2008 Scion tC RS 4.0 Announced

For most cars debuting at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we’ll throw up a big headline with the show name and year, but the Scion tC RS 4.0 is simply a special edition trim of the already-popular coupe. As the number suggests, this is the fourth Release Series for the tC. Unlike other tCs, it features a subdued Galactic Gray Mica paint job, which will be limited to the 2,300 run of the 4.0 starting in March.

Other differences between it and a standard tC include a body kit, two-tone gray and black Alcantara seats, a leather steering wheel, a custom shift knob and badging with each car's limited number on it.

The cost of the package is $2,770 over the MSRP of $17,000 for the manual transmission tC and $17,800 for the automatic. A matching spoiler is another $285, not including installation, and none of the prices include the $620 destination charge.

Usually these packages aren’t really worth the money, but a body kit and Alcantara seats would probably set a customizer back a similar amount.

Comments

$4,285 for an extra spoiler? Tell me that's a typo!!!

Otherwise, I think it's pretty subdued for a "release series" Scion. Granted, all the Scion special editions are mostly cosmetic, but they usually at least stand out a little more. Oh well, gray is a popular color, and the cost doesn't seem outrageous.

yes that's a typo! thanks for catching it.

No power or actual suspension tuned?

J,
Scion doesn't do that with its special editions. you can buy a dealer installed supercharger for the tc or xB though.

This is kind of car that is hanging in nowhere.
This is not a pocket rocket (like Civic Si) and this is not a family car (like Camry)

I just never understood people who buy car like this. I guess, they pay for looks. Because there is no practicality or performance in this package.

somebody tell me, what is! in this car?

When I saw 4.0, I immediately thought, "They shoehorned a 4.0L engine in that thing! Wow!" I have never been so disappointed after reading an article on here ever. :)

dave t,

to answer your q of who buys a tc, i think it is for people around 18-25 who don't have a family yet (thus, don't need a camry), but can afford slightly more than a basic A-B economy car.

i bet most tc buyers are men. the stock version has 160 horses. for this price range, that is very powerful.

similarly, it looks cool, is a coupe, and the marketting made it desirable for high school seniors or college students to own.

There would only be one word that would describe the RS 4.0. Disappointment. I own the RS 1.0, which I feel is still the best to date. Nothing on this car stands out. Body kit? Ok. Alcantera seats? Big deal. The Galactic Gray is basically the Flint Mica with a fancy name to fool non-car enthusiasts. You even get to keep the oem rims. Great! Tell me how they manage to take your 4000 big ones and swap that with a ltd badge and call things even? Sign me up! It's still an ordinary car.

Traditionally this is called a "sporty car" or more derogatorily a "chick car". When the first Mustang came out they called it a "secretary's car" which is probably the best term I've heard of.

It's for 20 something that can actually afford a new car but don't need to be practical or familly oriented yet. But mostly it's women who buy it, as guys will lust after more powerful cars (350Z, Mustangs, used BMW's), and lately, SUV's. (incase we actually DO get around to going on that camping trip)

Actually the "secretary's car" DOES have a proud tradition cars that LOOK good, but just don't perform very well. Celica's, MX-6's, Berettas, Preludes, Tiburons, certain Golf/Rabit models, and arguably V-6 Mustangs and Cameros.