click above for more high-res images of the 2008 Scion xB R.S. 5.0
Scion does this all the time – unveils a special Release Series version of a model and affixes an X.0 appendage to the name like it's a firmware update. Very hip, edgy stuff. The newest one and first special edition Scion model for 2008 is the xB R.S. 5.0. This edition's main selling point is its Gold Rush Mica paint job since it's the same color that appeared on the xB show car unveiled at last year's Chicago Auto Show. It also features a body kit by KenStyle that's tasteful enough, but the tuner vibe is totally killed by the set of exclusive Release Series wheel covers that the vehicle is wearing. This thing needs solid alloys if it wants to be taken seriously. The R.S. 5.0 is the first of the new xB models with a moonroof, however. Not much has changed with the interior except for a splash of the same Gold Rush Mica on some trim pieces and the seats.
One thing that the Scion xB R.S. 5.0 will be is exclusive, since only 2,500 will be made and priced from $15,650 for the manual and $16,600 for the automatic. The only option appears to be a rear spoiler dipped in, what else? Gold Rush Mica paint. That adds another $320 to the bottom line. The xB R.S. 5.0 will go on sale in February at your nearest Scion dealer. No need to rush, we doubt there'll be a line unless a TRD supercharger suddenly becomes an option.
[Source: Scion]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mike @ Jan 11th 2008 4:06PM
I do not see any sales numbers for Scion? Are they counted under Toyota and not broken out? How are the sales of these new models compared to the old? Anyone have the figures?
I have seen, I think, maybe two Xb's in denver, and maybe one, if that, of the other model (Xd?)
The tc's are even showing up less and less around here...
CH @ Jan 11th 2008 4:35PM
Scion sales are way down:
Model 2007 2006 %Change
xA 9,547 32,603 -70.8
xB 45,834 61,306 -25.5
tC 63,852 79,125 -19.6
xD 10,948 n/a n/a
Mike @ Jan 11th 2008 5:36PM
Ouch. I didn't realize the sales were tanking that bad... Toy really needs to revitalize this brand or it will go the way of Daewoo Auto here in the US (cheap, college/youth focused)
I am impressed though, that AB was able to complete this write-up without mention of the PT Cruiser special editions.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jan 11th 2008 6:12PM
Maybe if the new xB made any sense compared to the old one it would sell better.
MooseMuffin @ Jan 11th 2008 6:27PM
To be fair, I believe the TC was the only scion that had a 2007 model.
tekdemon @ Jan 12th 2008 4:52AM
The new xB is significantly more expensive than the old one (and larger...and not based on the bB which is stupid), and after they launched the Yaris it didn't make any sense to buy the older version as an xA, which is why the xA numbers tanked.
The tC most likely dropped the 20% since it wasn't brand new anymore. If you factor in the fact that the Yaris took a lot of the xA/xD sales the sales drop makes a lot more sense.
Mostly the only really stupid thing was Toyota deciding to make the xB a Camry based wagon that kinda ruined the entire point of the xB...at least in Japan they get both to choose from, instead we don't even get an option.
yaroukh @ Jan 11th 2008 4:11PM
WTF? do poeple actually buy this joke? c'mon, it looks like $%^&
Zerk @ Jan 11th 2008 4:14PM
Moonroof is the major upgrade.
MooseMuffin @ Jan 11th 2008 4:18PM
"This thing needs solid alloys if it wants to be taken seriously."
Yes, because that's all that would need to happen for this to be taken seriously.
Benfolio @ Jan 11th 2008 6:24PM
Scion doesn't put alloys on it because (and I forget the exact figures) alot of thier customers go out and buy their own custom wheels. It's one of the fist upgrades ANYONE makes to thier cars.
So why pay extra for something you're gonna toss on eBay or in the basement for the winter?
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jan 11th 2008 8:48PM
Especially at dealer prices.
You can throw out even factory alloys and upgrade to good alloys for less than the price of your dealer selling you a set of good alloys. So throwing out steelies is a no brainer.
They're even cheaper if you get those crappy alloys with the combination Honda/Toyota bolt patterns on them.
RoadRog @ Jan 11th 2008 4:22PM
Toyota, I mean Scion, really screwed the pooch on the new xB and the 5.0 release is no better. Bigger, heavier, and lower gas mileage. That's progress. I am very happy with my Gen I xB and will own it till it pukes. It is not the fastest car and certainly not the best looking, but I love 30 mpg and all the head room a 6'2" guy could want. Maybe Nissan will bring the Cube over.
Biff Baxter @ Jan 11th 2008 4:33PM
BIGGER!
HEAVIER!
THIRSTIER!
and COSTLIER!!!!!!
pio!pio! @ Jan 11th 2008 4:34PM
the new xb looks like a milk truck/van to me
YourNameHere @ Jan 11th 2008 4:39PM
the first time i saw the xB2 i thought to myself..."you know what this car needs, MORE fake scoops!" thank you scion!
Luis @ Jan 11th 2008 5:51PM
Actually, those are functional scoops. They send cooling air to the wheels so that those cheap plastic wheel covers won't melt!
David(Postal) @ Jan 11th 2008 4:40PM
The old xB was kind of charming in its own way. This thing is bloated like most other toyotas now
jte @ Jan 11th 2008 4:53PM
This is priced less than the regular model?
jte @ Jan 11th 2008 4:53PM
This is priced less than the regular model?
jte @ Jan 11th 2008 4:54PM
This is priced less than the regular model?