Autoblog

Scion iQ fails dearly to impress Consumer Reports

Chris Tutor — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hatchback, Scion

Slow, uncomfortable and noisy. That's what Consumer Reports says about the Scion iQ. After giving it a good going-over, the magazine gives it a road test score of 29. That ranks it near the bottom of all new cars CR has reviewed. Very near. In fact, the only new car currently rated lower is the Smart ForTwo, iQ's direct competitor, which scored a 28.

While CR is sometimes criticized for going too easy in its car reviews, it unloaded on the Scion. Ride comfort was dinged for being stiff and jittery with "road, wind and engine noise" that drowned out normal conversation. CR said the engine and CVT was "barely enough to stay up with highway traffic" but praised the 34 mpg it saw during testing, though the institute expected more from a car so small.

Inside, the rear seat is described as awful, tight and "best avoided all together." And while the upholstery wasn't bad to look at, the headliner "resembled fuzzy cardboard" and the car's carpeting "looks like it was taken from some other car's trunk."

CR liked the car's safety test results and praised the iQ's braking and easy parkability and... that's about it.

In our recent review, we shared CR's concerns but still found that there's some fun to be had in the iQ, if only because of its tiny size. We also deemed the Scion to be massively more appealing than the Smart ForTwo.

In addition to the iQ, Consumer Reports has also posted new reviews of the BMW 328i (quicker, more fun), Mercedes C250 (quiet, more refined), the Chevrolet Malibu Eco (comfortable, lackluster) and Camaro Convertible (quick), Dodge Challenger (better handling) and the Fiat 500C (agile but choppy ride).

Read the full Consumer Reports press release below.

Continue reading Scion iQ fails dearly to impress Consumer Reports

Scion iQ fails dearly to impress Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota uses IQ minicar to help improve Google Street View

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 May 2012 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Toyota

Google Street View vehicles have logged millions of miles in an effort to display video of every street imaginable, but unfortunately the G-Mobile is too big for a few European roads. But instead of leaving the thin and narrow out of Street View, Team Google has employed the diminutive Toyota iQ onto the smallest streets in Belgium to to go where Google Street View previously could not travel.

Scroll down to watch the little iQ do its thing. Some of the roads only look big enough for a Schwinn, but the smallest Toyota does the trick just fine.

Continue reading Toyota uses IQ minicar to help improve Google Street View

Toyota uses IQ minicar to help improve Google Street View originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota greenlights iQ Supercharger Concept for production [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Performance, Etc., Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Here's a surprise: Toyota has announced the company will produce the iQ Supercharger first unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon in limited quantities. The automaker has confirmed the development at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. The vehicles will be built by partner Gazoo Racing and will feature a brawnier version of the same 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine found in the standard iQ. With a little forced induction on its side courtesy of a supercharger, the engine should be good for 130 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 36 ponies and 44 lb-ft over the stock configuration.

Like the concept, the production model will wear a not-so-subtle widebody kit, stiffer suspension and more aggressive brakes than its standard siblings. A six-speed manual transmission will be the only gearbox option. Indoors, buyers can expect to find custom seats and gauges that read all the way up to 124 mph.

Toyota and Gazoo Racing only plan to produce 100 of the muscle-bound iQ Supercharger models, and there's no indication its Scion cousin sold in the States will receive a similar treatment. What a shame. Hit the jump for a brief introductory video featuring the original concept as well as the full press release.

Continue reading Toyota greenlights iQ Supercharger Concept for production [w/video]

Toyota greenlights iQ Supercharger Concept for production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota patent hints at sportier iQ

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Scion, Toyota

Toyota may be hard at work on a new version of the company's iQ microcar. The sleuths at Carscoop have managed to uncover a patent rendering of the fuel-sipping sub-compact wearing some considerably more aggressive bodywork. It's unclear whether these designs are meant for the U.S.-market iQ or its Toyota-badged twin, but we're more than a little intrigued by the vehicle's widebody treatment.

The kit looks to include a reworked front fascia and wheel arches along with a new rear valance that includes a diffuser and space for dual exhaust outlets. A massive rear spoiler looks to be part of the package, as well, along with side skirts to match the rest of the bodywork. What does Toyota have planned with this pint-sized bruiser? Your guess is as good as ours, but here's hoping we hear something concrete from the company soon. Head over to Carscoop for additional renderings.

Toyota patent hints at sportier iQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion iQ Pit Boss by Cartel and iQ-MR by Tatsu are a wild bunch

Zach Bowman — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Scion, Design/Style

Scion has turned its newest model, the iQ, over to some of the most ambitious tuners in the U.S. for SEMA 2011, and the results do not disappoint. Cartel has gone crazy with the company's miniscule hatchback by turning it into a wild paddock service vehicle. With storage for tools and tires as well as a custom chop-top design, the Cartel Scion iQ Pit Boss is unlike anything else on the show floor. We're not sure what we like best; the earth-shaking stereo system or the ever-ready impact driver in the center console.

Tatsu, meanwhile, has taken an entirely different approach with the Scion iQ. The shop started by surgically removing the vehicle's tiny front-mounted four-cylinder engine and re-inserting it into back hatch. The result is what is very likely the world's first mid-engined Scion iQ. The four-pot dumps power on the rear wheels, though the fuel cell has been moved under the hood for a little extra weight balance. Even so, the short-wheel base racer should make for a seriously entertaining handful out on the track.

Scion iQ Pit Boss by Cartel and iQ-MR by Tatsu are a wild bunch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iQ will be Scion's focus at SEMA

Zach Bowman — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Budget, Hatchback, Scion

Scion is headed to SEMA 2011 with a total of seven concept cars tuned by some of the most creative customizers around. Cartel, Dynamic, 686, Michael Chang, Jon Sibal and Tatsu have all turned their attentions toward the automaker's lineup, and the results are as varied as the shops that built them. The newest addition to the Scion stable, the tiny iQ, looks to have received most of the attention this year around, with a total of four iQ concepts headed to the sands of Las Vegas. One of the wildest has to be the iQ Pit Boss by Cartel.

Designed to be a fully functional paddock worker, the iQ Pit Boss boasts complete controls via a Apple iPad, a wireless hot spot, storage for wheels and tires, multiple charging stations and one very impressive stereo for the after-podium celebration.

Michael Chang also took a motorsports approach with his iQ-RS. With custom fender flares, serious aero work and wide tires, this iQ looks built for bouncing its way around a road course. But not every iQ in attendance is merely built to look the part. The Tatsu iQ-MR moves the engine to the middle of the chassis and ditches front wheel drive for rear-wheel glory. New cams, higher compression pistons and an AEM engine management tune all help give the car a little extra pep, too.

iQ will be Scion's focus at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota first to market with MirrorLink functionality in iQ

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Toyota, Infotainment

Toyota Touch - the Euro-spec version of Entune - is gaining one more functionality in the Toyota (not Scion) iQ: Toyota Touch Life.

The system is the first to use the Car Connectivity Consortium's (CCC) MirrorLink technology, which can port an exact replica of a connected smartphone's display to the iQ's seven-inch touchscreen.

The first platform supported by Toyota Touch Life comes from Nokia - a key partner in the CCC - and its Car Mode app, which can be download from the Nokia Store for devices running Symbian Belle (which, ironically, is about to be phased out in favor of Windows Phone 7).

Apple iPhone users aren't left out of the mix and will be able to download the Application Launcher app from the App Store, allowing them to access the Garmin StreetPilot app, Stitcher radio and Facebook and Twitter integration through a clean and supposedly distraction-free interface. However, functionality in U.S. models remains an open question, something which should be cleared up in the coming months. Full details in the press blast below the fold.

Continue reading Toyota first to market with MirrorLink functionality in iQ

Toyota first to market with MirrorLink functionality in iQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin can't build Cygnet fast enough to keep up with demand

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Call it practical, call it luxurious, or call it a thinly veiled dilution of a legendary marque. -Whatever you want to call the Aston Martin Cygnet, at the end of the day, there are apparently a sizable number of customers lining up to drop the approximate equivalent of $50,000 on the tarted-up Toyota iQ. So many, in fact, that Autocar has learned that Aston can hardly keep its supply up with the demand.

The thing is that Aston takes its time building each Cygnet, receiving the chassis from Toyota and trimming them out to order to suitably Aston Martin levels of sumptuous fit and finish. Which sounds nice and all, but apparently customers are less keen to wait to have theirs built than they would be to simply drive one home from the dealership on the spot.

As far as we can recall, Cygnet models were only supposed to be sold to owners of other Aston Martin vehicles, so presumably this demand isn't just the result of regular (if well-heeled) consumers deciding to trade in their current car over something like a Mini Cooper Goodwood.

Aston Martin can't build Cygnet fast enough to keep up with demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vilner takes on Scion iQ, tries to outdo Aston Martin Cygnet

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Scion, Toyota

Nasko Vilner is the Bulgarian tuner best known for reworking interiors into luxurious cabins fit for a king. Vilner's latest creation, however, is best fit for a king living in the city. The Vilner iQ forgoes the cloth seats of its plebeian Toyota and Scion counterparts, and instead, the front thrones of the Vilner iQ are wrapped in Napa leather while the rest of the interior is covered in Alcantara.

Certainly this begs the simple question, "Why?" Occasionally, as Vilner knows, that question can simply be answered, "Why not?"

Check out more of the Vilner iQ in the attached gallery.

Continue reading Vilner takes on Scion iQ, tries to outdo Aston Martin Cygnet

Vilner takes on Scion iQ, tries to outdo Aston Martin Cygnet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Scion iQ

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Scion, First Drives

Scion's Supermini Outsmarts Smart

Despite a flurry of media attention at launch, sales of the Smart ForTwo have done a nosedive since its Stateside debut in 2008. Unsurprising, considering you could strap a lawnmower engine onto Yao Ming's left rollerskate and build a better car. But the ForTwo wasn't a failure of vision, it was a botched execution. Yet despite being underwhelming, overpriced and fitted with one of the worst gearboxes ever crafted by man, we're still seeing a slew of them puttering around San Francisco during the our first drive of the 2012 Scion iQ.

Coastal-types and urbanites are apparently hard-up for something spectacularly small, equally frugal and simple to park, so bringing the iQ to SF was a no-brainer for Scion. Its quirky shape and minimalist-at-all-costs design is the kind of thing Northern Californians should eat up with an oversized ramen renge. As well they should. The aptly named iQ outsmarts Smart at its own game, minimizing the compromises and creating something better than a pint-size commuter.

Continue reading 2012 Scion iQ

2012 Scion iQ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Scion iQ priced from $15,995*

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Scion

2012 Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Scion iQ will be priced from $15,995 (including destination charges) when it hits U.S. showrooms this fall. Scion says the iQ's U.S. launch, which has been postponed on numerous occasions due to various issues including the March 11 quake in Japan, will hit the West Coast first in October, followed by southern states in January, then the East Coast and, finally, the Midwest.

In typical Scion fashion, base models are well equipped and there are few options. The mid-level stereo includes Pandora integration, and an up-level version will be available with navigation. As with all Scions, loads of accessories (i.e. springs, body kits and wheels) will be available for the iQ.

For comparison, the iQ's $15,995 price tag means that it's slightly more expensive than both the $15,500 Fiat 500 and the $14,730 Mazda2, both of which offer significantly greater utility. And with fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg in the city, 37 on the highway and 37 mpg combined, it's not the fuel miser something of its size might suggest. Full details in the press blast after the break.

Continue reading 2012 Scion iQ priced from $15,995*

2012 Scion iQ priced from $15,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Scion iQ delayed again, this time due to quake-related parts shortages

Aaron Richardson — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota

2012 Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Scion iQ will be getting the States even later than we thought, thanks to Toyota's parts supply woes. According to TheDetroitBureau.com, Scion now says the microcar, which was supposed to bow late this summer, has been postponed indefinitely.

Scion brass won't speculate on when the iQ will actually be launched, which makes sense since Toyota hasn't yet figured out when it can resume a full production schedule post-earthquake. The current word is that North America's iQ might not hit dealers until early 2012. This postponement marks the second time Scion has delayed the iQ's launch, and the third time the company has reportedly changed its mind about the car's on-sale timing.

Whenever it does appear on our shores, the tiny tot will look to pick up where the Smart ForTwo trailed off, with a raft of features you wouldn't expect in a diminutive econobox. Chief among those will be no fewer than 11 airbags, including rear-curtain units to protect passengers in a rear-end collision.

Gallery: New York 2010: Scion iQ

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2011 AOL

[Source: TheDetroitBureau.com]

Report: Scion iQ delayed again, this time due to quake-related parts shortages originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept headlines TMC's Tokyo Auto Salon roster

Noah Joseph — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Lexus, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Racing

Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept - Click above for high-res image

SEMA may take the proverbial cake for the American tuner scene, but the Vegas expo isn't the only tuner show in the world. And with the Tokyo Auto Salon currently underway, Toyota has a wide variety of cars on display under various labels and divisions.

The vehicle you see above is the GRMN iQ Racing Concept. Lest you think the four letters indicate some kind of special nav system, it stands for Gazoo Racing tuned by MN - the same outfit that prepared the Nürburgring 24-winning Lexus LFA racer.

Little in the way of details were released along with the solitary image other than to say that it's based on a limited-edition model that's already sold out, and fitted with a roll cage and supercharger. It's one of seventeen vehicles prepared by the Toyota Motor Corporation and its subsidiaries for the show, including versions of the Prius, Vitz (aka Yaris), Auris, Corolla, Noah, FJ Cruiser, Ractis, Lexus CT and IS F and more, modified by Gazoo, Toyota Racing Development, G Sports and even the Fuji Speedway and a staff collective known as the Toyota Engineering Society. Read all about it in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept headlines TMC's Tokyo Auto Salon roster

Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept headlines TMC's Tokyo Auto Salon roster originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 60 out of 77 Aston Martin One-77 supercars already sold - at $1.87M each

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury

Aston Martin One-77 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The One-77 is the rarest of all Aston Martin models, with a grand total of 77 units for the rest of forever (well, assuming they decide against a Volante model). Add in a body that is made with copious amounts of carbon fiber, a 750-horsepower V12 and hand-formed aluminum panels and you're looking at a price tag of $1.87 million. If you're thinking that that's more money than you're likely to make in the next lifetime, we're on the same wavelength, but not everyone is tuned to the same frequency.

Inside Line reports that fully 60 of the 77 One-77s are already spoken for, leaving only 17 copies of the ultra-mega rare English exotic up for grabs. And what One-77 owner doesn't want a mini-Aston for when driving their $1.87 million supercar is just too big for the country club? IL claims that many One-77 buyers are opting to spend the extra $30,000 for the Toyota IQ-based Cygnet. Hey, $30,000 may be a lot of coin for a gussied-up Toyota, but then again, the Cygnet likely isn't the only $30,000 option available in Aston's catalog - and it drives all by itself.

Gallery: Aston Martin One-77 Teaser

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: 60 out of 77 Aston Martin One-77 supercars already sold - at $1.87M each originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota iQ Disco makes us glad we don't live in Germany... or the Seventies

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Hatchback, Toyota, Specialty

Toyota iQ Disco - Click above for high-res images

If you thought the recently green-lit Aston Martin Cygnet is little more than an over-glitzed version of the Toyota iQ, then you've got another thing coming. Well, to Germany, anyway. And it comes straight from Toyota.

It's called the iQ Disco, and it's here to remind us that if you like the latter, the former needn't apply. Fortunately it's a promotional one-off. Aside from the disco-ball mirror finish, the show car features Lambo doors, multi-spoke 18-inch alloys and a full DJ booth, complete with a set of Numark NDX 800 turntables and a two-channel mixer pumping through 1000 watts and 130 dB worth of speakers and amplifiers.

Suddenly that gilded Fiat 500 looks decidedly tasteful. The iQ Disco will be hitting the floor at a concert in Cologne and will then tour Toyota's dealerships across Germany as a promotional tour. Makes us want to put a down-payment on an Avensis, how about you?

Gallery: Toyota iQ Disco

[Source: Toyota]

Toyota iQ Disco makes us glad we don't live in Germany... or the Seventies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion iQ to hit dealerships in March 2011

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Scion, Toyota

2011 Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've all heard the rhetoric about how small cars are primed to be big sellers over the next few years, and nobody seems to be responding to that direction sooner than Toyota. The Japanese automaker is getting ready to challenge the diminutive Smart Fortwo here in the United States with the Scion iQ, and we've just been told by Toyota representatives to expect it to hit dealer showrooms around March of next year.

Unlike its main competitor, the iQ sports a unique 3+1 seating arrangement that will allow three real-sized human beings to fit in the car with an extra spot for a munchkin or car seat. Scion also promises that its micro car will boast real storage capacity, which is an important factor if people have any inkling to use their urban runabout as a second car.

Expect a price somewhere in the vicinity of the Fortwo when the iQ hits the streets early next year.

Gallery: New York 2010: Scion iQ

Scion iQ to hit dealerships in March 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tesla CTO confirms building two mules for Toyota

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Toyota, Tesla, Electric

AutoblogGreen had the rare opportunity on Friday to chat with Toyota CEO and president Akio Toyoda. During the conversation, he revealed that a prototype vehicle with a Tesla electric drive unit was under construction. Tesla's Chief Technology Officer, J.B. Straubel, has confirmed this to CNN Money, saying that the Silicon Valley company is indeed preparing two mule vehicles for Toyota. Tesla battery packs, power electronics and motors are being installed into Toyota bodies.

Straubel expects to deliver the vehicles to Toyota by the end of of this month. Toyota officials told ABG that the initial plan is to just test the performance and durability of the Tesla packs to determine whether they meet Toyota standards. If Toyota proceeds with a production program using a Tesla-style battery (employing small laptop-type cells) it will be for a new vehicle, not the iQ-based EV arriving in 2012.

[Source: CNN Money]

Report: Tesla CTO confirms building two mules for Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota iQ N-Collection by Neuhaus gives Germans their chocolate fix

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota iQ N-Collection - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen no lack of superminis specially outfitted by fashion labels, from the the Citroen DS3 by Yves Saint Laurent and the Mini Clubman by Agent Provocateur to the Fiat 500 by Diesel and Lancia Ypsilon by Versus. This, however, is another story altogether.

Toyota's European operations has teamed up with Belgian chocolatiers Neuhaus to come up with the special-edition iQ N-Collection. Limited to just 700 units, the Neuhaus edition city car comes in two flavors: Chocolate brown or cream butter, each with correspondingly delicious interiors and the requisite special badging. The car that looks tastier than the Aston Martin Cygnet and which could be the perfect dessert to follow the Oscar Meyer weinermobile, although the tasty duo is currently only available in Germany. Pricing comes in at for 14,600 euros (~$19,500), or about 1700 euros more than a base iQ with the same 1.0-liter VVT engine

Gallery: Toyota iQ N-Collection

[Source: OmniAuto (translated)]

Toyota iQ N-Collection by Neuhaus gives Germans their chocolate fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to offer hybrid Scion iQ in sedan, five-door

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota

Scion iQ Concept - click above for hi-res image gallery

You know that Toyota iQ your cousin's seen running around Europe and Japan? It's making its way Stateside, first to next week's Detroit Auto Show, then to a Scion dealer near you as a hybrid. This is according to a scoop by Inside line. We've known for a while now that the iQ will be showing up as a Scion, just not for certain as a hybrid. Also, according to IL, the fate of the brand hangs in the balance. Also-also, they might (yay!) drop the name iQ.

That's right, the diminutive Toyota with the silly name is going to greet us as a youth-branded Scion. In multiple flavors, too. First will come a five-door hatchback, followed next by a four-door sedan. The latter is almost a little puzzling - who on earth wants a four-door sedan version - but then we recall all the other cars PR types tell us the American market forces into four-door guise and we're not surprised one bit. The Scion iQ will also come as a three-door hatch. Expect the five-door to show up first, towards the end of 2011.

The engine options are pretty interesting. If you so desire, a 1.3-liter four-banger will produce 93 horsepower. However, most folks will probably opt for the hybrid version. First of all, the gas and electric propulsion is so cheap that Toyota will be able to sell it for $15,000 or less. Second, expect a 1.5-liter four and some sort of electric motor to produce between 100 and 120 hp and return 60 mile per gallon. Not bad at all. Again, Inside Line ends their scoop explaining that if the iQ doesn't get youngsters buying Scions, nothing will. Er, make that nothing will have a chance to, as Toyota is likely to fold the brand.

Gallery: New York: Scion iQ Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Toyota to offer hybrid Scion iQ in sedan, five-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Want an Aston Martin Cygnet? You'll need to have a big boy Aston first

Chris Shunk — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Concept Cars, Marketing/Advertising, Aston Martin, Toyota, Design/Style

Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are few automakers on earth as exclusive as Aston Martin, so we were more than a little surprised when the English exoticmaker announced it was going to build the Cygnet, a city car based on the prosaic Toyota iQ. After all, we chastise automakers for rebadging all the time, but Ford, Honda and General Motors products don't have anywhere near the exclusivity of Aston Martin. Then there is the Cygnet's reported $35,000 price tag. Some Aston purists were a little taken back by the "modest" $120,000 price tag of the V8 Vantage, so a $35,000 Toyota with a Rapide grille probably won't go over well with more than a few loyalists.

The New York Times has shed a little light on the subject, reporting that only owners of full-sized Astons will be eligible to purchase the Cygnet. Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said in the winter issue of Aston Martin magazine that "this concept is akin to an exclusive tender for a luxury yacht." If that doesn't make sense to you non-yacht owners, think of it as a 105 mph golf cart for Aston owners.

To further help the Cygnet stay exclusive, Aston only plans to build 2,000 copies of the iQ-based city car and there are no current plans to sell the mini car in the U.S. market, so it might be fair to say this is a bit of a commuter special for Londonites. Even still, while this novel sales plan may help to mitigate potential brand degredation that Cygnet skeptics suggest it may bring about, we can't help but wonder how the thousands of non-Cygnet toting Aston owners will feel about their favored brand dipping a foot into the House of Toyota.

Gallery: Aston Martin Cygnet

[Source: The New York Times]

REPORT: Want an Aston Martin Cygnet? You'll need to have a big boy Aston first originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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