Commendable tC 0-60 performance

Well I received the latest issue of Car and Driver magazine, and they reviewed the Scion tC. Overall, the review was great with a little rant about the vehicle's weight. The performance isn't bad in 5spd form. The 0-60mph time is 7.4 sec. It's faster than the new Civic Si, Mazda 3 s, and Mini Cooper. It has a whopping 31 pounds-feet more torque than the Si and 13 for the 3 s. I also found that it does in fact use the Camry 5spd transmission with a modified, closer, final drive ratio of 4.24.

With the supercharger in tow, expect to see sub-7's. Curb weight, 3016lbs, per hp @ 200: 15.08 lbs (160hp, 18.85lbs). Less than a pound more than a stock MR2 turbo, 14.44 lbs (0-60 in 6.2 sec).

First gear is a short, strong 3.5ish, and I think it should've been dropped to about 3.2 for a top speed in 1st of around 35. A S/C'd tC would easily eat the front tires in either set up. Toyota wanted to maximize cost efficiency, so by just modifying the final drive ratio, they wouldn't have to alter the gear ratios.

With competetive pricing, a host of dealer options, and commendable performance this Scion is gonna be everywhere ...

Jason

3916 pounds is for the automatic version, I'm pretty sure. Manual is 2910, if I remember correctly.

Car and Driver must have exceptional drivers cuz it sure didn't feel that fast when I drove it. I would have put it in the 8 second range but then again, I didn't try and launch it.

I test-drove one yesterday. It's strong, but you have to get used to shifting a little before redline, it seems that max power is from 5000-5500 RPM. The seats were a little uncomfortable and the roof was a little low, but backseat room was generous. The shifter was pretty nice, but it wasn't as smooth as the Civic Si that I also test-drove. The handling was good, but not quite as good as the Si. I liked the look of the interior better, and the cool little design touches that Toyota did to appeal to teenagers. Overall, I'd pick the tC, because it's much more livable in daily driving. There's a lot more sound-deadening material than the Si, the backseats are much roomier than the Si, there's much more down-low power so I don't have to rev all the way to 4000 RPM before I shift, and it's nearly $3000 cheaper.

Of course, I'm not buying the car; my friend is. I test-drove them to give him a second opinion, and to see for myself which one is better in case I decide to buy one. Unfortunately, he liked the Civic Si better. :(

Originally posted by Adam H
3916 pounds is for the automatic version, I'm pretty sure. Manual is 2910, if I remember correctly.


1006 lb transmission..?!?

i think you meant 3016/2910...:)

That same article in Car and Driver stated that the tC is almost as quick as a stock IS300. 0-60 in 7.4 sec and 1/4 mile in 15.7 @ 88 mph. Thats only .1 and 0.2 seconds slower than a 215-hp, V6, rear wheel drive IS. Pretty impressive.

does anyone know the 0-60 for the automatic tc?

Automatics tend to add a full second due to less efficiency, being a 4-speed, and longer gearing . So, it'd probably be around 8.4-8.7.

That's still a whole second faster than a 4cyl Camry automatic. I think the new ones get like 9.6 or something.

Jason

Originally posted by kman10587
Unfortunately, he liked the Civic Si better. :(
make sure to tell ur friend "nice minivan" when/if he gets the si...i hate that thing and ur friend needs to go with the scion:disappoin

what is the max theoritical HP if i were to add the tC S/C to my gen 5 camry?

I can't wait to see some S/C'd TCs at meets in the future. The numbers (for a 4 cyl) are very impressive.

Originally posted by Mighty~Mart
what is the max theoritical HP if i were to add the tC S/C to my gen 5 camry?

That depends on the type of pulley you use. Typically the stock pulley is 5psi, which is 200hp. I think you can go up to 13psi or more, but I don't know if the engine internals could take it. The compression ratio is 9.6, which isn't all that good for forced induction but not that bad either. You'd need an intercooler for sure. Since it's a 2.4L, the gains are more prevalent. I'd say 264-280. You'd definitely need an engine build to achieve those numbers, IMO.

I've read that if you severely overheat an aluminum block, it'll warp beyond repair.

Jason

Originally posted by tcwannab
make sure to tell ur friend "nice minivan" when/if he gets the si...i hate that thing and ur friend needs to go with the scion:disappoin

LOL! That Si SUCKS!!!!!!!!!

Hehe, he didn't get it, he went with a 2000 Civic EX coupe instead to save money.

friends dont let friends drive honduhs