated into the dash. Dampers are used for the interior moving parts and ensure smooth operation. The tC's low NVH levels are maintained with extensive use of sound absorption materials.
The tC's rear seats deliver utility and comfort. The rear can recline to 45 degrees and can be adjusted into 10 different positions. The 60/40-split rear seats fold forward for a nearly flat cargo floor, and when both are folded flat provide more than 8.5 feet of length for cargo. Standard tie down hooks in the rear seat and cargo areas provided added convenience.
Storage is abundant in the tC with four roomy map pockets, bag hooks in side panels, numerous CD, bottle, cup and cell phone holders, and a two-tiered fabric-covered center console. Additional storage can be found under the right rear cargo area for securing valuables.
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.












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Scott 9:40AM (2/09/2007)
This is still one of the best looking coupes on the road. If only they would put the power to the rear wheels.
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Merkidemis 11:07AM (2/09/2007)
Gah, why do they insist on the cover for the radio!?
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juse 11:51AM (2/09/2007)
Love the headlights. Always wanted simple designed headlights with 3 circles. Now it's here and I'm happy.
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D Man 10:02AM (2/09/2007)
This things look so crappy I would release it silently too!
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Jeremy 10:10AM (2/09/2007)
Looks alright on the outside, interior looks like a black plastic parade. Gross.
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srivendel 10:19AM (2/09/2007)
Obviously Toyota is in no mood to mess with success. That's understandable, but what a dull little creature this tC is, especially in comparison to the extroverted new xB and xD. Like the gen. 7 Civic, this looks like the epitome of restrained, boring Japanese design.
In other words, other Scions and FJ aside, this is par for the course for Toyota.
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rrr 10:18AM (2/09/2007)
----------Scion quietly reveals 2008 tC-----------
What? Why would Toyota do it so QUIETLY. They need to do it like GM, you know start a hype about a car 3 years before it will ever hit the show room, like Camaro. Start parties for the car, invite C list celebrities. GM executives talk about this car all the time, same was the case with Sky/Solstace.........about two good years before the car cameout it was all GM executives would talk about....that is the case with GM today, they can only talk and hype about what is coming out, not what's out already. Because what is out NOW is a rebadged, unefficient, poor quality junkmobile.
Hey, GM should invite Robert Goulet to the next Camaro party....he can rock the house.
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emw 10:32AM (2/09/2007)
The tailights are gross, but the headlights are bettert than the current/old one ( http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0502_compact_sedan_comparison/scion_photos.html ). From the looks, the tails can probably be swapped out?
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akintz 10:41AM (2/09/2007)
I'll stick with my 05 tC, thanks. And yes, like someone said above, knee airbag and tire pressure monitor have been standard since the debut. Though I think they did modify the tire pressure system for the 07 models - instead of measuring rotating speed they added actual pressure sensors. Something like that.
I'll wait to see what they do for the 09 tC. That'll be the redesign like they did for the xA/xB this year. The tC will be next - but not until the next model year.
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mj 10:41AM (2/09/2007)
Wait, this is new?
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CarnifeX 10:56AM (2/09/2007)
Great little car that Toyota has going here, hell the whole line shows the foresight that Toyota has and why they will remain a powerhouse in the automotive industry.
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GO JOE 10:57AM (2/09/2007)
Looks the same to me.
Test drove it in 2005, bought the new Mustang V6 with ABS instead - same price with x-xplan, trade in and apr.
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Victor 11:28AM (2/09/2007)
Toyota Canada should bring this to the Canadian market
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akintz 11:23AM (2/09/2007)
@ 18:
I actually love the radio cover. People are intrigued by it. I have an iPod in my cup holder (aux input) and just leave the radio cover closed all of the time and control everything I need through the iPod. Looks better that way, IMO. Until I get a nice nav system anyways... which is a LONG ways off.
They even make a slick motorized attachment for it. http://tcover.net/
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DC 11:39AM (2/09/2007)
#5 - Here is a thought: maybe GM hypes its cars in advance to gauge the response to concepts, and unlike the many bland Toyotas they're actually worth making a CONCEPT car out of to put at an auto show in advance of production. Get out of here troll.
Now on to the car...they really should step it up to 5-speed auto. It looks alright but the interior is bland. However, I'll reserve judgement until I see it in person.
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Peter 11:41AM (2/09/2007)
I like the clean look of the tC and the new headlights tend to accentuate it. Wish they'd do something about the factory wheels. They're soooo small and it rides so high.
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DC 11:42AM (2/09/2007)
A bunch of posts just disappeared, although if any should have it should be rrr's. My post above is directed at him, whose post was previously #5 before the deletings.
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Ken 2:02PM (2/09/2007)
I actually like the new tail lights. They are WAY better then the ones that came stock 05-07. But I still like the LED ones better. I still think they should have put the sequential shift on the tC before the new xB.
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patrick kinsale 9:57PM (2/10/2007)
Whenever I see one of these tC's, I remember my first car, a silver 1977 Toyota Celica, which I once got up to 106 mph and which earned me several speeding tickets. Oh how I miss it sometimes ...
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scionxdforum.com 12:44PM (2/09/2007)
this car is gona continue to sell well... not sure if i like the tail lights though...
http://www.scionxdforum.com
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