Scion tC replacement on the way, 4th Scion could be... anything
It's been widely reported over the last year that Scion is planning to add a fourth model to its lineup, but there's still considerable debate about what form it could take. According to Scion veep Jack Hollis, Toyota's entry-level automaker hasn't taken anything off the table, but believes "there are a lot of opportunities for a [second] coupe" to join the aging tC.
Unfortunately, Scion's been resting its laurels on its lone coupe for some time, and the current model will remain in production until the redesign arrives in 2011. That's an achingly long time in the automotive world, particularly considering the three- to four-year model cycle most automakers adhere to. And with rumors circulating that the Toyota/Subaru rear-wheel-drive coupe has been shelved, we're a bit skeptical that a performance model is still in the near-term cards.
So what's Scion considering? Hollis told Automotive News, "We think there is room for a bigger sedan and smaller vehicles. We think there is even the possibility for a truck-based vehicle with an open bed." The idea of bringing the Toyota iQ to the States has been floated before, as well as a production version of the Toyota A-Bat. If Scion really wanted to shake things up, it could produce a compact version of the Hako Coupe with an open bed (rendered poorly above) to kill two (or three) birds with one stone.
Gallery: Scion Hako Coupe Concept
Gallery: Detroit 2008: Toyota A-BAT Concept
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Gstill 9:42AM (2/02/2009)
I think the A-BAT should be a Scion. Regardless of whether it's a Scion or Toyota, it needs to be produced. Small trucks aren't small anymore and it's a market that's been ignored.
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catgirlshyla 4:52PM (2/02/2009)
City Car = Rebadged Toyota Aygo or iQ
Utility/MPV = Scion xD
Coupe = AE86 replacement
Truck = Rebadged Subaru or Isuzu Kei-Truck
Your welcome Toyota, now where is my Hachi-Roku?
Affalterbach 9:40AM (2/02/2009)
Some sporty brand this is. I somehow hate Scion like no other.
Also, its downright disgusting to see that AE86 being killed. Hyundai is making more enthusiast-oriented products than this.
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nighttime__ 10:00AM (2/02/2009)
RUMOURED to be shelved.
Affalterbach 10:11AM (2/02/2009)
I'm being pessimistic.
In this current state of economy, and with only $13.5 b in cash reserves, I really don't think Toyota will be pressing for any niche-market car.
However, this might change with Akio Toyoda becoming the president in June. You see, he's a car guy.
C.W. 10:11AM (2/02/2009)
i agree.
as the saying goes, 'if it looks like a piece of crap, and smells like a piece of crap..... '
ugg.tryptophan 7:46PM (2/02/2009)
...then its a scion."
nighttime__ 10:21PM (2/02/2009)
that doesn't mean it will be killed off.
it just means it will be held off.
jeez.
recessions might seem carry on forever, but they don't.
Sea Urchin 9:43AM (2/02/2009)
Ok so where's the front, where's the back?
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aj121489 9:45PM (2/02/2009)
Almost exactly what i was thinkin
Throwback 9:53AM (2/02/2009)
As a hot rodder I loved the Hako when I saw it in NYC. The stance was killer, but I doubt Toyota has the guts to do a production version in this climate. I think the Abat is a no brainer either as a Scion or Toyota. There are NO compact trucks on the market save the ever young Ranger.
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Jim 9:58AM (2/02/2009)
I did not read the whole article but off the bat, I knew this vehicle had to come from Japan. Only the Japanese could get away with such a dumb looking vehicle like this . If it were one of the domestics that did this, the media would be all over them with negative remarks. In this case, watch for all the positive remarks.
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AltairDusk 2:18AM (2/03/2009)
Had you read the article you would have seen that the picture is a rendering which they even admit is bad based off a concept vehicle. I'll grant you the render is awful ("which end is the front?" immediately comes to mind) but you're hating on toyota for something that didn't even come from them. I don't even like toyota but that's just ignorant.
bh 10:01AM (2/02/2009)
"...the three- to four-year model cycle most automakers adhere to."
What automakers would those be?
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hashiryu 12:19PM (2/02/2009)
Scion actually..... I can't friggin' believe that they want to wait till 2011 to replace the tC ....... Toyota have completely lost it.
TigerMil 10:10AM (2/02/2009)
Fugly
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kevin werry 10:18AM (2/02/2009)
Ugly Ugly Ugly
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wayne 10:12AM (2/02/2009)
Scion started up in 2003 with the intention to replace all models every 3 years to prevent them from becoming stale or outdated.
Good job Scion - the tC isn't stale at all...
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TW6Speed 11:35AM (2/02/2009)
Scion was also suppose to bring in younger buyers. All I see is older adults driving their cars. I believe Scion to be a failure. It never met any of it's objectives. This project is only going to cost Toyota more money. They should stop the bleeding now.
The Luigiian 10:13AM (2/02/2009)
The Toyota A-BAT should be built. But they really should fix the grill, headlights, taillights and side windows. I mean, it's supposed to look like a big truck; why not give it a grille/headlight combo more like the Tundra's, and side windows to match? Other than that, if the back seats can fit adults, I really don't have many criticisms of the A-BAT. Even with the four-foot bed, well, it's small but no smaller than a Ford Explorer Sport Trac's, and the A-BAT will use much less gas and leave a much smaller footprint.
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