Autoblog

SEMA 2009: A quintet of concept Scions leaves us hungry for more

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Work, Hatchback, Scion, Specialty

2009 SEMA Scion xB DJ 2.0 Concept by Five Axis - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just like last year, Scion had a group of tuners develop a whole range of models for SEMA 2009. Clustered in one corner of the Central Hall, the group included the Brandon Leung pickup and 0-60 Rally xD we showed you earlier, as well as another handful of tricked out Toyota lites.

First up was the Epic Cartel tC, the only tC in the group and a unique take on open-air motoring and completes what they are calling the Trilogy/Cartel Open Air Collection.

Next up was the xB DJ 2.0 by Five Axis (above). With its widened track and massive contrasting wheel arches it looked like it was ready for some Touring Car duty, but the real purpose was what lay inside: A full mobile DJ set-up. Sadly, it was locked up when we went by for a peek.

Eneri Abillar did up an xB for the xB Tuner Challenge, with a fairly straightforward tuner look and some blazing red-orange paint. Suspension, brakes and engine upgrades made this a runner too.

It was similar to the xB done by Peter Colello, although his was blue, didn't have the Greddy turbo, opting for a BullsEye Power T04B instead. The inside was a wild mix of alcantara, speakers, roll cage and gauges.

The one we had wanted to see the most, however, was the Scion xD by MV Designz. When we saw the name of it in the preview, we had hoped we'd finally get to taste the elusive, underground, Korean BBQ from Kogi. When closed up, the xD looks a lot like any other Scion runabout. When opened, it transforms into a mobile kitchen, complete with fridge, sink, cutting board and grill! Sadly, it was closed for business when we stopped by so no Kogi once again. We promise to check back regularly though.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: The Scions of SEMA

SEMA 2009: A quintet of concept Scions leaves us hungry for more originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion brand finally headed to Canada next September

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Scion, Toyota, Canada

It's official: Scion is headed to the land of Bob and Doug. Toyota's sub-brand will arrive in 45 dealerships in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver ten months from now, in September 2010. Scion's full model range will be offered -- xB, xD, and tC -- and dealers will present them in a "store within a store" concept, which makes it sound like passwords, burlesque, and moonshine will be involved.

To give you Canuck Scion mavens something to do for the next eleven months, there's a Canadian Scion website. It's a little barren right now, but after you take a quick survey it'll let you know things like the Scion badge was "created to symbolize non-conformity, authenticity and personal style." And then there are links to other Scion content, such as an interview with Motörhead, because what Scion owner doesn't love Lemmy? Canadians rejoice. Eh. Hat tip to Luc!

[Source: Auto123]

Scion brand finally headed to Canada next September originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Celica or Scion tC? Toyota reportedly deliberating over production FT-86 nameplate

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Tokyo Motor Show, Scion, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although the Toyota FT-86, freshly unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, is billed strictly as a concept car, we're fully expecting the rear-wheel-drive coupe to foreshadow a new production car from Toyota. The question on everyone's lips, then, is what Toyota will call the final version when it hits the market.

Some reports are indicating that Toyota will revive the Celica nameplate, a name which still carries a certain following among Japanese sportscar fans even though it hasn't been used in four years. Other reports are suggest that when the production FT-86 reaches American shores, it will act as a replacement for the current Scion tC. Both the models, in their last iterations, were front-drive models, but that may not be a factor in determining the vehicle's name.

So which is true? Only time will tell, but both reports could ultimately prove accurate. Even if Toyota does decide to badge the FT-86 a Scion, the youth-oriented brand is only active in the North American market, meaning that the Japanese automaker will still need another name for use in its domestic market and others overseas. Which name would appeal to you more? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

[Sources: Autocar and The Detroit Bureau]

Toyota Celica or Scion tC? Toyota reportedly deliberating over production FT-86 nameplate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pulled Ahead? Scion dealer reportedly says iQ headed for U.S. in 2010 [w/POLL]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Scion, Rumormill

Scion iQ Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last we heard, Toyota was planning to bring the diminutive iQ to the American market badged as a Scion in either late 2010 or early 2011 as a 2012 model. According to AutoWeek, that date may have been moved up a few months as a major Scion dealership (which declined to be named) has confirmed the car for next September or October. If true, that could mean that the car will carry a 2011 designation, and might also pull the iQ ahead of the replacement for the tC coupe, which was previously said to be the next Scion in waiting.

It's no secret that the Scion brand has been hit harder than most in the face of the worst economic downturn in recent memory (down 57.8 percent for the year through July), and it's apparently thought the 66-mpg Smart-killing iQ is just what the doctor ordered to spruce up the automaker's lineup.

Speaking at the iQ's debut in Scion drag at the New York Auto Show, company Veep Jack Hollis said that "the interest was so high that it would be silly for us not to fight for [the iQ], but the next-generation tC is our top priority now." That next-gen tC is rumored to drop sometime in mid-to-late-2010 with more aggressive styling and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower. Armchair quarterback time: which new model is more important for the Scion brand, the iQ or the tC? Click past the break to take part in our poll.

Gallery: New York: Scion iQ Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]

Continue reading Pulled Ahead? Scion dealer reportedly says iQ headed for U.S. in 2010 [w/POLL]

Pulled Ahead? Scion dealer reportedly says iQ headed for U.S. in 2010 [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Safety, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Scion, Volvo

IIHS 2009 two-door crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

It comes as little surprise that two-door automobiles perform differently when crash tested than their four-door stablemates, particularly in side crashes. Due to the vastly different structural makeup of coupes versus sedans, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has decided to test both two- and four-door versions of automobiles for 2009, and the results aren't always predictable.

For instance, the 2009 Ford Focus Coupe joins Volvo's 2009 C30 as a two-door vehicle that earns the agency's Top Safety Pick rating, yet the four-door Focus scored a lower Acceptable rating in previous IIHS side crash testing. Conversely, the 2009 Honda Civic flips those ratings with the newly-tested coupe garnering an Acceptable side crash score versus the sedan's Top Safety Pick rating.

While the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Scion tC and Volvo C30 all performed fairly well in both frontal and side crash testing, the tC was judged the poorest performer overall and was the only vehicle that failed to earn either a Good or Acceptable rating for rear crash protection. Check out the gallery of smashed-up coupes below and see the official press release after the break for additional details on the testing results.

Gallery: IIHS 2009 Two-Door Crash Tests

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive

IIHS tests two-door coupes, ratings mostly positive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Scion, Toyota, Celebrities

2009 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at Long Beach - Click above for gallery of high-res pics

One of our favorite events at the annual Long Beach Grand Prix is the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. The slash in its name lets you know that this event features celebrities racing against real pro drivers, as well as a few buy-in drivers. In this case, each entrant gets the chance to pilot an identically prepped and lightly modified Scion tC. Basically, Toyota has removed the mufflers and added racing wheels and StopTech brakes, plus a rollcage and other safety equipment. The pros spot the celebs 30 seconds at the start of this 10-lap race, and then it's every driver for him-or-her-self.

This year's field featured some pretty big names from the entertainment and racing worlds. The race itself sometimes becomes secondary to the mere spectacle, but this year's race featured some pretty good on-track action as well. After jumping out to a huge lead, skateboarding legend and polesitter Danny Way pushed a little too hard trying to hold off the hard-charging Farnsworth Bentley. They tangled, allowing the "pro" triumverate of Al Unser Jr., Johnny Benson and Tom Tudnai through. If that last name doesn't sound familiar, that's probably because Tudnai is the president of a local Toyota dealership - but he won this event once before in 2001, elevating him to pro status.

Just behind the top three, Keanu Reeves inherited the the top celebrity title, just ahead of Ken Baker and Carlos Mencia. Raven Simone finished last after an early shunt ended her run. This means that Little Al now has seven wins at Long Beach, six in an open-wheeler. No wonder he's known as "King of the Beach" in these parts. There's a full rundown after the jump and a gallery available by clicking on any image here.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Pro/Celeb Race at Long Beach GP

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tanner Foust's V8 RWD Scion tC Formula Drift car unveiled

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Scion

2009 Formula D AEM/Rockstar Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

While all eyes were on Scion unveiling its take on the Toyota iQ city car at the New York Auto Show, the youth-oriented Toyota division quietly let slip a batch of photos of its latest challenger for the Formula Drift championship. But if these photos are any indication, it'll be the last time this insanely modified Scion tC will be doing anything quietly.

Although the drift car you see here looks like a tC, underneath it's anything but... heck, it doesn't even use the tC's floorplan, it's so heavily modified. As previewed last week on video, this latest Scion drifter, prepared by drag racing and drift veteran Stephan Papadakis of Advanced Engine Management (AEM), packs a V8 courtesy of Toyota's NASCAR racing program, pumping 650 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque through a four-speed shifter to the rear wheels. Of course, there's only one driftsmith who could handle this much machine, and that's Tanner Foust.

The two-time defending Formula D champion - who has some extra time on his lightning-quick hands since Top Gear USA got canceled - ditches the Nissan Z he's been fielding the last few years in favor of this modified Scion, and takes his sponsor Rockstar Energy Drink along with him. The car debuted this weekend at the Formula D season opener in Long Beach, California, where Foust finished third and our man Drew Phillips was on hand to catch it in his lens. Check out the images in the pair of hi-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Formula D AEM/Rockstar Scion tC

Gallery: Tanner Foust's AEM/Rockstar Scion tC

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

[Source: Scion via Inside Line]

Tanner Foust's V8 RWD Scion tC Formula Drift car unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Scion planning to introduce a tC successor in New York... dubbed tD?

Dan Roth — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Hatchback, Scion, Rumormill

Scion has just about exhausted the mileage it can get from itsvarious and sundry "Release Series" editions of the tC, and the front-drive coupe is the oldest thing in Scion's lineup. There is, though, on the New York International Auto Show schedule, a Scion press conference. What would Scion have in store that would justify spending for a presser instead of assigning a flak to type up a .pdf and blast it out via email?

Vice president Jack Hollis has intimated that there's a replacement for the tC on the way within two years, and the sleuths over at Inside Line did a little digging for clarity's sake. Winding up at the U.S. Patent and Trademark website, Toyota has apparently trademarked the "tD" moniker, which seems pretty logical. Drawing a line from the name to the press conference, there's a good chance that we'll see a new coupe in the Scion lineup soon, but whether it's a concept or production car is anyone's guess.

[Source: Inside Line]

Is Scion planning to introduce a tC successor in New York... dubbed tD? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Scion tC Release Series 5.0 is...errr... released

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Scion, Specialty

Click above to view live shots of the Scion tC Release Series 5.0

As we told you last week, Scion is taking advantage of this year's Chicago Auto Show to drop yet another tweaked Scion tC, just like they did last year. This year's example is the 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0, of which 2000 examples or fewer will be built.

One thing that makes this Release Series more interesting than some of its predecessors is the fact that Scion's modifications go beyond new paint and wheels. Besides the gloss black paint and red-lined, matte black, 18-inch wheels, parent company Toyota has added virtually everything in their TRD parts catalog. RS 5.0 gets lowering springs, a rear sway bar, a sport muffler and special badging, and there's also an optional rear lip spoiler.

The interior features the same blacked-out TRD theme, with a leather-covered steering wheel, black seats and TRD-badged floor mats. To keep it from being too dark and depressing, the seats feature red inserts and stitching. Best of all, this TRD-infused package will add just $2,300 to the base price of the standard tC. Expect to see the new tC arriving in dealers beginning in March. The full press release is after the jump and we've added a bunch of live shots to the gallery as well.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Scion tC Release Series 5.0

Gallery: Scion tC Release Series 5.0

Continue reading Chicago 2009: Scion tC Release Series 5.0 is...errr... released

Chicago 2009: Scion tC Release Series 5.0 is...errr... released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion prices tC Release Series 5.0

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Scion

Click above to enlarge the Scion tC Release Series 5.0

Another Chicago Auto Show, another mildly refreshed Scion tC Release Series. For those keeping track, this is Release Series 5.0, but unlike previous limited-edition models, the modifications aren't limited to a new hue and set of rims. The best bits are found beneath the gloss black paint and matte black 18-inch wheels, where Scion seems to have thrown the entire TRD parts catalog at the tC RS 5.0. The tC benefits from lowering springs, a rear sway bar, sport muffler and badging, along with an optional rear lip spoiler. Inside, the blacked-out TRD theme continues with a leather-covered steering wheel, black seats and TRD-badged floor mats. The monochromatic scheme is broken up with red stitching inside and red stripes on the multi-spoke rims.

A total of 2,000 R.S. 5.0's are slated for production, and sales will begin in March. Pricing seems reasonable, with the TRD-infused package adding $2,300 to the base price of the standard tC. It's a decent car to be sure, but considering the tC is entering its fifth year on the market with very few updates, Scion needs to do more with its coupe. Stay tuned for live shots from Chicago.

Gallery: Scion tC Release Series 5.0

Continue reading Scion prices tC Release Series 5.0

Scion prices tC Release Series 5.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next-gen Scion tC will be Subaru-co-developed RWD coupe

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

Carscoop is reporting that Toyota has finally confirmed what many have long suspected: The next Scion tC will be a variant of the upcoming Subaru-Toyota rear-wheel-drive coupe project. At a press conference back in April, Toyota CEO Katsuaki Watanabe had confirmed that his company was jointly developing a pair of rear-wheel-drive sports cars with Subaru. Each brand would get its own version of the car, which would each be powered by one of Subaru's boxer engines.

It looks like that powerplant will be around 2.0L in size and put out around 200 horsepower. Based on an all-new RWD platform, the affordable coupe should show up Stateside by the end of 2010, or possibly early 2011. That new tC will probably be joined by a version of the iQ minicar in Scion dealerships as well, also according to Carscoop's Toyota insiders. A reborn, rebadged Celica and a Smart-fighter could be a compelling pair for Toyota's youth brand. As always, we'll keep you posted.

[Source: Carscoop]

Rumormill: Next-gen Scion tC will be Subaru-co-developed RWD coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Scion concepts aplenty

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Scion

Click above for high-res gallery of the Scion SEMA cars

This is Scion's fifth year as a SEMA attendee, and it's arguably their best. Being the younger, hipper, tunier Toyota it makes sense they show up here with six concepts to spark customers' imaginations. To that end, they've brought several fun and outrageous customs from designers such as Mark Arcenal, Eddie Hahm (above), Drag Cartel, John Pangilinan, Rogue Status, MV Designz, Raging Bull, Blaine Fontana, Kenton Parker, Jeff Soto, and Christian Rado.

There are three xBs, an xD and a few tCs in the official booth alone. Scion distributed three tCs to customizers for the 2008 Scion Tuner Challenge, with the winner to be announced during SEMA. Our absolute favorite is the one done up by Eddie Hahm of "Fast Eddie's Garage" fame. He took it retro and created an homage to a time when hot rodding meant more than mounting dubs and a bodykit. Fatlace founder Mark Arcenal dreamt up a DTM racer, while John Pangilinan made an even more butch looking tC with his widebody design. Personally, we really enjoyed the most elaborately detailed model, the Ruthless Cartell xD with its completely chopped roof, but it's strictly for show. The trucklet xDt was pretty novel too. Check out the gallery and pick out your favorite. There's a full rundown of each after the jump and lots of pics of most of them in the gallery.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Scion concepts

Gallery: Scion at SEMA 2008

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Scion concepts aplenty

SEMA 2008: Scion concepts aplenty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: Scion bringing a six pack

Dan Roth — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Scion

Click above for galler of all six Scion SEMA cars

Scion's been a perennial SEMA attendee for the last five years, with customization being a central tenet of the brand. This year, the cool-seeking Toyota nameplate is bringing a sextet of vehicles, three each of tCs and xBs, all customized. The xBs were sent out to customizers to get thematic treatments. The three art cars embody different ideas; one's a camper in the vein of Westfalia Volkswagens, another's been chopped and dropped to create a lakebed hot rod, while our favorite is an ersatz Roach Coach. Blaine Fontana was responsible for the camper conversion, while Jeff Soto whipped up the salt flats car, and Kenton Parker decided to celebrate the xB's non-curvy shape with the foodservice conversion.

Bonneville speed trial cars serve as inspiration for one of the customized tCs, as well. Scion distributed three tCs to customizers for the 2008 Scion Tuner Challenge, with the winner to be announced during SEMA. Eddie Hahm of "Fast Eddies Garage" fame took it retro and created an homage to a time when hot rodding meant more than mounting dubs and a bodykit. Fatlace founder Mark Arcenal dreamt up a DTM racer, while John Pangilinan made an even more butch looking tC with his widebody design. These six cars are sure to be just some of the Scions at SEMA. Indeed, there will be several other custom Scion models at the brand's booth, like an xD with its top chopped. We'd be down with some of these customs, even if underneath it all, they're still Scions.

Gallery: Scion at SEMA 2008

[Source: helloscion]

SEMA Preview: Scion bringing a six pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion to go road racing in KONI Challenge

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Scion

Hit the image above for a high-res view

Four years after it first hit showrooms, the Scion tC will finally make a showing in a professional road racing series. And no, factory optioned and equipped vehicles being tossed around Long Beach by B-list celebrities cannot be considered professional. A tC has already been heavily modified to compete in the Formula Drift series, but the peppy compact's road race profile, outside the annual celebrity race of course, has been relatively low. This weekend though, Toyota's sporty little coupe will be moving up from amateur abuse to make its big time debut in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge Series. This week's race will take place at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH and the tC will be part of the ST (Sport Touring) class.

The Scion's venture into the KONI series is being fueled by communications firm Jackson-Dawson, TRD and BGB Motorsports. Driver and team manager Dan (pronounced Don) Gardner has taken his Scion's setup through the NASA club ranks to prove its worth. Having already tackled that territory, moving onto a production-based national series is the next logical step for the team. In the KONI Challenge ST class, Dan and his tC will face formidable foes such as Mazda RX8s, BMW 330s and Acura TSXs. While Toyota may be competitive on the ovals, hopefully this one can do better on the curves than the company's F1 effort. Check out the gallery below for snap shots of the Jackson-Dawson Scion tC and hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: KONI Challenge Scion tC

[Photos: Brian Reynolds - CaliPhotography.com]

Continue reading Scion to go road racing in KONI Challenge

Scion to go road racing in KONI Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Scion's interacitve advertisement causes passers-by to flail

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Scion

Click above to view video after jump

While the Scion tC Release Series 4.0 is little more than a body-kit and a paint job for a sporty two-door in need of a redesign, we imagine that a few more of them could move off the lots with cool advertising like you see in the video pasted after the break. This type of interactive advertising is pretty cool, in a Minority Report sort-of-way. If we are going to be continually bombarded with billboards, they may as well be cool to look at and interactive. From the looks of things, the game-like display that Scion and InWindow teamed up to create is rather attention grabbing. Click after the jump to view for yourself.

[Source: Youtube via Engadget]

Continue reading VIDEO: Scion's interacitve advertisement causes passers-by to flail

VIDEO: Scion's interacitve advertisement causes passers-by to flail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2008: Scion tC Release 4.0 in the flesh

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:39:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Scion

click above to view more live high-res pics of the Scion tC Release 4.0

If you saw our preview of the Scion tC Release 4.0 and want more, you're in luck 'cause we've spotted it here in Chicago. We already knew pretty much all there was to know about the machine, including the DAMD body kit and Galactic Gray Mica paint. As is often the case, though, live photos seem to show more detail than official pics from the manufacturer, so be sure to check out our live photos in the gallery below. If you like what you see, perhaps you should act fast, only 2,300 of the 4.0s are going to be built. We're sure that Scion will sell all of them, but we think the tC is in need of a bit more freshening than this version 4.0 offers.

Gallery: Scion tC Release 4.0

Chicago 2008: Scion tC Release 4.0 in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Preview: Scion tC Series 4.0

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Scion

Toyota won't be having much in the way of new models at next week's Chicago Auto Show, but its hip urban sibling will be showing off a new version of the tC. The Scion tC Release Series 4.0 RS (whew) ups the style quotient of the base model with a DAMD body kit, new upper grille and rear spoiler, all coated in Galactic Gray Mica. The interior benefits from a leather-wrapped steering wheel, black leather and dark wood RAZO shift knob and gray and black seats swathed in Alcantara with "tC RS 4.0" embroidered into the front and rear seats.

All that extra kit comes at a $2,700 premium (an extra $285 if you want the spoiler too), with the automatic model coming it at $20,500 and the manual-equipped version for $800 less. Both prices don't include the $620 destination charge. Only 2,300 examples will be available when sales begin this March.

Toyota's press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Chicago Preview: Scion tC Series 4.0

Chicago Preview: Scion tC Series 4.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racing legends to compete for charity at Monterey Historics

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Scion, Toyota

Monterey is fast approaching and we're getting geared up to cover all of the excitement for you. The combination of classic cars and legendary drivers at such a scenic venue makes the Monterey Historics like nothing else in the world. Visitors to this year's 34th installment of the (deep breath here) Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races will get to take in an all-new attraction. The inaugural Race of Legends will take place on Saturday, August 18 at Laguna Seca Raceway. The race will be presented by Toyota, and will feature nine legendary drivers in an eight-lap charity competition. While we'd love to see the drivers using something a little older, in the interest of fairness, the supercharged Scion tCs will probably do.

Something like the Pro/Celebrity race at Long Beach each year, this race has a twist. Rather than using celebrities plucked from the entertainment field, the Race of Legends will feature some of racing's greatest names. The drivers are former winners from Formula One, CART, the Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Take a look at this roster: Bobby Unser, Al Unser Sr., Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Rahal, Parnelli Jones, Emerson Fittipaldi, Vic Elford, Derek Bell and Ove Andersson. While we know this is a charity event, most of these guys are still quite competitive and should make it interesting. A top prize of $25,000 for the winner's favorite charity is being put up by Toyota, which is celebrating 50 years of motorsports heritage this year. We'll try to get some photos to you as soon as the checkered flag falls.

Full press release with driver bios after the jump.

[Source: Monterey Historic]

Continue reading Racing legends to compete for charity at Monterey Historics

Racing legends to compete for charity at Monterey Historics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jul 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion may break promise to itself, add fourth model

John Neff — Fri, 25 May 2007 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Coupe, Budget, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota

When Toyota's youth brand was born, there was an unwritten rule that it wouldn't grow beyond three models. Years later, Scion is an unqualified success having sold 170,000 units of the xA, xB and tC last year, which has Toyota execs wondering if just a few more units could be sold with a fourth model. The Car Connection got Scion's corporate manager Steve Haag to admit his brand does need to expand. Haag told TCC, "We have to offer more products, (though) we want to remain small."

Though a fourth vehicle, if produced, would still have to be an entry-level model to be called a Scion, Haag hinted that it would likely be something bigger and more expensive than what Scion currently offers. Haag also acknowledged that despite the green image of parent company Toyota, Scion models aren't fuel efficient enough to attract environmentally conscious car shoppers. As such, Scion could get its own hybrid as a fourth model.

The question is can Scion sell 200,000 units a year with its current three-model lineup, which includes the redesigned xB, all-new xD and tC, or will a fourth be needed to break through the ceiling? What type of model do you think Scion should sell next, or should it nix a fourth car and concentrate on improving the three it currently sells?

[Source: TCC]

Continue reading Scion may break promise to itself, add fourth model

Scion may break promise to itself, add fourth model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race results and gallery

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Scion, Toyota

We're not too concerned that we'll need a spoiler alert on this one, but just in case, consider yourselves warned. The 31st installment of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race was run yesterday, and it was another smashing success. Perhaps better known for its high-profile crashes than the more deserving close racing action it usually produces, the event always manages to get the crowd on its feet along Shoreline Drive. Blending an assortment of celebrities with a few charity drivers and a couple of professional racers, the race is always entertaining. This year's Grand Marshal was Hugh Hefner, which confirms right away that this is more about fun than real racing. The celebs do take the racing seriously, however. They spend a couple of weekends over the preceding months learning to drive the proper race line, and once strapped inside their identically-prepared Scion tCs, they unleash their inner Schumachers. Or Danica Patricks, considering that this year, there were eight women and six men in the celebrity field, tipping the balance towards the fairer sex for the first time in event history.

Polesitter Dave Mirra, pro BMX rider with fourteen X Games medals to his name, led the field from the green flag and held on to win the crash-shortened race. It wasn't exactly a walk in the park for Mirra, as tennis legend Martina Navratilova and actor Joshua Morrow were nipping at his heels until the yellow flag came out. That flag turned red as the course was, at that point, sufficiently messed up to warrant some major repairs to the tire barriers. That damage was caused when George Lucas and charity ride winner Annamarie Dean collided going into turn one. Although both were uninjured, the force was definitely not with them, nor with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Mike Skinner. One of three professional drivers in the field, Skinner had started 20 seconds behind the celebs but had managed to work his way up to fourth, just behind Morrow, when the accident occurred. So, Mirra gets the win with an assist from Skywalker. Official results are pasted after the jump and a big high-res gallery of the cars from Friday's practice session is available by clicking the image above.

Gallery: Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race '07

Continue reading Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race results and gallery

Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race results and gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Apr 2007 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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