2011 Scion iQ and tC Get Time-Lapse Photography Treatment [video]

Last week Scion took the wraps off not one, but two all-new models at the New York Auto Show, the tiny iQ and sporty 2011 tC. We brought you plenty of photos and all the details on both new cars, and now we have some very cool video to share courtesy our friend Peter Tarach, the editor of Modified Mag. He decided to edit together enough of his photos for a time-lapse video of the Scion booth, including the new tC, iQ and two modified versions of the cars, built by Five-Axis.

For anyone who missed the coverage, the iQ is in fact a production model and Scion claims its the smallest four-seater in the world. At just 120-inches long it is roughly one-foot longer than the Smart fortwo. Referred to by Scion as a “premium micro sub compact” it is powered by a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder and gets a CVT transmission. No performance or fuel economy numbers are available, but Scion says to expect fuel economy in the high-30 mpg range. And in Europe, that engine makes 99-hp.

As for the tC, it might not look all that different from the previous generation car, but it has changed enough and features a more potent engine. Under the hood there's a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 180-hp (19 more than the previous model) and 173 ft-lbs of torque (11 more than the previous model). Paired with either a six-speed automatic with sequential-shift manual shifting or a traditional six-speed manual, Scion claims the new engine will also be more fuel efficient – although no fuel economy estimates have been provided. In addition, the car gets a new exhaust setup that was designed to deliver a more aggressive sound. Helping to improve handling is a new platform with MacPherson front struts and a double-wishbone rear. Overall, the car sits lower and gets some big 18-inch wheels. The brakes have also been upgraded to deliver improved stopping power, with bigger rotors at each corner. A new electronic steering system is also used, which not only helps save fuel (by not being a drain on the engine) but also works to deliver a more precise feel. For 2011, the tC also includes important safety features like Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control. Inside, Scion has taken the car more up-market with a VW-esque feel, that includes a thick flat-bottom steering wheel, nicely bolstered seats and a sporty yet simple gauge cluster. A panoramic moonroof remains standard on the tC.

The tC is set to go on sale later this year, with iQ sales beginning in early 2011.

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