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2011 Scion tC

What happens when a car spends six years on the market without any major updates? In most cases, sales start to free-fall. In the case of the Scion tC, which has essentially been unchanged since its debut in 2004, that fall has been precipitous. Sales peaked at around 80,000 units in 2006 and then plummeted to 18,000 in 2009. It's time for a change, and Scion is hoping the new 2011 Scion tC it's showing off at New York will help turn those sales frowns around.
Arriving in dealer showrooms this fall, the new 2011 tC features more-aggressive sheetmetal with a tinge of R34 Nissan Skyline to it. The updated interior is highlighted by a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel, bolstered front seats and an inward-facing instrument panel, gauge cluster, and center console. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard, as is an eight-speaker audio system with steering-wheel mounted controls and the tC's famous panoramic moonroof.
The 2011 tC is also getting a revamp of the unseen mechanical bits. The 2.4-liter four-banger is being swapped out for a new 2.5-liter unit that puts out 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque, increases of 18 and 11, respectively. Sending power to the front wheels are a pair of new gearboxes. The existing tC's five-speed manual and ancient four-speed auto are both exiting the building to make way for new six-speed units. There are also slightly larger discs on all four corners to improve stopping power.
Exterior diif these updates going to be enough to revive the sagging tC nameplate to its former glory as Scion's best-selling model, but it should certainly give it a fresh lease on life in the notoriously fickle coupe market.