Scion Reveals iQ and new tC at NYIAS
Scion has revealed its new iQ and its updated tC at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. Together, the two vehicles were revealed under the catch phrase, “A New Dimension,” by Jack Hollis, Scion’s Vice President.
The iQ was introduced as a concept car at the 2009 NYIAS and has been available in Japan as a Toyota since October 2008. Sales began in the UK in January 2009 and, with some slight modifications, it will sell as a Scion in the US beginning in early 2011.
Billed as a direct competitor to the Mercedes Smart ForTwo, the iQ boasts more room and seating for “3+1.” The iQ has a rear seat and can technically seat 4 people. However, there is virtually no leg room for the passenger behind the driver. Engineers felt that eliminating the glove compartment would allow the passenger seat to slide forward enough to allow a for rear passenger. This seating configuration does provide for reasonable comfort in line with what one may expect in a compact car. A fourth person would be an uncomfortable proposition.
Rear storage space is limited to a space behind the back seat only a few inches wide- more of a large glove compartment than a trunk or hatch space.
Safety features concentrate on avoiding accident- small footprint, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, traction control and so on. In the event of a collision, engineers do admit that the car has some fundamental obstacles to overcome for safety. With its smaller dimensions and weight, the iQ is likely to be subject to more violent forces in the event of an accident. With its smaller clearances, the occupants are closer to the impact than they would be in a larger vehicle.
To compensate, Scion is relying mainly on airbags to cushion the blow- there are ten airbags in the iQ, including a rear window curtain airbag. Structurally, the Scion version will have extra support beams in the doors that are not found on the Japanese Toyota models.
Price has not yet been set, but is expected to be about $16,000. Like all Scions, it will be available in only one body style that you can customize with aftermarket upgrades. Compare that to the Smart ForTwo which starts at about $12,000 and is available in several styles- including a convertible.
Also introduced by Scion was the next generation tC. Launched in 2004, the tC quickly became Scion’s top-selling vehicle. Six years later, the second-generation tC emerges with a new look, increased driving performance, and a more premium feel.
Enhanced performance is accomplished in the second-generation tC with an all-new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i that generates 180 horsepower, 19 more than the previous model, and 11 additional lbs.-ft of torque. In addition to increases in power, the new engine delivers an increase in fuel economy all while lowering emissions. Performance is further improved and heard through a new intake manifold design and a sport-tuned exhaust system that delivers a bold and aggressive sound.
The tC features two all-new transmissions: the six-speed manual transmission has improved shift-feel and adds to the car’s already fun-to-drive character, and a new six-speed automatic gains two gears along with sequential-shift.
The 2011 tC enters its second-generation riding on a new platform, including a specially tuned MacPherson strut front-suspension and a double-wishbone rear-suspension that rides lower than the previous model. Larger 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are wrapped in wider tires, giving the tC a broader stance and elevated handling characteristics. The new model also comes standard with larger 16-inch disc brakes on all corners. A new performance-tuned electronic power-steering system provides the driver a confident feel that is more in-tune with the road.
The all-new design of the 2011 tC projects a bolder and more aggressive stance. Important design cues like the helmet-inspired cabin shape were adopted from the Calty-designed Scion FUSE concept, which was unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The protruding fender flares amplify its wider, lower stance and are aggressively complemented by a sleek front grille and projector headlamps. The shape of the rear taillights flow cleanly into the overall shape of the trunk.
Inside, a sporty new three-spoke steering wheel that features a flat bottom and a new shape that offers a confident grip. The instrument-panel, gauge cluster and center-console all face inward in a V-shape, making controls easily accessible.
Overall, the cabin has been lengthened. Utility is enhanced with reclining rear seats that split 60/40, providing more storage capacity. The panoramic moonroof remains standard in the new tC.
The new tC comes standard with an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system that features eight speakers. As with all Scion models, steering-wheel-mounted controls allow the driver to easily navigate through all of their music.
The new tC is also reinforced with key safety features and is expected to achieve top safety ratings. In addition to standard Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), the new tC also gains standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Active front-headrests and eight airbags are also standard, including both driver and front-passenger knee airbags.
Sales of the new tC are expected to begin around September of this year.
