Interior space, ambiance, amenities, and a certain je ne sais quoi are all necessary when choosing an automotive boudoir. If we're honest, it's often a matter of any port in a storm, but if it's possible to avoid any of these, you should certainly do so.

Car: Toyota Prius

Why it's bad for sex: Let's just get this right out of the way and acknowledge that no one wants to have sex in a Prius. First of all, it's tough to get your swerve on in such an uninspiring object, something that's more consumer good than car. Second, you risk bringing a new life into the world, which will certainly be a waste of precious resources. Third, if you're a Prius owner, the idea of a car being fun is completely alien to you so you have your 20 minutes of lights-off missionary-position relations in the futon like a proper citizen anyway.

Photo: Flickr

Car: Chevrolet Aveo

Why it's bad for sex: Sex is just one of many things you should never attempt with the poor, misbegotten Aveo, including driving it, walking up to it or getting in it. But especially not sex. There's enough room, barely, if you're young, short, and athletic, but men have paid good money for drugs that give them the same hardness as the interior surfaces of this car. The resulting conjugal bruises will get you the wrong kind of reputation .

Photo: Wikipedia

Car: Mazda Miata

Why it's bad for sex: While we love this car unreservedly, we are-like 98% of people-not exhibitionists, and to have any sort of workable sex in this car the top would have to be down. Also, much like 100% of people, we don't like our coitus to get interruptus by a power hardtop suddenly coming down on us because a flailing knee or elbow hit the switch.

Photo: Picasa

Car: Scion TC

Why it's bad for sex: While this cheap coupe is, or will be, the first car of a lot of eager young folks in an exploratory phase of their lives, we urge them to bring a blanket and find a wooded area. The TC is not so much a car as a platform for interior accessorizing, and getting into youthful carnal hijinks in this thing means you run a risk of getting something stuck in your illuminated cupholder. Buying a faux-billet LED-lit shift knob is one sort of loss of dignity; having a gloved proctologist hand it back to you in front of the entire ER is another.

Photo: Wikipedia

Car: Chevrolet Camaro

Why it's bad for sex: Traditionally, the two of you jump into the back seat of your two-door muscle coupe and proceed to put some sneaker prints on the headliner. However, just sitting in the back of the current Camaro will imprint the top of your head into the current headliner. And the front seats just don't recline enough or give enough leg room for advanced physical-intimacy contingencies. This is probably the only category of the contemporary muscle-car wars the Challenger wins going do- er, away.

Photo: Wikipedia

Car: Maybach 62

Why it's bad for sex: Because one's sex life is none of one's chauffer's business. Why, the very idea.

Photo: Wikipedia

Car: Mini (any)

Why it's bad for sex: Owners report that repeated heavy jolts can damage the rear shock mounts, resulting in reduced handling performance and a dramatic drop in ride quality, especially in early models. Also, even in a Clubman, there's no damn room in the thing.

Photo: Wikipedia

Car: Ariel Atom

Why it's bad for sex: Although a certain type of person might look at the Atom and notice the abundance of tie-down points, the multiple partner-handcuffing options, and the overall masochistic glory of this incredibly capable track car, it is in fact $65,000. For that price, you could afford any number of studded-leather bedsteads with enough left over for chains and whips.

Photo: candidcarcritic.com

Car: Smart ForTwo

Why it's bad for sex: Seriously, AskMen actually recommended this car, albeit in cabrio form. If you're more into achievement than enjoyment this could work, but in that case you'll probably have sex anywhere and everywhere anyway and don't need any sort of list to tell you. I mean, we're into bragging rights as much as the next person, but not bragging for bragging's sake, and sexually speaking the Smart hardly has enough room ForOne.

Photo: Wikipedia

Car: Dodge Caliber

Why it's bad for sex: Because it's just plain bad. The Caliber may, in fact, be the worst all-around car made today, and the idea of having sex in one has the same emotional resonance as having sex in a FEMA trailer or a Goodwill dumpster. Getting past the fact it's uncomfortable and it's not as roomy as it should be for a wagon/crossover/compromise-mobile, the Caliber is just kind of depressing. And if word gets out, you'll always be "the person who had sex with [other loser] in a Dodge Caliber," meaning you probably won't ever have sex again.

Photo: Wikipedia

Emphasizing vehicles for family use, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety normally crash tests four-door vehicles. However, to evaluate the extent automakers are extending new crashworthiness improvements to two-door vehicles — you know, for kids — they've recently conducted front, side and rear tests of 2009 model year two-doors. First up — the 2009 Chevy Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Scion tC along with the more-of-a-mid-size Volvo C30.

The results? The big winners were the Ford Focus and the Volvo C30, but "overall the results for 2-door cars are good news," David Zuby, Institute senior vice president for vehicle research says. "All but one earn good ratings in our frontal offset test. Only two of the 5 earn this rating for protection in side crashes, but none of the 5 earns anything less than an acceptable rating. This is pretty good, considering how demanding the side test is. It simulates being struck by a pickup or SUV."

See the rest of the results in the gallery by clicking the next button to the right.

[Images/Data via IIHS]

2009 Volvo C30
Awarded Top Safety Pick

TEST: 31 MPH Side Impact Test
RESULT: Good

2009 Volvo C30
Awarded Top Safety Pick

TEST: 40 MPH Frontal Offset
RESULT: Good
COMMENTS: "The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well.

2009 Ford Focus Coupe
Awarded Top Safety Pick

TEST: 40 MPH Frontal Offset
RESULT: Good
COMMENTS: "The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well."

2009 Ford Focus Coupe
Awarded Top Safety Pick

TEST: 31 MPH Side Impact Test
RESULT: Good

2009 Honda Civic 2-door

TEST: 40 MPH Frontal Offset
RESULT: Good
COMMENTS: "The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well."

2009 Honda Civic 2-door

TEST: 31 MPH Side Impact
RESULT: Acceptable

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 2-door

TEST: 40 MPH Frontal Offset
RESULT: Good
COMMENTS: "The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well."

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 2-door

TEST: 31 MPH Side Impact
RESULT: Acceptable

2009 Scion tC

TEST: 40 MPH Frontal Offset
RESULT: Acceptable
COMMENTS: "The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well… a high head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag."

2009 Scion tC

TEST: 31 MPH Side Impact
RESULT: Acceptable

Everything is unofficial at this point, but the novel approach to FWD aerodynamics registered a 1:22.623 lap at Willow Springs raceway — only four seconds slower than a track-built Acura NSX running the same day. Track officials are still sifting through the record books, but it's believed Rado has set a new lap record for FWD cars, and that's while dealing with turbocharger issues.

The car may look goofy, but you can't argue with the results. Form following function is a hallmark of racing, and we're happy to see this guy chucking convention on it's ear, damning the aesthetics and putting speed at the forefront of the sport. We're sure his competitors are already taking notes. (Thanks for the tip Dan>)

[Speedhunters, World Racing]

Photo credit: Mike Garrett

Personally, Assy McGee is a fantastic and hilarious show and I don't blame Scion going that way to reach out to the youth it desperately wants to appease. Not surprisingly, this is Scion's second cameo in Adult Swim programming. The Scion tC was featured in Frisky Dingo. [Winding Road]

The Hako Coupe was designed by Scion's Tokyo design division and it was supposedly inspired by the emergence of American vintage style among young Japanese trendsetters. If this is American vintage, then I don't know if I want to be American. I'm sorry, Scion, this is a bit much. Oh and if you are wondering, on the rear, the right circle on the lower side is the exhaust, and the matching one on the left is the reverse light. Yes, very strange.

This inside of the Hako Coupe is a bit more valid than the exterior. The inside is chock full of futuristic doodads including a trackball-like interface on the steering wheel. The passenger side has two LCD displays where media can be controlled. The backseat of the Hako also includes screens that are connected to video cameras placed on the outside of the Hako. Let the YouTube hoonage commence.

Scion Reveals Hako Coupe Concept At The 2008 New York International Auto Show Related Media

*

03/19/2008

March 19, 2008 - New York - Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show.

Scion's Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.

"Scion's Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today's youth," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB's iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box."

Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car's geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako's aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.

The Hako's silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept's boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a "Scion" custom tread.

The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.

The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.

Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.

The orange driver's seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako's entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area.

Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars. While the vehicle is parked the driver and passenger can edit the scenes captured by the cameras to show their friends where they have been and perhaps even post the clip online for others to see.

"As you know, polarizing style fits in well with our lineup," said Hollis. "And of course we love a good box. We'll listen to the feedback from this concept to help us determine how our brand could evolve and grow over the next five years."

Scion To Reveal All-New Coupe Concept At 2008 New York International Auto Show

March 5, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Scion will unveil an all-new concept vehicle, the Hako Coupe, at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The sporty interpretation of the box concept was developed by Tokyo Design Division which studied global, youth-inspired trends.

The Scion press conference will take place on Wednesday, March 19 at 3:15 PM ET in the Special Events Hall in Javits Convention Center. For those unable to attend, the event will be streamed live to the Scion.com website. Following the event, a video clip of the press conference will also be available for viewing at Scion.com.

Scion Announces Pricing for tC Release Series 4.0 - to be Displayed at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the second limited-production Scion for 2008, the tC Release Series 4.0 (tC RS 4.0), will be available at dealer showrooms beginning in March. A tC RS 4.0 will be on display in the Scion booth at the Chicago Auto Show.

The 2008 tC RS 4.0 will feature Galactic Gray Mica exterior paint and will come with VIP-themed enhancements. A DAMD body kit and upper grille will make this tC standout. A color-keyed rear spoiler will also be available. Inside, the tC RS 4.0 will have gray and black Alcantara(R) seats, "tC RS 4.0" embroidered on the front and rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a black leather and dark wood RAZO shift knob. Like all Release Series vehicles, an individually numbered badge will complete the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,300 units of the tC RS 4.0 will be built. The tC Release Series 4.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,770 over the base price of the tC. The manual transmission tC has a base MSRP of $17,000, while the MSRP for the automatic transmission model is $17,800. The available color-keyed spoiler has an MSRP of $285, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $620 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fees for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

SCION ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2008 tC

TORRANCE, Calif., May 31, 2007 — Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced pricing today for the 2008 tC sports coupe and tC Spec Package models. The 2008 tC and tC Spec Package will be available at dealerships next month.
The core model tC receives freshened styling, new standard equipment and safety features for 2008. Exterior changes include a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille, projector-type low beam headlights with black trim, and rear tail lights similar in style to the tC's headlights with round combination lamps. The tC also receives a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and a Pioneer subwoofer located under the cargo area.

Like all 2008 Scion models, the tC comes standard with seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and two complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services, at 5,000 and 10,000 miles, at any Scion or Toyota dealer. The factory recommended maintenance includes an oil change, a tire rotation, a visual brake inspection, and the topping off of washer fluid.

Apple iPod connectivity becomes standard on all 2008 Scion models. Scion's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit, steering wheel audio controls or iPod. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's Pioneer speakers.

Scion also offers a Pioneer Premium audio system that adds the ability to download "skins" to play on the organic electroluminescent (OEL) faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. Pioneer software also allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit. The Premium audio system also has head unit outputs on the rear for the addition of external amps. New to the accessory line up for the 2008 model year is the Scion navigation system. The system features a 160-watt maximum power audio/video/navigation unit with seven-inch LCD touch screen.

The tC Spec Package model, a blank canvas for the tuner community to express its creativity, also receives the grille, deep orange combination meter and silver-colored interior accents in addition to the new airbags and iPod connectivity across the Scion line-up. The tC Spec Package will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $15,300 for a manual transmission and $16,100 for an automatic transmission, an increase of $300, or 2.0 percent and 1.9 percent respectively. With the additional standard equipment, the base MSRP for the core model tC is $17,000 for the manual transmission and $17,800 for the automatic transmission, an increase of $600, or 3.7 percent and 3.5 percent respectively. MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fees, which vary depending on location.

Related:
Chicago Auto Show: Scion's New Angry Washing Machine, the 2008 xB, Debuts [Internal]

Related:
Feel the Turbo Activated to Serve You Forever; Chryslerati on eBay! [Internal]

Oh yeah, in all of the excitement to show off the Scion's two brothers yesterday, the all-new 2008 Scion xD and the re-styled 2008 Scion xB, everyone forgot about the new-for-2008 Scion brand sales leader, the tC. Well, let's rectify that little problem, because hey — Scion's issued a press release and some PR shots. The tC gets a bit of a newer style including an upper mesh grille, and rear tail lights with a styling that'll make sure you'll be confused as to whether you'll be looking at the front or the back of the bargain-basement budget b-segment car. The tC's still got the "Fun-To-Drive Performance" provided by the 2.4-liter four cylinder VVT engine capable of humming along at 161 hp and with 162 lb-ft of torque. This year's tC, along with it's more flashy brothers, also comes standard with Apple iPod connectivity and a head unit with iPod control. No word on whether the connector cable will provide the head unit information from the iPod via a digital link like Ford's Sync system or if it'll use an analog translation system like that found with GM's PAL system. Oh and it'll also have a standard mini-aux jack in case you've got a Zune or some other form of non-iPod music device. It also comes with a first aid kit in case your ears start to bleed from pumping your music through the Pioneer speakers a wee bit too loud. Gallery below and full press release after the jump. – Ray Wert

Scion tC Receives Freshened Styling And Standard Apple iPod Connectivity For 2008

February 8, 2007 - Chicago - The Scion tC, the best-selling vehicle in the Scion lineup, raises the bar in the sports coupe segment as it receives sharp styling revisions, new standard equipment and safety features for 2008.

Freshened Exterior and Enhanced Interior
The 2008 tC is distinguished by the new Scion family front fascia, a menacing horizontal combination of headlights and grille. For the tC this includes a new upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-type low beam headlights with black trim. The tC also receives eye-catching rear tail lights similar in style to the headlights with round combination lamps.

Inside, the tC receives a deep orange combination meter on the instrument panel, silver-colored accents on the door assist grips and center cluster, updated seat fabric and Pioneer subwoofer.

Azure Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl exterior colors were replaced with Sizzling Crimson Mica and Wave Line Pearl.

Standard iPod Connectivity
Apple iPod connectivity is standard across the Scion lineup for 2008. Scion's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and steering wheel audio controls. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC's Pioneer speakers.

Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the tC comes standard with rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers, and subwoofers.

The tC's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems will also feature six speakers: two tweeters and speakers in each door panel.

Advanced Safety
Like all 2008 Scions, the tC comes standard with front dual stage airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor system, headrests, three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions and a first aid kit. The tC also features a driver's knee airbag.

Sporty Package
The tC's roominess and ride comfort can be attributed to its 106.3-inch wheelbase and 69.1-inch wide stance. In addition the tC has four-wheel independent suspension, strut-type front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension, for responsive handling.

A four-wheel disc brake system is standard on the tC. A two-step brake booster increases power assist in proportion to pedal force to provide precise pedal feel. The tC comes equipped with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking during severe braking maneuvers, and EBD monitors differences in front- and rear-wheel speeds and distributes optimal braking force to all four wheels.

Fun-To-Drive Performance
The tC is powered by a 2.4-liter double overhead-cam four cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). This CARB-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) produces 161 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162-lb.ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The tC features a five-speed manual transmission or an available electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

Fully Equipped
All Scion models come well-equipped in a "mono spec" trim. The tC offers full standard equipment so the customer only needs to choose between manual or automatic transmissions and vehicle color.

Standard features include the panorama glass power moonroof (a first in this segment), air conditioning, cruise control, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lights, power door locks and mirrors, rear cargo tonneau cover, auto up/down power windows with jam protection, in-key remote keyless entry, rolling-code engine immobilizer security system, auto-off headlamps, electronic hatch release, chrome-plated exhaust tip and a unique audio unit cover.

All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services for the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

The standard tC model is available in a choice of seven colors: Flint Mica, Super White, Black Sand Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Sizzling Crimson Mica, Wave Line Pearl and Nautical Blue Metallic. Exterior colors are complemented by a high-quality dark charcoal fabric interior in the standard tC model.

Blank Canvas
Toyota Racing Development (TRD) offers many parts to enhance tC performance, including performance suspension kits, a high-performance clutch, quick shifter, leather-wrapped shift knob and sequential shift light kit.

It's easy for customers to take the tC to the next level with Scion Genuine Accessories. Customers can change the tC's look with the approximately 40 available accessories including EMX Super seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero P255/40Z R18 all-season tires, polished stainless steel muffler, color-keyed ground effects and a rear lip spoiler. The Optomize accessory program, available at Scion dealers, also offers customers the convenience of cutting-edge, well-known name-brand accessories.

For those who really want to express their creativity, Scion also offers the tC Spec Package model aimed at the tuner segment with a lower price point than the standard model. Since wheel changes are so popular in the tuner community, the tC Spec Package model comes standard with steel wheels, P205/55 R16 tires and seven-spoke wheel covers. The tC Spec Package also features a fixed glass panorama roof, unique upholstery, a urethane steering wheel, and a grille and headlight garnish with special treatment. The color pallet for this model includes Super White, Flint Mica, Black Sand Pearl and Classic Silver metallic, compared to the standard model's seven colors.

Comfort and Class
A Scion would not be complete without unexpected utility and content for its class. The tC offers this and more with its unique attention to detail.

The tC's comfortable front sport bucket seats feature driver's side height and thigh support adjustments, along with a walk-in function with memory for both the seat and backrest. The push of a convenient lever at the top of the seat back yields a wide step-in space for easy access to the rear seats.

The metal-tone center console features a genuine cast-aluminum temperature control dial flanked by soft-touch electronic buttons and an LCD display showing exterior temperature, seven fan speeds and a clock. Shutter-type flush-closing dash vents complement the center console's waterfall design.

The dash and upper door panels are covered with unique trim that was inspired by the texture of Japanese paper, while the front-passenger airbag is seamlessly integrated into the dash. Dampers are used for the interior moving parts and ensure smooth operation. The tC's low NVH levels are maintained with extensive use of sound absorption materials.

The tC's rear seats deliver utility and comfort. The rear can recline to 45 degrees and can be adjusted into 10 different positions. The 60/40-split rear seats fold forward for a nearly flat cargo floor, and when both are folded flat provide more than 8.5 feet of length for cargo. Standard tie down hooks in the rear seat and cargo areas provided added convenience.

Storage is abundant in the tC with four roomy map pockets, bag hooks in side panels, numerous CD, bottle, cup and cell phone holders, and a two-tiered fabric-covered center console. Additional storage can be found under the right rear cargo area for securing valuables.

Generous Warranty
All Scion models are backed by a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

Related:
Chicago Auto Show: Scion's New Angry Washing Machine, the 2008 xB, Debuts; Chicago Auto Show: Scion xD [internal]

"The seat-mounted side airbag and side curtain airbags on certain tCs may inadvertently deploy if the door for that side of the vehicle is closed very forcefully while the tC's ignition is in the "ON" position or within 90 seconds of turning the ignition key from the "ON" position to the "OFF" position. There have been 17 cases of this condition reported."

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 24, 2006 - Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will launch a voluntary Safety Recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) involving approximately 30,000 tC sports coupes from the 2005 and 2006 model year. The affected tC sports coupes were produced from March 2004 to early March 2006. There have been no accidents, deaths or injuries reported related to this condition. The Scion tC is only sold in the U.S. market.

The seat-mounted side airbag and side curtain airbags on certain tCs may inadvertently deploy if the door for that side of the vehicle is closed very forcefully while the tC's ignition is in the "ON" position or within 90 seconds of turning the ignition key from the "ON" position to the "OFF" position. There have been 17 cases of this condition reported.

Scion will mail owners of the involved vehicles a Safety Recall notification via first class mail early next month. Owners are requested to contact their local Scion dealer for replacement of the driver and passenger side airbag sensors upon receiving their notification. Replacement will be done at no charge to the owners of the vehicle.

Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Scion Customer Experience Center at 1-866-707-2466.

Related:
Toyota Gets A Rear End NHTSA Probe; Toyota Initiates Massive Recall [internal]

Not since the debut of the Cordoba has a small Chrysler given you so much of what you needed. The TC by Maserati was the zenith of K-platform technology and truly a force to be reckoned with. You can have your Allant s, your Reattas, your etceteras and similars. But the Chryslerati? Now that, friends, predated the '70s-retro trend by close to a decade. No reserve, currently at $1,500. Plus, according to the seller, "This 1990 Chrsler Tc by Maserati is considered by many to be a collectible." And with an endorsement like that, how can you go wrong? [Thanks to Bumbeck for the tip.]

1990 Chrysler : Tc [eBay]

Related:
"In Cordoba, I Have What I Need" [Internal]

Top 10 Most Appealing Vehicles
(according to JD Power & Associates)

1. 2006 Porsche Cayman
2. 2006 BMW 7 Series
3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
4. 2006 Lexus IS 250/IS 350
5. 2006 Infiniti QX56
6. 2006 Nissan Armada
7. 2006 Scion tC
8. 2006 Mini Cooper
9. 2006 Lexus GX 470
10. 2006 Infiniti M-Series

Most Appealing Vehicles [ForbesAuto.com]

Related:
ForbesAutos On the Sopranos' Coolest Cars [internal]

The latest Scion limited edition model is set for a New York launch, and it's pretty damn blue about it. No it's not blue because we made the obvious joke about its color (maybe a little), it's blue because it's been painted in electric Blue Blitz Mica to set it apart from previous year's Scion tC Release Series 1.0, which was rendered in Absolutely Red. The special-edition package also includes stainless steel mesh grillework, 17-inch alloys and seat-mounted and curtain airbag options. It also comes with black Alcantara-trimmed seats, a Pioneer Premium AM/FM/CD audio system with subwoofer and XM Satellite Radio. The MSRP for all that Scionness will be $16,300 $18,260, or $1,960 over the tC's base price of $16,300. Only 2,600 units of the tC Release Series 2.0 will be blue, er, built.

Related:
Scion to Unveil Coupe Concept in New York [internal]

Edmunds Inside Line is reporting on a rumor from Japan: A 250hp sport coupe from Toyota based on the Scion tC is in the works. The current Scion tC, a fun car that couldn't outrun a RAV4 filled with gravestones, could use the extra horses, and if the Japanese sources are correct, the new coupe — due in 2006 — would replace the Toyota Celica in Japan, while getting a Scion badge in the US. Power could come from a worked-over version of the current 2.4-liter for, or a new, high-performance 2.0-liter that's reportedly in development.

WHISPERS: Toyota Planning New 250-hp Scion tC [Edmunds]

Related:
Toyota to Launch 16 New Models in 30 Months [internal]