Autoblog

Scion tC Release Series 7.0 has red start button, is Zeus-approved

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Toyota, Humor

2012 Scion tC Series 7.0 - Click above to watch videos after the jump

Nothing says "I wanna go fast" like a big red button with "Engine Start" printed on it. It's a law of science: if a vehicle features a red start button, it goes like a scalded cat. With that in mind, the 2012 Scion tC Series 7.0, which Scion hopes will attract Monster Energy swillers away from souped-up Honda Civic coupes, features just such a button (but no powertrain upgrades to back it up). It's also got a bone-obliterating stereo and body-color interior accents.

Outside, you get gloss black 17-inch wheels, and a special, Series 7.0-only yellow-orange paint scheme. And how about an endorsement from the ruler of Mount Olympus himself? Hop the jump for the bolt thrower's take on the new tC.

Continue reading Scion tC Release Series 7.0 has red start button, is Zeus-approved

Scion tC Release Series 7.0 has red start button, is Zeus-approved originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Scion tC earns NHTSA five-star crash rating

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Safety, Scion

2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

The redesigned 2011 Scion tC coupe has officially earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Thanks in part to no fewer than eight airbags, the little Scion managed to ace the government's collision and rollover tests.

The tC features driver and passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags and side-curtain airbags.

In addition to its impressive airbag tally, the car also packs ABS, traction control, stability control, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and Smart Stop technology to help prevent the airbags from ever having to deploy. Click past the jump to see the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: Review

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2011 Scion tC earns NHTSA five-star crash rating

2011 Scion tC earns NHTSA five-star crash rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Scion tC

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Scion, New Car Reviews

Changed For The Better, But Not Quite Enough

2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Historians William Strauss and Neil Howe are known for their theory that America goes through a repeating cycle of four periods: a High, an Awakening, an Unraveling and a Crisis. Depending on who you believe, we could be in an Unraveling period about to fall headlong into a major crisis, which our two historians call the Fourth Turning. But if we persevere and turn the corner, we'll find ourselves back in High times once again.

We reckon the Scion brand is in about the same spot. It hasn't had much positive to report lately, so the redesigned 2011 Scion tC gives the brand something to talk about while it works out how to improve on its initially strong showing in the U.S. Does the new tC portend a return to High times for Scion, or is it leading a parade lap right into the Fourth Turning?

Continue Reading...

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: Review

Continue reading Review: 2011 Scion tC

Review: 2011 Scion tC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion officially opens its doors for business in Canada

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Scion, Toyota, Canada

2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Scion is a youth-oriented brand that was developed by Toyota to capture a younger North American demographic. By "North America," Scion was referring to the United States - until now. Happy Youth-Oriented Car Day, Canada! Scion has just announced that the brand is hopping the border and ready to be purchased by "young, style-conscious Canadian drivers."

The initial roll-out is set to take place in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Scions will be available through 45 dealerships spread between those cities. As the brand builds strength in the country, more dealerships and locations will be springing up.

A full list of the original 45 dealers can be found at ScionNation.ca/scion/dealers. The full 2011 lineup is available, including the recently-driven 2011 Scion tC. Thanks for the tip, Paul!

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: First Drive

Continue reading Scion officially opens its doors for business in Canada

Scion officially opens its doors for business in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler releases details, images of refreshed 2011 Town & Country

Zach Bowman — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chrysler

2011 Chrysler Town & Country - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is continuing to hone the minivan that started it all - the Town & Country (okay, so it was the Plymouth Voyager and the Dodge Caravan, sue us). For 2011, buyers can look to find a slew of safety and technology treats on board, both in standard and optional trims. Every 2011 Town & Country will ship with tricks like blind spot and rear cross-path detection as part of what the company says is a 40-strong list of features designed to keep families as safe as can be. In a segment that's primary focus is shepherding herds of young ones around town, we're guessing that's going to be a strong selling point.

Of course, as important as safety is, it's also pretty boring. Fortunately, Chrysler has loaded up the new Town & Country with enough entertainment goodies to keep even the most spastic of rug rats sufficiently sedated. Buyers can opt for a dual-DVD system that can play separate media at the same time, SIRIUS backseat TV with plenty of children's programming or FLO TV with 20 channels of programming. There's also a raft of new instrument panel changes and softer touchpoints, along with a refined Stow 'n Go seating system. Road trips will never be the same.

For you lead-footed moms and dads late to soccer practice, under the hood, Chrysler has packed the company's new 283-horsepower Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 with 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which helps the six-pot net 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Hit the jump for the press release and check out the gallery of exterior and interior changes below.

Gallery: 2011 Chrysler Town & Country

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler releases details, images of refreshed 2011 Town & Country

Chrysler releases details, images of refreshed 2011 Town & Country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion tC to get TRD performance version?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Performance, Japan, Scion, Rumormill

2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

This is interesting. The JDM-obsessed crew over at 7Tune seem to believe that Toyota is planning a more sports-oriented version of the 2011 Scion tC. At first blush, the car reads like little more than a best-of list of parts from the TRD catalog. The word comes courtesy of none other than Toyota's Chief Engineer, Masayuki Nagai, who says that the car will boast all-new bodywork, a revamped suspension and a free-flowing exhaust for a little more pep. Supposedly the whole package will hit the wallet at a little more than $18,000. If that's true, the new package could be a performance steal.

Unfortunately, this rumored sharper tC isn't slated to hit showrooms until the 2012 model year, which means that buyers will be only have its more prosaic iteration to pick over for a full year before its meaner brother comes along.

Of course, we have to wonder exactly how many people are buying the tC because they want to scoot around a track faster than the competition - not too many, we'd fathom. But with Toyota apparently keen to gain a stronger male demographic for the tC, this is probably as good a place as any to start.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: First Drive

Photos by Jeremy Korzeniewski / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: 7Tune]

Scion tC to get TRD performance version? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ward's: Scion tC derivatives possible, including five-door

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Scion

2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's MC platform supports a range of the company's models from the Corolla to the Venza, and it also does duty under the Scion tC. With Scion having just introduced the new 2011 tC, it looks like the company might also want to do more with it. Scion vice president Jack Hollis told Ward's Automotive that a Tc with five doors is "possible."

It would make sense to provide a Tc with more doors. After all, Scion is designed to be a feeder brand that encourages owners to eventually move into Toyotas. The tC coupe is important, because it draws customers with Scion's youngest average age: 26. Giving them another point of entry into the brand, and offering those with bigger needs a sporty four-door (neither the xB nor xD fit that description) would not be a bad thing.

At this point it's all merely talk, but it's talk that makes sense. And if Scion isn't going to daringly style its way to a new customer base, more doors on a proven, flexible platform might be the next best thing.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL
[Source: Ward's Auto]

Ward's: Scion tC derivatives possible, including five-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Team Need for Speed racing team adds Time Attack 1,100-HP Scion TC

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Scion, Racing

Chris Rado's Time Attack Scion AWD - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chris Rado has added another car to Team Need for Speed: an 1,100-horsepower all-wheel drive Scion TC taking aim at the Time Attack series. It's taken a few years to take the idea from concept to reality, and pictures of the build make it clear why. The zebra-marked tC with gold-plated bulkhead and hood-exit exhaust made its debut last weekend at Road Atlanta, and for some reason - maybe the snowplow? - we wouldn't be surprised to see it on a mountain in Colorado someday. Have a closer look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Team Need for Speed Time Attack Scion

[Source: Speedhunters via Designlenta]

Team Need for Speed racing team adds Time Attack 1,100-HP Scion TC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Scion tC to start at $18,275*

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Scion

2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

In case you missed it, Scion tossed us the keys to its new 2011 tC coupe and we dutifully put it through its paces out in San Diego and wrote up a First Drive report. You should read it. But if you won't, here's one salient bit of data that we thought was worth sharing again: $18,275.

Yep, you guessed it. That's the starting price of the 2011 Scion tC, and don't forget to tack on another $720 for destination. Buyers who'd rather let the six-speed automatic do the shifting for them will need to shell out an additional grand over the standard six-speed manual. We'd advise sticking with the manual, but we know 70 percent of buyers will disagree...

Want one? Scion promises the 2011 tC will hit dealerships on October 1st, so you'd best start saving your pennies now.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: First Drive

[Source: Scion]

2011 Scion tC to start at $18,275* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Scion tC is a bolder swipe at Generation Y

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hatchback, Scion, First Drives

NOTE: Our first drive report of the 2011 Scion tC was originally published at 9am EST when Toyota's embargo lifted. We didn't want you to miss it, so check it out below.

2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no demographic that's targeted more often than young, affluent males. Though these buyers may not have quite as much expendable income to throw at new car purchases than say older, affluent males, automakers are still very keen to cater to the needs of Generation Y with the hope of earning a customer for life.

The tC is Scion's most important product.

Toyota is no different than any other automaker in this regard; perhaps even more so as the Japanese giant's customer base is just about as old as that of Buick. To resolve that issue, Toyota created the Scion brand in North America back in 2002 and has been marketing the heck out of its up-and-coming feeder marque ever since.

The ploy has mostly been successful. Toyota merrily points out that Scion has the youngest average customer in the industry and that 71 percent of all 800,000 or so Scions have been sold to buyers who are new to the Toyota family. Interestingly enough, with a median age of 26, it's the tC coupe's 310,000 total sales since 2002 (accounting for 41 percent of all Scion production) that manages to attract the youngest customers of all.

In other words, while the funky xB may be the most recognizable, it's actually the tC that is the brand's most important product. Therefore, Scion absolutely needs the new 2011 tC to be a runaway hit. Especially since the second-generation of the xB has, by many measures, failed to live up to the success of its straight-ruled predecessor.

So does the new tC pass muster? We set out to answer that very question when we grabbed the keys in sunny San Diego. Read on to find out what we learned.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Scion tC is a bolder swipe at Generation Y

First Drive: 2011 Scion tC is a bolder swipe at Generation Y originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Scion tC convertible cometh?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Rumormill

The good people at Inside Line seem to think Scion has an itch to go topless. The site names a handful of unnamed sources that say Toyota's youth-bent brand is looking for an easy way to inject some life into its lineup - something that could be easily accomplished by cutting the roof off of the newly unveiled tC coupe. The car just received its first significant redesign in six years, and as such, IL seems to think the time is ripe to add a convertible model to the mix.

The site makes a compelling case for the move, including the fact that there are very few affordable drop heads on the market right now. Throw in the fact that Toyota just sent its one and only convertible, the Solara, packing for good, and it seems to make sense.

We have to wonder exactly how many freshly-minted college grads would snap up a convertible tC, though. After all, Scion is easily as popular with the AARP crowd as it is with the younger set, thanks largely to the brand's vehicles that are bigger on function than they are on style. We're looking at you, xB. Would a convertible help to drop the brand's demographic by a few generations? Maybe so, but considering we haven't heard word one from Toyota on this front, we'll have to leave this one in the rumormill pile a little longer.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC

[Source: Inside Line]

Rendered Speculation: Scion tC convertible cometh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Five Axis mods the 2011 Scion tC

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:18:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, New York Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Scion

2011 Scion tC by Five Axis - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, Scion revealed their brand spankin' new 2011 tC to the world's automotive press here at the New York Auto Show. We happen to think the car looks just fine, but will admit that for a youth oriented brand such as Scion, a little bit more aggression might have been nice. Meet the Five Axis tuned Scion tC, a car that couldn't get much more aggressive unless it was holding a gun. A really big one. \ If you don't know, Five Axis is mostly known for their show car offerings.

The "Blood Shot Red" paint is slathered over a four-inch wide body kit. The lower grill is just plain nuts. Sadly the doors of this concept were locked, but we could see (but not really photograph) that the interior's stuffed with all sorts of customized good stuff, with lots of what appears to be leather and suede. The suspension is made up of Tein adjustable coil-overs. The brakes are ginormous (especially for a 180-horsepower tC), measuring 14-inches in front and 13-inches in the rear. But the brakes aren't the crazy part.

The crazy part consists of the wheels. Ready? The front wheels are so big they require 245/30/20 rubber. The rear? 295/30/20. That's right, the rear wheels are 10.5-inches wide. Remember this car's a front-wheel driver. Sort of gives new meaning to the phrase, "all show and no go," eh?

Gallery: New York 2010: Scion tC by Five Axis

New York 2010: Five Axis mods the 2011 Scion tC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: Scion reveals better looking, more powerful 2011 tC

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Scion

2011 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

The big reveal for Scion at the 2010 New York Auto Show is staring you square in the face. Meet the 2011 tC. Scion describes the car as defining "refined aggression." They called it, "masculine," too. Even though the new car borrows fairly heavily from the 2006 Fuse concept (not to mention the outgoing tC), our collective jury is still out on the refined aggression part. But we'll go ahead and agree that the new model does indeed look more masculine, which is good for Scion, as the tC demographic not only skews young (most youthful in the industry it turns out), but very male as well.

As for what's new, the engine is now a 2.5-liter I-4, up from 2.4 liters. Power is up as well. The new tC ships with a respectable 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. That's plus 19 ponies and 11 pound feet. The suspension is now "sport tuned" and the power steering is electronic, which Scion assured us better allows the engineers to dial in more steering feel. Uh-huh.

The new tC also gets better gas mileage than the previous car (no word yet on exactly how much better) and comes with two new transmissions. There's a six-speed automatic that features sequential-shift (Scion-speak for a manual shift mode) as well asa six-speed manual that promises more refined shifting than the old five-speed.

Other goodies include 18-inch wheels and larger tires, bigger brake rotors (Scion claimed 16-inch rotors front and back during the press conference, but that's... insane) and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The tC has been our favorite Scion ever since Scion replaced the fist-gen xB with the fatter second-gen model. As such, it looks as if we have a new favorite. Press release, after the jump.

Gallery: New York 2010: Scion tC

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC

Continue reading New York 2010: Scion reveals better looking, more powerful 2011 tC

New York 2010: Scion reveals better looking, more powerful 2011 tC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Scion tC video brings updated sport compact into sharper focus

John Neff — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:09:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Performance, Videos

2011 Scion tC: Sneak Peek - Click above for image gallery

Thanks to our anonymous tipster from earlier in the day, we know a lot more about the updated 2011 Scion tC than we did yesterday. Tomorrow we'll know even more when the new car debuts at the 2010 New York Auto Show. In the meantime, Scion itself has released a video that confirms many of our tipster's earlier details, as well as provides some unfettered views of the new tC's design.

The video, which can be viewed after the jump, confirms that the tC will be available with a slightly larger engine at 2.5 liters of displacement compared to the current model's 2.4 liters. We don't know yet how much little extra bit of volume will translate into extra horsepower, but the man in the video says there will be more than before (torque too). Add to that confirmation of both a six-speed manual and automatic transmission, improved fuel economy, 18-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes and an eight-speaker stereo with a USB port.

The video also shows a few fast glimpses of the '11 tC's redesigned exterior, which we've captured and gallerized below in the hope that a few seizures from the video's quick cuts might be prevented. Regardless, It won't be long until the teasing stops and the 2011 Scion tC greets the world onstage in the Big Apple tomorrow.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC: Sneak Peek

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading 2011 Scion tC video brings updated sport compact into sharper focus

2011 Scion tC video brings updated sport compact into sharper focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: 2011 Scion tC caught on New York show stand ahead of reveal, looks much the same *Updated

Chris Paukert — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Scion

We have always thought that the Scion tC was a pretty tidy looking little hatchback, but as it's been on sale since 2004, well, it's gotten a bit tired, even though there are very few inexpensive front-drive sport-ish coupes to choose from these days. With that in mind, we've been looking forward to the introduction of the long-awaited 2011 model, expecting a fairly radical step forward. Judging by this new spy shot from an anonymous tipster, perhaps we ought to temper our expectations a bit.

While the single snapshot in question is blurry and blown out, it does show what appears to be a new lower fascia, grille, wheels, and side mirrors. The headlamps are too washed out under the showstand's high-power lights to tell if they've been altered (it appears that the photo was taken during a presentation rehearsal ahead tomorrow's New York Auto Show reveal), but it's reasonable to assume that the tC will receive new lights both front and rear, as they're a hallmark of almost any vehicle refresh.

As for what lies underneath the reskin, we're not yet sure, as the only thing to have slipped out about the new model that appears credible are a few official-looking detail shots that reveal items like a new manual shift mode for the automatic transmission and revamped HVAC controls.

We'll have more on the 2011 tC after Scion's press conference tomorrow, but in the meantime, you can play a game of "spot the differences" from the outgoing car by checking out our high-res gallery of Scion's latest special edition model below.

*UPDATE: Our man with the spy cam has offered up the following details about the 2011 tC:

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (2010 model has a 2.4-liter)
Six-speed manual or automatic gearbox with sequential shifter
18-inch wheels standard (with wider tires)
Traction and stability control (defeatable)
Wider track for improved stance
Flat-bottom steering wheel "one of the best feeling out there (comparable to the one used in the GTI), very thick"
Improved seats with "good bolsters and shoulder height bolsters, too"
Improved rear headroom (but panoramic moonroof stays)
Overall, a "very nice feeling interior (for the price point and even above)"
Eight-speaker stereo standard
Single outlet exhaust ("would like nice with a dual back there")

We'll see if our inside man is right on the money tomorrow.

Gallery: 2010 tC Release Series 6.0

Reader Spy: 2011 Scion tC caught on New York show stand ahead of reveal, looks much the same *Updated originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Tanner Foust drifts Mulholland Drive in his 600-horsepower Scion tC

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Scion

Tanner Faust tears up Mullholland Drive in his Scion tC - click above to watch the video

Look for the tire tracks. If you've ever been around drift cars, you know that with all that gumption, these beasts tend to break the tires loose. And when they cut loose, they leave synchronized patches of molten rubber in their wake. In the case of Tanner's NASCAR V8-powered Scion tC, we're talking about 600 horsepower and an equally crazy amount of torque. Probably to the wheels. Meaning that Tanner's car doesn't just burn rubber, the little Scion incinerates it.

Why are we harping on this point? Why are we encouraging you to watch the video looking for tire tracks? That's a tough question to answer without giving away the video, so we'll just say that despite being fully within the city limits of big, bad, mega-metropolis Los Angeles, Mulholland Drive is a pretty pristine place. Er, it was before Tanner Foust sunk his smoky, rubber claws into it. Make the jump to watch how great Top Gear USA could have been and read the press release.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tanner Foust drifts Mulholland Drive in his 600-horsepower Scion tC

Video: Tanner Foust drifts Mulholland Drive in his 600-horsepower Scion tC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Tanner Foust teases Mulholland drift

Chris Shunk — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Scion

Tanner Foust Mulholland drift teaser - Click above to watch the video after the jump

You know those epically cool Ken Block videos where the DC Shoes scion comes up with incredibly creative ways to drift his purpose-built ~~Subaru STI~~ Ford Fiesta? Yeah, we love them too. In fact, we wish there were more clever drift videos out there on the Interwebs, and it looks like we may soon get our wish courtesy of Tanner Foust.

Mr. Autoblog Podcast himself is starting up a new drift series in March and he's trying to get your interest piqued by releasing a tantalizing 18 second teaser of what's to come. Hit the jump to watch Tanner and his rear drive, V8-powered Scion tC slide across your computer screen for the briefest of moments. And don't worry, we've used our considerable pull (read: none) to make sure Tanner mixes in some kick ass slow-mo shots when his Mulholland drift project hits the web next month.

Gallery: Autoblog Goes Drifting with Tanner Foust

Gallery: Tanner Foust's AEM/Rockstar Scion tC

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tanner Foust teases Mulholland drift

Video: Tanner Foust teases Mulholland drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Scion tC Release Series 6.0 is present and accounted for

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Scion

2010 Scion tC Release Series 6.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a good look at the Scion tC Release Series 6.0... it's kind of a big deal. Last year, Scion offered up 2,000 tC Release Series 5.0 models. This year, the new Release Series 6.0 will be almost twice as rare, with just 1,100 such models planned for production. Better get yourself in line now.

To recap, this special tC comes painted up in Speedway Blue, which looks even more like Chrysler's classic B5 Blue in person than it does in pictures, along with some very Challenger-esque flat black stripes. So, what we have here is obviously a pint-sized muscle car, right? Well, not exactly. With the same exact 161-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as all the other tCs sharing roadways, muscle isn't really in this car's vocabulary.

It's not all bad news, though. The 200-watt Alpine audio system with iPod/USB jack and 4.3-inch GPS touch screen do come standard for the car's $18,620 (with a stick, or $19,420 with an automatic) asking price. Check out the high-res image gallery below and click past the break for the press release.

Gallery: 2010 Scion tC Release Series 6.0 at Chicago Auto Show

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Scion tC Release Series 6.0 is present and accounted for

Chicago 2010: Scion tC Release Series 6.0 is present and accounted for originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Preview: Scion tC Release Series 6.0

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Scion

2010 Scion tC Release Series 6.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Scion has chosen Speedway Blue for its latest Release Series special, the 2010 tC Release Series 6.0 (tC RS 6.0), that should start speeding into dealerships in March. Gotta say, we're digging the blue a whole lot more than the electric lilac color that they chose for the xB RS 7.0 that debuted in Los Angeles. This latest RS will land at the Chicago Auto Show this week, and will be limited to just 1,100 units stickering at $18,620 with a stick, or $19,420 with an automatic.

Like prior RS limited edition models, the tC RS 6.0 gets its bespoke hue and a host of other tweaks, including a matte-black vinyl graphic that's pure muscle car. In fact, it reminds us of the popular Mustang tone and a certain Challenger from the Dodge boys, although we wouldn't recommend lining up against either of those with this Scion's untouched 161-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

Besides the paint and graphics, this particular RS package also includes bright blue highlights on the seats and steering wheel, a specially tuned 200-watt Alpine audio system with iPod/USB jack, and a 4.3-inch GPS touch screen. More details in the press release after the jump and check out the high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 tC Release Series 6.0

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Chicago Preview: Scion tC Release Series 6.0

Chicago Preview: Scion tC Release Series 6.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Scion to get stronger Stateside focus, two new models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Scion

2009 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the fact that Scion is a uniquely American invention for Toyota, only one of its current models - the rapidly aging tC coupe - was actually designed here in the States. Perhaps it shouldn't come as too big a surprise, then, that U.S. Scion sales are down by 49-percent compared to 2008 levels.

According to Automotive News, Yoshi Inaba, president of Toyota Motor North America, says that's all set to change in the near future as the youth-oriented Japanese brand draws up two new models that will be heavily influenced by American tastes. We certainly hope that doesn't mean bigger and unnecessarily bloated like the second-generation xB.

A redesigned tC model will reportedly come first, followed by the Scionized version of the mini-me Toyota iQ. Inaba didn't give any sort of timetable on new model launches and even said that the automaker hasn't yet determined what new vehicles will come after what's currently scheduled.

Whatever comes our way, it seems that we should expect Scion to continue marketing to a young audience. To that end, the company will continue to focus on innovative new technologies that will boost "connectivity," though that could have a number of differing meanings. We'll see what Toyota has in mind soon enough, as the redesigned tC is scheduled to go on sale later this year.

Gallery: 2009 Scion tC

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Scion to get stronger Stateside focus, two new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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