Scion is a blank slate. Toyota’s youth oriented brand sells cars with the idea that many of its owners will buy parts to customize their cars. Occasionally Scion gives its fans a hand by showing them what is possible by modifying the cars at the factory. The Chicago Auto Show is the place Scion is using to showcase its latest special edition with the tC Release Series 5.0. This tC is upgraded with parts directly from parent company Toyota’s TRD (Toyota Racing Development) catalog.

The upgrades include a TRD stainless-steel muffler to add performance and improve the exhaust note, a thicker rear TRD anti roll bar to improve handling and TRD split nine-spoke rims finished in matte black with a red lip measuring in at 18 inches. The limited production run will consist of 2000 examples all painted in gloss black and have special TRD badging. Although there is no official word about performance, the Scion tC Release Series 5.0 should be quicker in a straight line as well as in the twisties.

In the interior you will find a black leather steering wheel with unique red stitching, black seats also with red highlights and TRD floor mats. Each Release Series 5.0 will be identifiable by a numbered plaque that certifies the tC’s authenticity.

The limited edition tC should arrive in dealerships in March and be priced around $19,970 for the manual and $20,770 for the automatic. Scion representatives have said that this will be the only limited edition tC for 2009.

Press release after the jump

2009 Scion TC Release Series 5.0

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Scion TC Release Series 5.0
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the only limited-production tC for 2009, the tC Release Series 5.0 (tC RS 5.0), will have a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) theme and be available at dealer showrooms in March. The 2009 tC RS 5.0 will be on display in the Scion space at the Chicago Auto Show, February 11-22, for media and public days.

The 2009 tC RS 5.0 features gloss black exterior paint and numerous performance products from TRD. TRD edition 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, in matte black with red trim, and red TRD lowering springs provide this tC with its menacing presence. For additional stability when cornering, the tC is fitted with a red TRD rear sway bar. A TRD sport muffler gives the tC RS 5.0 an aggressive sound signature, while a TRD exterior badge marks the car. A black rear lip spoiler will also be available.

The TRD theme is continued inside with a black leather steering wheel featuring red stitching, black seats with red accents and floor mats with the TRD logo. The tC RS 5.0 is also equipped with a cargo mat. Individually numbered badging completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,000 units of the tC Release Series 5.0 will be built. The tC RS 5.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,300 over the base price of the tC. The base MSRP for the standard tC with a manual transmission is $17,000, while the standard tC with an automatic transmission model carries a MSRP of $17,800. The available black spoiler has a MSRP of $285, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.