2007 Scion tC Spec Package for tuners

Back in May we revealed that Scion would be pricing its tuner-ready 2007 tC Spec Package at $15,000 with a manual transmission and $15,800 with an automatic. Unfortunately it took Toyota until now to furnish some photos of what the tC Spec Package will look like, but it came through today with a bunch.
The idea behind the tC Spec Package is ingenious – instead of sinking millions of development dollars into a super tC like Ford did with the SVT Focus, Dodge with the SRT-4, and other manufacturers continue to do, offer a version of the tC that's ready to be tuned and costs less than the standard tC. Real sport compact enthusiasts want to turn their own wrench, pick their own appearance mods and make their cars truly unique. The sport compact enthusiast scene would be a much different and more creative place today if every manufacturer acknowledged the tuner in this way.
Realizing that new wheels is one of the first mods a tuner may perform, Scion equips the tC Spec Package with smaller 16-inch wheels wearing seven-spoke wheel covers. The new entry-level model gets the fixed glass panoramic roof (that'll get replaced by an articulating sunroof with mounted 42-inch plasma screen), unique upholstery on the seats (that will be ripped out and replaced with Recaros) and a urethane steering wheel (can anybody explain the significance of this last one? Doesn't matter, the MOMO wheel's on its way), as well.
Aside from those changes the Spec Package is loaded with the same equipment as the standard tC, which includes items like a 160-watt Pioneer audio system, four-wheel disc brakes, and the car's 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 161 hp and 162 ft-lbs. of torque.
Scion has its own catalogue of Toyota Racing Development accessories that includes the normal staple items of a tuner's diet: supercharger, wheels, sport suspension, exhaust, etc. No doubt many tuners will look to the aftermarket, though, where a number of good companies have been producing good Scion performance and appearance accessories.
(Tons of pics after the jump and Toyota's press release)
[Source: Toyota]

























Press release:
Sporty Scion The Scion tC Offers Tuner-Ready "Spec Package" For 2007
08/28/2006 Torrance, CA
August 28, 2006 – Torrance, CA - The Scion tC, the best value in the sport coupe market, is offered in a new Spec Package model for 2007, aimed at the tuner segment with a lower price point than the standard model.
"Thanks to its outstanding performance and value, the Scion tC has been a popular model with tuners, and the 2007 tC Spec Package will bolster this model's appeal in that segment," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The tC Spec Package gives the tuner community a 'blank slate' on which to express their own creativity, with the reduction in MSRP helping to get them started."
Since one of the first things a tuner customer changes is a car's wheels, the 2007 Scion tC Spec Package model substitutes steel wheels, P205/55 R16 tires and seven-spoke wheel covers; the standard tC model will continue with 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels fitted with P215/45Z R17 Bridgestone Potenza Z-rated all-season tires.
Other changes made on the tC Spec Package include a fixed glass panorama roof, unique upholstery, and a urethane steering wheel. This low-volume model will be distinguished by special treatment to the grille and headlight garnish and offered in just four colors (instead of the standard model's seven) – Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic.
Aside from the new Spec Package, the tC carries over for 2007 with a sun visor with a sliding extension, updated seat fabric and direct tire pressure monitoring system.
Complete Performance Package
The sleek Scion tC sits low and wide, with a 106.3-inch wheelbase and an overall width of 69.1 inches. The long wheelbase contributes to the tC's interior roominess and ride comfort, while a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension helps to provide responsive handling.
The tC's high-strength architecture allows the strut-type front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension to help provide an ideal blend of compliance and response. Steering and brake feel have been carefully tuned to provide optimal feedback from the road to the driver.
As expected in a performance car, the Scion tC comes standard with a four-wheel disc brake system. A two-step brake booster increases power assist in proportion to pedal force to provide precise pedal feel. For safety, 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.
High-tech Powerplant
The Scion tC serves up fun-to-drive power right from the factory, thanks to its 2.4-liter double overhead-cam four-cylinder engine. This sophisticated powerplant boasts an aluminum cylinder block and head, magnesium cam cover, electronic throttle control and Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). Tuned specifically for the tC, the engine produces 161 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.
This CARB-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) engine is mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The Scion tC has EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 22/29 mpg with the manual transmission and 23/30 mpg with the automatic.
High-Performance Audio
Scion has been successfully attracting young, first-time new-car buyers in part by getting in tune with their musical preferences, including the migration from
compact disc to digital music formats. Scion was the first brand to offer iPod connectivity and control across its entire lineup.
The tC's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system features a centrally-located volume control knob and a mini-jack port located in the center console compartment that allows for connectivity to most portable music players. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's six speakers.
A Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit with Apple iPod control is available as an accessory upgrade for all 2007 Scions. The tC was the first car in its class to integrate 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 buttons. The upgrade unit also features audio display color change illumination.
Both the standard and upgrade head units still 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 and Sound Retouch digital equalization which provides clearer CD sound quality.
Personalization
Owners can enhance performance of the tC with components developed especially for it by Toyota Racing Development (TRD), including performance suspension kits, a high-performance clutch, quick shifter, leather-wrapped shift knob and sequential shift light kit.
The approximately 40 available accessories make it easy for the customer to take the performance/style factor even higher in the tC and truly personalize the car. Notable highlights include EMX Super seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero P225/40Z R18 all-season tires, polished stainless steel muffler, color-keyed ground effects and a rear lip spoiler.
High-End Interior Without the High Price
The Scion tC interior features materials and content that, like the car's performance, belies its very affordable price. In addition, the tC offers outstanding utility in a spacious cabin, with attention to detail unexpected in this segment. The sport bucket seats are covered in a premium deep-texture fabric for a rich "class-above" feel and appearance.
The driver's seat provides adjustments for both height and thigh support, along with a walk-in function with memory for both the seat and backrest. A simple 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.
Shutter-type flush-closing dash vents complement the overall design of the contrasting metal-tone center console. The genuine cast-aluminum temperature control dial is flanked by soft-touch electronic buttons and an LCD display that shows exterior temperature, seven fan speeds and a clock.
Designers incorporated many high-quality interior details. Extensive use of
sound absorption materials helps maintain low NVH levels to further support the
"class above" feel. The dash and upper door panels are trimmed in a material that was inspired by the texture of Japanese paper, and the front-passenger airbag is seamlessly integrated into the dash. Interior moving parts employ dampers for smooth operation.
Further evidence of Scion DNA can be found in the use of amber instrument panel illumination with meters and gauges that spring to attention when the car is started and unique day/night illumination that reverses contrast of the gauges for easier viewing.
The rear 60/40-split seats fold forward for a nearly flat load floor. Unique in this segment, the rear seats also recline to 45 degrees and can be adjusted into 10 different positions. Finally, when both the front and rear passenger seats are folded flat, the Scion tC provides more than 8.5 feet of length for cargo, complete with tie-down hooks in the rear seat and cargo areas.
Storage capacity includes four roomy map pockets, numerous CD, bottle, cup and cell phone holders, bag hooks in side panels and a two-tiered, fabric-covered center console. More storage is provided under the rear floor deck, where a large right-side area is available to secure valuables.
Advanced Safety
In addition to ABS and EBD, safety features for tC include headrests and
three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, front airbags and a standard driver's knee airbag.
Front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags are available as the only factory option. In addition, the Scion tC comes standard with a first aid kit.
Unparalleled Value
Like all Scion models, the tC is offered in well-equipped "mono-spec" trim. The standard equipment is so complete that the customer needs only to choose between manual or automatic transmissions, vehicle color and whether or not to have front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags.
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 three complimentary oil changes, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.
The standard tC model is available in a choice of seven colors: Azure Pearl, Flint Mica, Super White, Black Sand Pearl, Black Cherry Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic and Nautical Blue Metallic. Exterior colors are complemented by a high-quality dark charcoal fabric interior in the standard tC model.
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 3)
Ted K 2:12PM (8/29/2006)
I think by "tuned" you mean "riced".
The Scion crowd customizes the appearence of their cars and leaves anything related to performance alone, except for the exhaust / intake (which are rarely improvements from the Toyota-engineered piece anyway).
Just like the Civic ricers of the 90s, the Scion crowd points to 2 or 3 forced-induction completely-non-streetable sub-10-sec dragsters and claims that their own "customized" cars are somehow related.
What a joke.
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Luis Longo 2:19PM (8/29/2006)
One of the best approaches by a car company
for today's young demographic.
This is Edison-like genius thinking,
if after all you are going to pump
it with tons of aftermarket, why not
buy the car without those stock things?
This a move way forward, nobody came up with this...
Keep up the good work scion, Thats why in 2005
you sold more cars in the US than Mitsubishi,
and wait you only offer 3 models dont you?
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pedro 2:22PM (8/29/2006)
Urethane as opposed to leather, most likely. Another piece to replace. This is a FANTASTIC idea. You can buy a "base" car for $15k, and spend $5 customizing it. What is excellent is that they are opening a second channel in terms of marketing. They wanted to give people that "tuner look" but with a factory warranty, with all their factory upgrades, but now you can also do it yourself. This is a really great idea.
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Michael Karesh 2:21PM (8/29/2006)
I wonder how many people bolt on the TRD supercharger.
Gotta wonder why they took the leather off the wheel but left the audio system in the car. Guess they figured the stock audio couldn't be improved upon.
Hubcaps for people who buy the car just for the lower price, or who need a few more months to save up for new rims? Bare steelies might be bad for the car's image.
http://www.truedelta.com/models/tC.php
2007 prices soon
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purecoda 2:21PM (8/29/2006)
"that's get replaced"
attn: autoblog writers. this link should might help you - http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=proofread&x=36&y=8
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Whydrive 2:22PM (8/29/2006)
I'm sure Toyota will love this until people start complaining about problems with the car and pointing the finger at Toyota.
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saimin 2:29PM (8/29/2006)
This reminds me of the old Fox-Body LX Mustangs and more specifically the Mustang GTS in '95. Cool to see a company giving it a shot again. Lame to see them patting themselves on the back so much...
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djSyndrome 2:32PM (8/29/2006)
"This a move way forward, nobody came up with this..."
Except for Subaru, which did it a year ago with the WRX TR.
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TL 2:42PM (8/29/2006)
Toyota needs to slow it down lets see how long before this version of the Tc gets recalled. Does it come with the optional break apart sunroof
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rwdmtparkingonly 2:42PM (8/29/2006)
Toyota is forgetting that "tuners" inherit their mom's old cars, they don't buy new ones.
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Renton 2:51PM (8/29/2006)
What nobody is accounting for are the tons of decontented tCs that will driving around town that were bought by people who didn't want to spend an extra 1500 for alloys and a moonroof.
(Does anyone else find it odd that the passenger door has no keyhole?)
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djSyndrome 2:56PM (8/29/2006)
"Does anyone else find it odd that the passenger door has no keyhole?"
This is a feature to help reduce curbside breakins. Lots of cars don't have them nowdays (our 2002 VW didn't.)
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Steve 3:10PM (8/29/2006)
Great idea, Toyota. If I didn't have so much invested in my car already, I'd be in line for this one today! It could be an terrific "sleeper" and fool a bunch of cars that cost twice as much! (I did that years ago with my first supercharged Miata... embarassed drivers of both a Porsche and a 300Z turbo with my "girl's car". It was fun, and this one will be, too.)
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Buzzsaw 3:14PM (8/29/2006)
I'm sure this has been asked and answered elsewhere, but what is the ~2" circular dent in the front bumper cover?
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fzpb8c 11:50PM (5/24/2007)
It pops out when you need to tow the car. Scion put what is essentially a bolt with a large eye-hole in the trunk that screws into the frame at this point so the body isn't damaged.
Richard Warren 6:43PM (8/29/2006)
Not a bad idea, begs a question though. What about warranty? While many parts are Toyota supplied, many tuners go outside the factory for "tuning" Where is the line drawn on warranty and modifications?
Even with the Toyota parts, if it fails and the owner did the work, will Toyota stand behind it? Labor, even if installed by a Scion dealer?
Having been through some of the tuner boys and having had to deny warranty on Honda's (with Honda blessing by the way) sort of makes you wonder.
Like I said, not a bad idea.
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Kotse 3:23PM (8/29/2006)
This must be Scions' answer to VWs' $14.9k base Rabbit..
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Jscro 3:24PM (8/29/2006)
It's too much trouble to squeeze out more horsepower on this car. The Supercharger is about $5k with install, and it has to be installed by Toyota to qualify for the warranty.
Great idea, but this blank canvas really isn't much of a canvas at all.
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Sid 3:23PM (8/29/2006)
Whoop-di-doo. I can take my Mazda3 anytime to my dealer and choose from a large catalogue of Mazdaspeed options.
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menice 3:37PM (8/29/2006)
best part is, you'll do the mods, come in for standard service and be told... sorry warrantyis void for using aftermarket parts.
it's like subaru, even if you buy the subie up pipe and install, subie will void your warrenty.
when my bud bought a subie, it came with a free membership to the SCCA, and then a letter 7 days later from subie corp telling him it voids his warranty if he joins.
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