Autoblog

LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Scion

Scion xB Release Series 7.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just yesterday we shared with you some pics of and specs on the latest Scion Release Series, the xB 7.0. It's a tradition of sorts for Scion to come out with a new Release at the LA Auto Show. For this go-around, Scion seems to have been indulging in some fermented grapes, as the bloody thing is painted Murasaki! That would be purple for those of us not fluent in Japanese. Well, we have just one thing to say now that we've seen it in person, we're glad it's going to be limited to just 2,000 units.

It's not so much the underlying xB, or the DAMD body kit, or the custom stitching on the interior. It's not the TRD springs for sure, and the new exhaust tips aren't that bad. It's just that when the whole thing is swathed in purple, we can't get past the color. In any case, you can check out the high-res gallery below and the press release after the jump and judge the 7.0 for yourself.

Gallery: LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0

Gallery: Scion xB Release Series 7.0

Continue reading LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies

LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Scion unveils $18,320 xB Release Series 7.0, will debut in LA

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Scion

Scion xB Release Series 7.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we've come to expect, Toyota will roll out a special edition Scion model at the upcoming LA Auto Show. As has typically been the case with these special editions, the xB Release Series 7.0 will sport a standard body kit and an unmistakable color palette inside and out.

For numero 007, Toyota has chosen a four-piece DAMD body kit that includes front and rear lower lips plus a set of side skirts. It's certainly not the best looking body kit available, but the real kicker is the color. The hue is called Murasaki, which means "purple" in Japanese. Yep, purple.

Inside, black fabric seats will be highlighted with more matching purple insets and a leather-wrapped RAZO GT Formula Spec shift knob. Suspension bits are upgraded with TRD lowering springs and a new exhaust system features a sportier sound and twin center-mounted tail pipes. For what it's worth, there's an optional rear spoiler but no alloy wheels.

Those with a hankering for a Grimace-inducing-and-recalling Scion will be able to get one of the 2,000 planned models for $18,320 with a manual transmission or $19,270 with an automatic (plus a $670 shipping and handling fee) starting this month. See the high-res gallery below and hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Scion xB Release Series 7.0

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading Scion unveils $18,320 xB Release Series 7.0, will debut in LA

Scion unveils $18,320 xB Release Series 7.0, will debut in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: Brandon Leung's Scion xB channels Bonneville circa 1955

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Truck, Scion, Specialty

Scion xB Challenge entry by Brandon Leung - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we look at a Scion xB we tend to think of a lot of things, few of which are very flattering. One thing we definitely don't think of is a Bonneville Salt Flats bike hauler from the '50s, until now. That's probably why we're bloggers and not designers. Fortunately for us there is Brandon Leung, who transformed this second gen. xBox into a super sweet retro ride, complete with custom matching BOWLS bike in the bed.

That's right, this former hatchback now has a bed. A wood-lined bed at that. It has a great low stance, low and wide, a perfectly nostalgic green and cream paint scheme, and full-on Moonie-like billet aero wheels to complete the look. The changes are more than skin deep too, with engine, suspension and brake upgrades to complete the package. You can see the full breakout of changes in the gallery.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Scion xB Tuner Challenge by Brandon Leung

SEMA 2009: Brandon Leung's Scion xB channels Bonneville circa 1955 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Once again, the Nissan Cube proves that it's hip (for older folks) to be square

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Scion

2009 Nissan Cube Krom - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently, those with graying temples are attracted to cars that automakers had originally intended for younger audiences. This trend was most recently noticed with Honda Element and Scion xB, which featured heavily youth-slanted marketing schemes but were often purchased by those with a bit more experience under their belts.

By now, it's clear that trend is here to stay. According to USA Today, each automaker that offers a box-it-came-in mobile here in the United States - a list that includes the Honda Element, Kia Soul, Nissan Cube and Scion xB - reports that the average buyer is over the age of 40 and brings home over $60,000 per year.

Not surprisingly, it's not just the looks of these cars that attracts older buyers. Experts from AutoPacific and Edmunds suggest that the practical nature of such a design and its low price are key components of the genre's success. Just as long as somebody is buying them, we're pretty confident the boxy-but-cheap segment is here to stay.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Cube Krom

[Source: USA Today]

REPORT: Once again, the Nissan Cube proves that it's hip (for older folks) to be square originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Great Wall Coolbear chillin' out

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, China, Scion

Click above for a gallery of the Great Wall Coolbear spy pics

A while back we told you about China's Great Wall Motors (GWM) and how they planned to get into the small car market, namely by Xeroxing the Scion xA and xB. Well, now we have some spy pics of the production GWM Coolbear, and it's the spitting image of the concept we saw in Shanghai a couple of years ago. Admittedly, the mirrors are less show car and more road car, but other than that, it's remarkably unaltered. The Coolbear should help Great Wall Motors expand from their truck-building roots, assuming Toyota doesn't have greater success than other carmakers have been suing China's automakers for copyright infringement. The Coolbear is expected to use a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, just like the Scion, but we don't know if it will have a similar VVT-i stamp on it. Check out the gallery below, and if you think we were kidding about this being a copy, check out the taped-over-badges on the silver car used for 'inspiration' in the studio.

Gallery: GWM Coolbear spy pics

[Source: China Car Times]

Spy Shots: Great Wall Coolbear chillin' out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Scion bringing xB Release Series 6.0 to Detroit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Scion, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Scion xB Release Series 6.0

Scion will continue its habit of offering tweaked versions of its wares as "Release Series" models at next week's Detroit Auto Show where the Scion xB Release Series 6.0 will be revealed. As is de rigeur for these special editions, the R.S. 6.0 will get its own paint color, "Absolutely Red" (it's a standard color for the Yaris), along with a unique front grille and wheel covers (seriously, wheel covers?). Inside, a new Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation system is included on the R.S., along with matching red accents on various trim pieces and seat fabric, as well as four-color interior lighting.

Want one? Only 2,500 copies will be produced, so act fast and be prepared to drop an extra $1,743 over the base xB's price of $15,750. Add an extra $950 for an automatic transmission (if you must) and an extra $320 for a color-matched rear spoiler.

Gallery: Scion xB Release Series 6.0

Continue reading Scion bringing xB Release Series 6.0 to Detroit

Scion bringing xB Release Series 6.0 to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Leave it at home: Subaru Dex

Dan Roth — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Scion, Subaru, Toyota

The JDM market is apparently enamored with vehicles that look like they're stuck in the shipping crate. We saw the first generation Toyota bB here as the Scion xB before it went on an eating binge and lost all its charm. That original bB went on to another generation, and has its own scions in form of some Daihatsu models. Subaru inked a deal back in April to share models between Toyota and Daihatsu, and this hideous little box with the star-motif badges is the result. There are three trim levels, and the Dex will relieve you of $15,000-$20,000. And here we thought even Subaru had relinquished its weird years ago. Turns out it was there all along, and the Dex is the ballcap-shaped box of contrived quirk that proves it.

[Source: Inside Line]

Leave it at home: Subaru Dex originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Scion xB spontaneously combusts during dealer service

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Scion, Toyota

Click above for more pics of the Scion xB post-fire damage

An auto dealer service center is a lot like a doctor's office for your car. When something is wrong or your ride needs a check-up, a technician can set things right. Of course sometimes doctors make mistakes like taking off your left foot when they're supposed to amputate the right one, and things don't always go as planned in the hands of a trained tech. One Scion xB owner took his modified baby to the dealer for a Technical Service Bulletin, and it ended up engulfed in flames. The fire completely destroyed the little xB, but the good news is that the dealer has taken full responsibility for the problem and is giving the owner a new ride for his troubles.

We had auto shop in high school, but we can't seem to remember any reason a car should blow up when being worked on. We don't know what Scion xB TSB was being done, but if trying to fix it could blow up your car, that's probably not good. Check out the gruesome pics in the gallery below

Gallery: Scion xB after fire

[Source: Scion Life via Motive Mag]

Scion xB spontaneously combusts during dealer service originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Baubles: Windup Key sickeningly cute

Chris Shunk — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Mini, Smart, Volkswagen

The March Men's Vogue recently asked if the Smart fortwo is manly enough, and while we're not exactly lining up to buy one, we also wouldn't rip a friend (too much) for picking up the fuel-sipping two-seater. If our pal's fortwo had a Windup Key, however, all bets are off, and a Charley Horse or three may be in order. The Windup Key is a 22-by-10 inch faux windup key made of powder-coated 6061 aluminum, and it can be customized with different shapes, colors or even chrome coating. If you really want to attract stamp collectors, Star Trek fans and adults with authentic Lord of the Rings costumes, opt for the 12v motor, which makes the Windup Key actually spin when the vehicle is in motion.

The Windup Key is also compatible with the Scion xB, PT Cruiser, New Beetle (shown), and MINI Cooper, among other cute-mobiles, and prices start around $100. Amazingly, the Windup Key is currently on back-order, which means there is actually demand for these ridiculous little gadgets. The sad thing is that while Virginia wants to ban Truck Nuts, the testosterone-free Windup Key will likely be accepted with open arms.

Gallery: Windup Key

[Source: Windup Key via Smartcarofamerica]

Baubles: Windup Key sickeningly cute originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chicago 2008: MotorWeek announces 2008 Drivers Choice Awards

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:19:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Scion

Last year, we were surprised by Motor Week's choice for its 2007 "Best Of The Year" , the Honda Fit. This year, we were simply shocked that its choice for 2008 is the Scion xB. It's not that the xB is a bad car, it's that there are so many better choices. In fact, peruse the list below of winners in other categories. Almost any of the other cars on the list would be a better choice, save for the Sebring Convertible and possibly the minivans. Lexus makes fine vehicles, but its LS 600h L does not belong on a "Best Dream Machine" list.

Best Small Car - Scion xB
Best Family Sedan - Honda Accord
Best Minivan - Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country
Best Convertible - Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Best Luxury Sedan - Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Best Sport Sedan - Cadillac CTS
Best Sport Coupe - Infiniti G37
Best Performance Car - Volkswagen R32
Best Small Utility - Nissan Rogue
Best Large Utility - Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon
Best Crossover Utility - Buick Enclave/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook
Best Pickup Truck - Ford F-Series Super Duty
Best Eco-Friendly - Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid/GMC Yukon Hybrid
Best Dream Machine - Audi R8/Bentley Continental GT Speed/Lexus LS 600h L

We can agree with a few of the choices, like the Audi R8, the Cadillac CTS and even the R32, although the new Evolution or STi might have been a better choice. These types of lists are never easy, but MotorWeek seems to have gone out of its way to make this one irrelevant.

[Source: MotorWeek]

Continue reading Chicago 2008: MotorWeek announces 2008 Drivers Choice Awards

Chicago 2008: MotorWeek announces 2008 Drivers Choice Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 2007 Scion xB In the Autoblog Garage

Dan Roth — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Scion, Toyota

click above to watch video

Here's a little something we've been cooking up for a while. We've seen your cries for more video reviews, and it's on our minds, too. We've been trying to bring you more video in a lot of ways lately; Chris Shunk recently walked us through the new Grand Caravan, and Damon and Sam shot some video when they went to visit Tesla to drive the Roadster. You can visit our YouTube Channel to see just how many videos we've been producing lately.

We decided to try our hand at producing an In the Autoblog Garage new car review on video, and you'll find our results after the jump. Let us know what you think of our first video review, which stars the 2007 Scion xB, as we hope to make it a regular feature. Also check out Sam Abuelsamid's review of the 2007 Scion xB in written form.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Scion xB

Continue reading VIDEO: 2007 Scion xB In the Autoblog Garage

VIDEO: 2007 Scion xB In the Autoblog Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Scion announces xB Release Series 5.0 for February

John Neff — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Wagon, Scion

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]

Gallery: 2008 Scion xB Release Series 5.0

Scion announces xB Release Series 5.0 for February originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2007: Scion spirit at SEMA

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Scion

Click the image above to view a couple of Scion's SEMA entries.

"These are our people!" has always been Scion's mantra at SEMA. Car customization and personalization is the cornerstone of Toyota's "youth"branded division, despite the number of retirees buying up xBs to shuffle between the doctor's office and the Elk's Lodge.

While there were a number of Scions adorning the show floor, the automaker's own booth only had a couple of vehicles worthy of our attention... and your time.

Two models, an xB and an xD, both featured chopped roofs and plenty of show-only go-fast bits. The latter, built by Team Koshak, featured a wet injection Nitrous Express system, Magnaflow exhaust, custom 19-inch rollers, and an Extreme Dimension body kit swathed in Samurai Green Tea paint. Inside, it's all about eye-grabbing accouterments, sometime at the expense of good taste. While the Status Racing seats blend a bit of functionality with an attractive design, the blue and green plaid upholstery apes the Mk V GTI in the worst possible way. You can check out the rest of Team Koshak's mods on their display plaque and peruse the gallery below to see both vehicles at the Scion stand.

Gallery: Scion at SEMA

SEMA 2007: Scion spirit at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2008 Scion xB

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, Scion, First Drive

2008 Scion xB - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the latter part of the 1990s, Toyota realized it had a problem on its hands. Although its sales had been climbing steadily for years, the average age of its customers was also climbing. That's fine in the short term, but over the long haul if a company isn't attracting some younger clientele into its showrooms, sales will eventually begin to dry up. After several years of unsuccessfully trying to attract more youthful customers with cars like the Echo, the Japanese behemoth tried a new tack in early 2003.

That was when Toyota announced a new brand called Scion that would be targeted at the so-called Generation Y crowd. Unlike Lexus, Scions would be sold in existing Toyota showrooms. The Scion roll-out kicked off in California and a few other markets in the Southwest and eventually spread throughout the country. The first two Scions were the xA and xB, which were both based on the previous generation Yaris/Vitz platform. By late 2006, the xA and xB were ready to be replaced as the first second generation Scions made their debut at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show in February. The new xB started appearing at Scion stores in early summer and landed in the Autoblog Garage in September. Find out what we thought of the xB Rev. 2 after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Scion xB

Continue reading Review: 2008 Scion xB

Review: 2008 Scion xB originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

xB badge redeux: Toyota Corolla Rumion

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Toyota

While the redesigned Scion xB has been floating around the U.S. for a few months now, Toyota has seen fit to rename it the Rumion in the homeland, and is offering it in more enticing flavors.

Two engine choices are available, either a 1.5- or 1.8-liter four, both of which are mated to Toyota's Super CVT-i, and can send power to just the front wheels or all four depending on spec. Whether you're partial to the mildly tweaked front clip and headlamps is strictly a matter of taste, but the optional front and rear spoilers, mudguards and rear roof spoiler all do a better job of making the rolling tissue box look a bit more planted.

Make the jump to view Toyota's full press release.

Continue reading xB badge redeux: Toyota Corolla Rumion

xB badge redeux: Toyota Corolla Rumion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments