SPY vs. SPY- New Scion tC Design More Saab or Lexus Like?

While I was walking the New York Auto Show with Agent 00R we came across the Scion booth and spent some time examining the sexy new car's exterior design.

The first thing that came to my mind was that the tC design team really took some serious queues from Saab...

ESPECIALLY on the side window views, roof design and headlight/bumper fascia area.

I was joking they should call it the 9-1.

And ironically, the Scion booth was caddy corner from Saab so you could see both cars within shooting distance.

00R instantly chimed in that I was smoking crack and that he thought the roof was not a proper Saab clamshell and the the front was more Lexus like.

So I suggested it was time for a SPY vs. SPY showdown and that we would let YOU decide who was right.

Agent 001 OR Agent 00R?

Discuss!

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JUGNU - 4/4/2010 10:00:29 PM

+4 Boost

I agree with 00R. Front end especially grille and headlights area looks like new Lexus models especially CT200h and rest of the design cues look very original to me. From side view(6th photo from top) tC is looking very nice.

JUGNU

WorldofLuxury - 4/4/2010 11:37:57 PM

+10 Boost

More like something I do not want to see in hot pink.

BondMI6 - 4/5/2010 12:57:34 AM

+3 Boost

It could go either way but I'm leaning toward Saab.......

LACMAN - 4/5/2010 1:34:46 AM

+6 Boost

The tC gives off that "Saab look" with the blacked out A pillars but the similarities end there. Sorry 007! This vehicle resembles a Lexus more (IMO). Especially in the front end.

kpaxx - 4/5/2010 8:37:58 AM

+4 Boost

Has a lot of design elements from Lexus. I wonder why toyota does this and removes design distinction away from there luxury brand.

OBie - 4/5/2010 9:18:57 AM

+2 Boost

Front: Toyota / Lexus. Rear: BMW 1 series. Side profile - 3/4 rear: Saab.

Agent00R - 4/5/2010 9:57:06 AM

+3 Boost

If I said it once, I've said it 1,000 times.

The headlights and facade are very CT200h.

Just because it has a blacked out A-pillar does not mean it is a legit clamshell design. It's bootleg.

bmwdrvr - 4/5/2010 10:15:52 AM

0 Boost

I would disagree with both and why is it that you all are saying cars look like something else. To me it looks like the current TC with styling cues added from that concept coupe they did a couple years back including the roof. That concept came out before the desighn for the new Saab 9-5 was even shown........

SaaberGurhl - 4/5/2010 10:42:14 AM

+1 Boost

As a Saaber I am happy to see our brand already making its resurgence. And the fact that yes there are styling cues lifted almost directly from SAAB its not a surprise considering that Gm pretty much relied upon there European design house for the last few SAAB's and Toyota has used there connection with GM to use the same design house.
This is why you see similar design cues Grill A pillar C pillar profile. And of course roof line this is the biggest and what most closely resembles that of SAAB while yes not a true clamshell it comes ever so close that place the new 9.5 or the 9.1 and yes the roof lines could confuse.

raikkonen - 4/5/2010 12:39:08 PM

+1 Boost

The back is a total BMW 1-series ripoff. Copycat Japanese, eh Huu?

lexusrox123 - 4/5/2010 9:45:01 PM

+2 Boost

It doesn't even look that much better than the current tC. The C-pillar is just ridiculous, imo. Headlights are pretty generic, like the Sonata's.

LACMAN - 4/6/2010 11:32:25 AM

+1 Boost

Blacked out A pillars on a Sunfire? Interesting. Funny you mentioned that though because after this car made its debut, I saw a kids current generation tC with "painted" A pillars at the gas station and took another look at this one. The pillars look just painted, where the Saab's look like its a one piece wrap around design. Guess its because the Saab's is shiny a mimics the reflective surface of glass.

LACMAN - 4/6/2010 11:35:01 AM

+1 Boost

Sorry, I meant *Saab's is shiny AND mimics the reflective surface of the glass.

upwards - 4/6/2010 12:51:04 AM

0 Boost

Looks as if scion is headed up market a few notches.