Drop top tC in 2012?!

[BLUEMEANIE]

Originally Posted by insideline.com

Just the Facts:

* Scion could launch a tC convertible in 2012.
* The new drop top would be based on the redesigned 2011 tC coupe.
* It would be the first convertible for the Scion division.


TORRANCE, California — After a product drought that has lasted too long to be considered cool, Scion unveiled a redesigned tC coupe last month at the 2010 New York Auto Show. It's the first time the brand-leading coupe has been revamped since its 2004 launch. Now sources tell Inside Line that the tC lineup could expand to include a convertible model in 2012.

Should the car make it to production, it would not only be Scion's first convertible, it would also be the only drop top sold at Toyota/Scion stores, as the Camry Solara went out of production recently.

The future Scion tC convertible is expected to share the 2011 tC coupe's new 180-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed sequential-shift automatic, both of which are new for 2011. Those engines, of course, power the four-seater's front wheels.

As Scion's most popular model, the tC coupe already has 30 percent of the Toyota sub-brand's sales under its low beltline. In convertible form, the tC coupe would be the car to help Scion recover its lost youth-oriented appeal. The entry-level convertible market isn't exactly rife with options, and the tC convertible is bound to be nicely packaged with a power-operated soft top, as Scion has a history of giving its buyers a lot for a little.

With the base-level 2010 tC coupe priced at just over $17,000, the tC convertible is expected to cost under $20,000, significantly undercutting other youthful drop tops including the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper and Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.

Inside Line says: Scion suffered its lowest market share since 2004 last month, and it's obvious that the once-youth-oriented brand needs more than a small shot of cool injected into its struggling lineup. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor

http://www.insideline.com/scion/tc/2...-drop-top.html

[HATEnFATE]

I saw the new tC last night. Talking to scion reps....officially, it's still just a rumor. I tried to convince them to come out with a targa tC.

I do have to say that after seeing the new tC in person (the iQ as well). I'm impressed. Much better then the pictures
ya don't laugh at me........I'm not photogenic.....

[BLUEMEANIE]

A targa would be way cooler than a drop top.

[arabianobsession]

Sweeeeeeeeet sign me up!!!! I miss my convertibles :-(

[BLUEMEANIE]

I'd rather see it as a targa but if they must, lets hope its a retractable hardtop over a ragtop.

[arabianobsession]

If they go the retractable route let's hope they make it look decent....the G6 in the Pontiac looked great with the top down but up it looked kinds ridiculous, especially without a spoiler.