Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,870
Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring, exec says
KATHY JACKSON | Automotive News
Posted Date: 2/1/05
Scion will offer a supercharged version of its tC sport coupe.
In an interview with Automotive News after his presentation at the J.D. Power and Associates International Automotive Roundtable on Friday, Scion Vice President Jim Farley said the model should arrive around April.
The tC will be the first vehicle sold by Toyota in the United States that will get a supercharged model produced by the factory, Farley said.
The Toyota racing division added superchargers to some Matrix wagon models as an aftermarket accessory, he said.
The tC "will be the first one from scratch," Farley said.
Scion, Toyota's youth division, was introduced in select markets in 2003 and rolled out nationally last year. The tC, which went on sale last fall, is its third nameplate.
The tC produces 160 hp, he said. The xA and xB hatchback models each make 108 hp.
Farley would not say how much more horsepower the supercharged model will make.
The division decided to add the model because 30 percent of respondents to an online survey said they would like a supercharged version, he said.
"We had no idea it would be that popular," Farley said.
In 2004, 99,259 Scions were sold. Farley projects sales of 120,000 units in 2005: 40 percent tC, 40 percent xB and 20 percent xA.
KATHY JACKSON | Automotive News
Posted Date: 2/1/05
Scion will offer a supercharged version of its tC sport coupe.
In an interview with Automotive News after his presentation at the J.D. Power and Associates International Automotive Roundtable on Friday, Scion Vice President Jim Farley said the model should arrive around April.
The tC will be the first vehicle sold by Toyota in the United States that will get a supercharged model produced by the factory, Farley said.
The Toyota racing division added superchargers to some Matrix wagon models as an aftermarket accessory, he said.
The tC "will be the first one from scratch," Farley said.
Scion, Toyota's youth division, was introduced in select markets in 2003 and rolled out nationally last year. The tC, which went on sale last fall, is its third nameplate.
The tC produces 160 hp, he said. The xA and xB hatchback models each make 108 hp.
Farley would not say how much more horsepower the supercharged model will make.
The division decided to add the model because 30 percent of respondents to an online survey said they would like a supercharged version, he said.
"We had no idea it would be that popular," Farley said.
In 2004, 99,259 Scions were sold. Farley projects sales of 120,000 units in 2005: 40 percent tC, 40 percent xB and 20 percent xA.
Scion has impressed me alot. I really thought this brand would flop, but their success has been nothing short of amazing really.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,769
From: cinci
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
nothing short of amazing since both the xa and xb look like crap (imo)
the tc though is decent, and this looks like it will probably sell well
the tc though is decent, and this looks like it will probably sell well
Registered User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,610
From: Cincinnati, OH
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
I'll be good to read comparisons between the SC tC and the Cobalt SS as they should both be in the same price range if the base tC starts about $17k.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
xA = the perfect entry level rental car.
xB = Poor mans (or blind) Aztek
tC = why isn't it called xC? I like it better than the Celica
It will be interesting to see if it can put out Cobalt SS numbers. Price will be over $20K
xB = Poor mans (or blind) Aztek
tC = why isn't it called xC? I like it better than the Celica
It will be interesting to see if it can put out Cobalt SS numbers. Price will be over $20K
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 224
From: Lincolnwood IL
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
tCs are nice looking vehicles - really nice interiors too. I like xBs A LOT too - FUNKY little box on wheels - nice, hip, little urban car 
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 858
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Originally Posted by Gold_Rush
"We had no idea it would be that popular," Farley said.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Originally Posted by Gold_Rush
The division decided to add the model because 30 percent of respondents to an online survey said they would like a supercharged version, he said.
I'll garantee 30% of tC sales are NOT the S/C model.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 781
From: Houston TX (Chicago/Evanston IL)
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Originally Posted by Raven99
tCs are nice looking vehicles - really nice interiors too. I like xBs A LOT too - FUNKY little box on wheels - nice, hip, little urban car
Um, didnt toyota already make an ugly box wagon...it was the 4wd tercel wagon. I had one when I was 16. It wasnt cool then and the Sion isnt cool now. Toyota just ripped the MTV style of ad... Flash, flash , flash...no substance, flash flash, Its cool because we say it is flash....
Sad, Just sad.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 220
From: TN
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
I really like the scion line and a supercharged TC would be tempting alternative to a SS or SRT-4. If you can get over the goofy looks(which i like),the bean and the box are VERY hard to beat for the price,i'm glad they're succeeding,it may force other car companies to step up the quality and features of their entry level cars. The XB felt as solid as a bank vault compared to that Ion crapwagon,does Saturn think it's customers are stupid? The Sky and Aura can't come soon enough.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 599
From: Inland Empire, CA
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Originally Posted by Evil Turbo SS
Um, didnt toyota already make an ugly box wagon...it was the 4wd tercel wagon. I had one when I was 16. It wasnt cool then and the Sion isnt cool now. Toyota just ripped the MTV style of ad... Flash, flash , flash...no substance, flash flash, Its cool because we say it is flash....
Sad, Just sad.
Sad, Just sad.
So the dealer installed supercharger is going factory huh? I wonder if they'll still do dealer install for those of us with the old car? Makes me wish I woulda waited.
Also, whoever said that they don't think it would ever come in around 20k...why not? $4000 markup for a supercharger seems about par. The car starts at $16,500 in a manual so figure the manual S/C will be $20,500 or so. Makes sense. It'd prolly sell like mad, too.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 224
From: Lincolnwood IL
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Originally Posted by MunchE
No substance? The Scion lines offer tremendous value in their price class. They are very practical cars that look different. the xA and especially xB are very polarizing in their looks, it's a love it or hate it car. Some people love them, some people hate them. Either way, they have a ton of room inside (especially for the size) and get 36mpg highway, with Toyota's reputation backing it for $12-14k. That's why they sell well, not fancy comercials.
So the dealer installed supercharger is going factory huh? I wonder if they'll still do dealer install for those of us with the old car? Makes me wish I woulda waited.
Also, whoever said that they don't think it would ever come in around 20k...why not? $4000 markup for a supercharger seems about par. The car starts at $16,500 in a manual so figure the manual S/C will be $20,500 or so. Makes sense. It'd prolly sell like mad, too.
So the dealer installed supercharger is going factory huh? I wonder if they'll still do dealer install for those of us with the old car? Makes me wish I woulda waited.
Also, whoever said that they don't think it would ever come in around 20k...why not? $4000 markup for a supercharger seems about par. The car starts at $16,500 in a manual so figure the manual S/C will be $20,500 or so. Makes sense. It'd prolly sell like mad, too.
The styling on the xB isn't for everyone, but put me in line with those that love it 
The tC is just a good looking car, inside and out, period.
Registered User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 858
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Originally Posted by Raven99
I concur totally The styling on the xB isn't for everyone, but put me in line with those that love it The tC is just a good looking car, inside and out, period.
The styling on the xB isn't for everyone, but put me in line with those that love it The tC is just a good looking car, inside and out, period.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,746
From: Hemet, CA
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Originally Posted by MunchE
So the dealer installed supercharger is going factory huh? I wonder if they'll still do dealer install for those of us with the old car? Makes me wish I woulda waited.
You might want to wait though... The Scion reps told us at the Winter Bash that they're working on another supercharger that is going to put about 300hp to the wheels... Warranty supported.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,801
From: South Bend , IN
Re: Scion to offer factory supercharged version of tC coupe this spring
Since Toyota has said the dealer installed SC on a TC will produce 200 hp , I would expect something very close to that .