Autoslalom with the Scion tC

On May 28^th I took a Scion tC, provided by Scion Canada, to the Push It To The Limit (PITL) Autoslalom Series.  I picked up the car on Friday evening and was pleasantly surprised to see what I was getting.  It was a 2011 Scion tC, Cement Grey Metallic in colour, with a few modifications. 

Mechanically, the only modification was the addition of the TRD lowering springs.  The springs definitely gave the car a sportier stance.  Other upgrades included the optional Alpine stereo, leather interior, TRD muffler (which sounded wonderful) and beautiful 19” TRD rims.  A couple of other additions were a Seibon carbon fiber hood and a fairly tasteful body kit.  Overall, the Cement Grey colour, with CF hood and black roof, along with the rims and springs, makes for a rather striking package.  This really is a good looking car, to my eye.

As it turns out, Scion Canada is one of the sponsors of the PITL Autoslalom Series and is providing a car at each of the events this year (the June 18^th event is also Scion Day).  If you are interested in pushing your car to the limits in a safe and friendly environment you really should check out one of their events – see their website for more details.  They always put on a first-class autoslalom.

The PITL Autoslalom Series uses a fairly simple classing system for the cars.  The lowering springs meant that the tC was in the modified class for front-wheel drive cars.  This puts it in with some very tough competition, as many of the modified entries have much more done to them than just springs, such as sway bars, strut towers, stripped interiors, etc.  Having said that, though, one of my co-drivers – Darryl – placed the tC second in class, behind only a highly modified, well-driven, Integra Type-R.  Scion Canada should be very pleased having someone like Darryl showing off what their cars can do.

I found the tC to be fairly neutral in handling.  Didn’t really find any understeer, or oversteer.  I probably wasn’t driving in quite hard enough, being my first event in over 18 months – I was a little rusty.  I know - excuses, excuses.

The only real issue I found with the tC were the sight lines out of the car.  The design of the tC is one that has a fairly high beltline – the bottom of the windows are actually rather high.  While not a problem in typical day-to-day driving, it meant the some cones on the course were completely blocked from view when approaching them around a corner.  This is an obvious disadvantage when you are trying to cut into the pylon as close as possible, without hitting it.

One of the other drivers of the tC, Taylor, commented that he thought the designers were trying to create the feeling of having the car wrap around the driver, through the higher dashboard and window sills.  I have to agree with him, because the car really does feel like it is hugging you.

Overall, the experience was a good one.  I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one for myself, if I was in the market for a 2-door coupe – especially when you consider these cars start at $20,850.  It was on the drive home that I was reminded why I enjoy the tC so much – it is a very comfortable, capable tourer.  I would be very happy with this car, driving to and from work, everyday.

I should again thank Scion Canada for the wonderful opportunity to drive their tC, and for sponsoring my favourite autoslalom series – Push It To The Limit.  In addition to Scion Canada, GTA Wheel & Tire Zone have loaned the race rims, and Toyo Tire Canada & All About Imports have provided the tires.  Thanks to all those involved for providing an opportunity for people to experience the Scion tC the way it should be, pushing the limits in a safe environment.