New York, New Scions: 2011 tC

Scion has organized a campaign for a while to let us know that the brand had big plans for the New York International Auto Show.

And that they did - but sometimes big plans come in small packages, as in the case of the new tC and Scion iQ minicar.

The Scion tC first come out in June 2004 as a 2005 model year vehicle, so it has been due for an update. The new look isn't a big change different, but the front end has been streamlined and made to look more sporty.

Scion calls the look "refined aggression." We tend to agree - the new tC is a bit more aggressive, and an improvement over the current model.

The look out back is even more of a change, and we like the redesigned taillights and visually flatter rear end. Most importantly to enthusiasts, the powertrain has been upgraded. The car is powered by the same inline four-cylinder as before, but the capacity is now 2.5-liters, up from 2.4.

Power is suitably increased, up 19 horsepower and 11 pound feet to 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a new six-speed transmission, Scion says fuel economy sees an increase as well.

The suspension is newly tuned and it gets an electric power steering system. Hmmm. While not revolutionary, the new changes work out to a nicely improved package. The new tC joins the updated-for-2011 xB and new-for-2011 iQ minicar in the Scion lineup.