Scion celebrates 10 years with 2014 tC, Scion 10 Series

NEW YORK--The 2014 Scion tC sports coupe gets an FR-S-inspired midcycle revision at the 2013 New York International Auto Show.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
1
of 20

Stiffer chassis

The majority of the visible changes happen at the front and rear end of the vehicle. From axle to axle, the midsection of the tC appears completely unchanged, keeping the silhouette of the current model intact. Behind the scenes, however, Scion has increased chassis rigidity with more spot welds while also retuning the electronic power steering, suspension, and stabilizer bars to add more "sport" to this front-drive sports coupe.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Sarah Tew/CNET
2
of 20

FR-S inspired bumper

The front bumper features a large lower intake that shares its shape with that of the Scion FR-S sport coupe and dips closer to the ground for a more aggressive appearance.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Sarah Tew/CNET
3
of 20

Angry eyes

The tC's hood also stretches farther forward and into the upper grill area, compressing the new headlamps for an angrier appearance.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
4
of 20

Headlamps

The headlamps themselves feature a sharp, angular design and are complemented by LED accent lighting near the recessed fog lights.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
5
of 20

Rear bumper

Around back, the more aggressive rear bumper is also inspired by the FR-S, featuring a similar "faux-diffuser" blackout area and and low-center reflector.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
6
of 20

Rear end

Recessed reflectors low on the bumper corners look, to my eye, like cute, little dimples...on the tC's butt.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
7
of 20

Taillamps

The LED taillamps appear clear when not illuminated, but have a very complex design when closely inspected.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
8
of 20

Wheels

Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on the 2014 tC.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
9
of 20

Interior

Inside, the cabin gets brighter accents on its upgraded seating and dashboard materials.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
10
of 20

Display audio

Toyota's 6.1-inch touch-screen Display Audio System gets Scion-restyled and makes an appearance in the 2014 tC as a standard feature. Bluetooth, HD Radio, and USB connectivity are now the baseline of Scion technology. There will also be a premium "BeSpoke" audio system that features Aha by Harmon app integration and turn-by-turn navigation.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
11
of 20

Six-speed automatic

The 179-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine was not mentioned in the presentation, because it survives the 2014 midyear update completely unchanged. The six-speed automatic transmission now features an "FR-S inspired" manual-shift mode with Dynamic Rev Management rev-matching software that attempts to match engine speed with the chosen gear to smooth out those upshifts and downshifts. The 2014 tC is, of course, still available with a six-speed manual gearbox, as well.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
12
of 20

Availability

The 2014 Scion tC will begin arriving at dealerships around June of 2013.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Sarah Tew/CNET
13
of 20

Scion 10 Series

Alongside the revised tC, the automaker also celebrated its 10-year anniversary with the announcement of the Scion 10 Series of limited edition models.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
14
of 20

Scion 10 Series iQ

All Scion 10 models will be painted in this Silver Ignition color and feature silver seatbelts, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob, limited edition numbering, and unique alloy wheels with a graphite finish.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
15
of 20

Scion badge

Perhaps the coolest (or goofiest) feature is the inclusion of illuminated Scion badges on the front and rear of each Scion 10 vehicle.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
16
of 20

Illuminated badge

When the vehicle is unlocked or locked, the badges glow bright blue before fading to white, then deactivating after a few moments.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
17
of 20

Phantom Scion badge

On the passenger-side dashboard, the Scion name illuminates upon entering the vehicle. After a few seconds, the logo fades leaving just the letters "IO" (now read as "10") lit momentarily before completely disappearing into the dashboard. It's a very cool trick.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
18
of 20

Scion 10 Series FR-S

The Scion 10 Series FR-S is unique in the series. Only this model gets upgraded with HID headlamps and LED daytime running lights.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
19
of 20

Scion 10 Series xD

All five Scion models, including the tC, will get the 10 Series treatment, with about 10,000 total units being produced.

Updated:Caption:Photo:Antuan Goodwin/CNET
20
of 20
Now Reading

Scion celebrates 10 years with 2014 tC, Scion 10 Series (pictures)

Up Next

2014 Hyundai Equus: It's all about the LCDs (pictures)

Latest Stories

Mercedes will still sell CLA-Class alongside new A-Class sedan

Mercedes will still sell CLA-Class alongside new A-Class sedan

by
Putting the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris to work in our long-term test fleet

Putting the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris to work in our long-term test fleet

by
2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris: Welcoming our latest production vehicle
2:06

2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris: Welcoming our latest production vehicle

by
GM files patent application for a 'clutch-by-wire' system

GM files patent application for a 'clutch-by-wire' system

by
Testing the Kia Stinger's next-gen all-wheel drive

Testing the Kia Stinger's next-gen all-wheel drive

by
Watch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay slug it out in a Mazda CX-9

Watch Android Auto and Apple CarPlay slug it out in a Mazda CX-9

by