TORRANCE, Calif. (May 24, 2012) – The 2012 Scion tC today was recognized as the Top Rated Sporty Car in the 16th Annual Autobytel and AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

Autobytel and AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award measures how satisfied an owner is with his or her new vehicle. New vehicle owners provide input on 48 individual attributes that objectively measure the ownership experience such as driver’s seat comfort, power and acceleration, interior and exterior styling, cargo space/capacity, ease of getting in and out, and quietness inside the vehicle.

The second-generation tC, which was completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, features new styling, enhanced performance, and technologies that add to the driver’s experience. It remains a tremendous value with more power, increased fuel efficiency, superior driving dynamics, and more safety features than its predecessor.

For 2012, the tC sports coupe includes as standard equipment a new Pioneer™ audio system that features Bluetooth® hands-free, Bluetooth streaming audio and HD Radio™ technology. It features a spirited 180-hp, 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

A new tC Release Series 7.0 (tC RS 7.0) also debuted for model-year 2012. The tC RS 7.0 comes exclusively in High Voltage Yellow exterior paint with contrasting black side view mirrors and black 18-inch alloy wheels. The aggressive exterior is further stylized with a TRD body kit that includes front and rear lower valences and side skirts. The front bumper incorporates a honeycomb lower grille that is unique to this Release Series.

High Voltage Yellow accents make their way into the interior with color-tuned black and yellow seat fabric, leather wrapped steering wheel with yellow stitching and an individually numbered badge. The tC RS 7.0 features Smart Key, a convenient keyless entry system that unlocks the doors with a touch of the door handle. The system also includes a red TRD push-button start allowing the car to be started with the push of a button. The use of the Smart Key system is a first for Scion.

Like all Scion models, the tC is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The tC comes standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance.