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.

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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.

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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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SEMA 2009: 0-60 takes the Scion xD rallying

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Scion, Off-Road

0-60 Magazine/Sparco Scion xD Rally car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Screw convention! Why do you have to build a rally car out of something sporty? Or powerful? Or off-road-worthy? According to 0-60 magazine at least, you don't have to. You can build a rally car out of just about anything. Take this Scion xD for instance. It's probably among the last cars you'd picture taking off-road, but seeing what it looks like after 0-60 and Sparco got their mitts on it, you might want to reconsider. They added a ton of safety gear, enough lights to rival the nearby Luxor's candlepower, and basically just butched it up enough to make it look less like... well, an econobox. It should be a blast to drive. Maybe we'll try to find ourselves an Irish copilot and take it out for a spin.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 0-60 Scion xD Rally Car

SEMA 2009: 0-60 takes the Scion xD rallying originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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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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.

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Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern

Chris Shunk — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Scion, Toyota

2009 Toyota Matrix -Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has begun working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 95,700 vehicles with a brake issue that could lead to poor stopping at low temperatures. The recall involves 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models and 2008-2009 Scion xD models with the 1.8-liter engine, and only customers in 19 cold weather states are eligible for the recall.

Toyota says the problem may arise when condensed moisture from the positive crankcase ventilation port seeps into the brake system vacuum port and freezes. As ice accumulates, the brake vacuum port could plug up and "power assist to the brakes would gradually decrease and lead to lengthened vehicle stopping distances." That doesn't sound good. Owners of affected vehicles will soon receive a notice from Toyota, followed by instructions to take the vehicle to a Toyota dealership for no-cost repairs. Dealer technicians will install a newly designed intake air connector that relocates the brake system vacuum port, a one-hour procedure.

While it's definitely a good thing that Toyota caught this issue as soon as it did, we have a bit of an issue with the fact that the recall is only for cold weather states. It's not like a Corolla or Matrix can't cross state lines during winter, and nobody deserves to be met with brakesicles when they try to stop. Hit the jump to pour over Toyota's press release.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern

Toyota recalls 95,700 vehicles over cold weather braking concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:20:00 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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Forza Motorsport 3 celebrates past and present of JDM in new screenshots

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Toys/Games

Forza Motorsport 3 Screenshot - click above image for high-res gallery

More and more folks are slowly but surely coming to the realization that old school Japanese metal is pretty cool. Stylish, too. For instance, have you ever noticed how much a Toyota Celica Supra looks like a Lamborghini Jarama? Or that a first generation Miata is a dead ringer for Lotus Elan? Before you start screaming about the Japanese being styling thieves, let's remember two things.

As Woody Allen has said, "Be original, don't steal. But if you do, steal from the best." The other is that if you counted up all the running Jaramas and Elans on the world, you'd have a very, very small number. So if not for the Japanese, these shapes would be lost. Then, of course, you have cars like the Datsun 510, a design that looks even sharper now than it did forty years ago -- especially the sedan. And then there's the 240Z, a true icon.

In recognition of this, the brains behind Forza Motorsport 3 are including a bunch of vintage JDM rides in their upcoming XBox racing game that's on schedule to be released this October. Including some racers like the 1997 Nissan Motorsports R390, a homologated Le Mans car, meaning two street examples exist, and they can hit 60 mph in 3.3. seconds, run the quarter in 11 seconds flat and top out at 220 mph. While we think 99% of the cars Forza's including are brillinat, we don't quite get the Scion xD. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!

Gallery: Forza 3 Japanese Screen Shots

[Source: Forza Motorsport]

Forza Motorsport 3 celebrates past and present of JDM in new screenshots originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota

Three weeks into his new assignment as president and chief operating officer of Toyota North America, Yoshimi Inaba came to Detroit to talk about the state of the business. This is Inaba-san's third stint working for Toyota in North America after returning to Japan in 2003. This spring the senior management in Japan asked Inaba-san to return to North America and help turn the suddenly ailing giant around.

Those who have been watching Toyota in the past decade have observed the company grow at a tremendous and seemingly inexorable rate. When the big crash hit in 2007-8, Toyota proved to be no more immune than any other automaker and recently recorded the first full-year loss in 71 years. As one of the biggest markets for the company, the North American operations clearly played up part in that loss and will play a part in returning the company to profitability. Read more after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved

Toyota NA President Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Scion iQ headed for America by early 2011 with a few changes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota

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

As expected, Toyota's youthful Scion division will indeed get a version of the diminutive iQ for the North American market, possibly by either the end of 2010 as an '11 model or in early 2011 as a '12 model. According to Motor Trend, the car will cost about the same as the Yaris and get the usual modifications for the American market, such as slightly extended bumpers and recalibrated airbags.

Fortunately, the Big Wheels body kit fitted to the conceptual Scion iQ shown off at the New York Auto Show won't come to the States as standard equipment. We're not entirely sure what powerplants Toyota plans to use in the American iQ, but in other markets it's available with three engines displacing between 1.0- and 1.4-liters, and no hybrid iQ is currently planned due to cost and packaging considerations.

Interestingly, MT also reports that the Toyota FT-EV electric car concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, based on the iQ minicar, will hit the market by 2012. At this time, the Japanese automaker may still be deciding between tried-and-true nickel metal hydride batteries or more powerful but unproven lithium ion units. Regardless, Toyota's aiming for a 50-mile range and an eight-hour recharge from a standard wall outlet.

Gallery: New York: Scion iQ Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Scion iQ headed for America by early 2011 with a few changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:27:00 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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Toyota A-BAT will remain a concept... for now

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Truck, Scion, Toyota

Toyota A-BAT Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales USA's vice president and general manager, told our man Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com that the Toyota A-BAT is on indefinite hold. According to Carter, "We have a lot of top priorities right now, and A-BAT isn't one of them."

Although news of the A-BAT's imminent arrival was circulating as early as February, Toyota's decision to put the project on hold doesn't come as a surprise. With auto sales down overall - and pick-ups being hit particularly hard in the last year - the business case for a compact, hybrid truck would be hard to justify.

Originally, it was assumed the A-BAT would be sold as a Scion, but with the "youth" brand's renewed focus on smaller vehicles (ala the Scion iQ concept that debuted at the New York Auto Show), a pick-up would be in stark contrast to the rest of the line-up.

"The market has changed dramatically over the last 12 months." Carter told Pickuptrucks.com, "We always keep reprioritizing - under good economic or recessionary times - what our planning is. [For now, the A-BAT is] on the shelf."

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Toyota A-BAT Concept

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Toyota A-BAT will remain a concept... for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:59:00 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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Spy Shot?: Scion iQ concept caught before New York unveiling

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:36:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota, Rumormill

With the April Fools jokes flying, we're having a hard time taking anything seriously, and the newest source of our skepticism comes in the form of a singular spy shot showing the Scion iQ concept ahead of its official unveiling at next week's New York Auto Show. The head-on pic gives us a glimpse of a reworked fascia, with a new front bumper sporting LED running lights, a revised splitter and Scion badge, but something just looks... off. The consensus around the Autoblog water-cooler is the shot may just have been lightened in Photoshop, giving it an odd aura, but we'll find out if it's legit soon enough - the New York show will kick off on Wednesday, where Toyota has already confirmed a new compact concept will be unveiled under the Scion brand. Stay tuned...

[Source: Autoweek]

Spy Shot?: Scion iQ concept caught before New York unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion confirms new concept car headed for New York

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Scion

Toyota iQ - Click above for a high-res gallery

Scion has decided to end speculation about whether a new concept vehicle will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show by issuing a press release confirming our suspicions. In the process, though, the automaker has stirred the pot, yet again, about what type of vehicle will be on display. According to the super short blurb (pasted after the break), the new concept will be a "micro-subcompact" and will represent "a new segment for the brand aimed toward the growing urbanization trend."

Sounds like a U.S. version of the diminutive Toyota iQ to us. The new model may wear the tD moniker that's been seen floating around the U.S. Patent and Trademark offices and would not displace the aging tC in the automaker's line. Come back around noon EDT on April 8th to find out for sure.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ

Continue reading Scion confirms new concept car headed for New York

Scion confirms new concept car headed for New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Deal: Nissan releases complete Cube pricing, Krom to start at $20,065

Chris Paukert — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Nissan Cube and Cube Krom

While Nissan revealed preliminary pricing on its new Cube compact earlier this month at the Chicago Auto Show, it has now released more figures for the entire lineup, and it is launching a pre-order website today, too.

As noted earlier, the Cube will start at $13,990 for a base 1.8-liter model with a six-speed manual transmission. The midline 1.8 S model will command $14,690 in manual and $15,690 in Xtronic CVT configuration, while the uplevel SL (available only with the Xtronic) will command $16,790. The top-shelf Krom, also an automatic-only proposition, is pegged at $19,370. All of the aforementioned prices do not include destination charges, so be sure to tack on an additional $695 in your calculations. For comparison's sake, Scion's larger xB will set you back a minimum of $16,420 (including destination), versus $14,685 in-your-garage for a Base Cube S.

For more information including details on standard equipment, please check out the official press release after the jump. If you're interested in speccing out or reserving a Cube with such eccentricities as 20-color interior illumination or dashboard shag, click here. Initial Cube shipments are expected to hit dealers in early May.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Nissan Cube and Cube Krom

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Square Deal: Nissan releases complete Cube pricing, Krom to start at $20,065

Square Deal: Nissan releases complete Cube pricing, Krom to start at $20,065 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:26:00 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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Scion tC replacement on the way, 4th Scion could be... anything

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Truck, Scion

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.]

Scion tC replacement on the way, 4th Scion could be... anything originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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