Autoblog

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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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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Scion sales are down, brand image in flux

Chris Shunk — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Scion, Toyota

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Scion xB.

My older brother Brian drives a Scion xD. He's 39 years old, and probably considered anything but cool by 18-24 year-old standards. He bought his little xD because he was tired of filling up his AWD 2001 Chevy Astro conversion van, and he's gone from getting 12 mpg to about 30. While that's a big-time win for Scion sales, the brand's marketing arm has to cringe. Scion was built to be Toyota's youth-oriented brand, with cars that would finally bring younger buyers into the Toyota showroom. The early days of Scion were a boon, with 80% of Scion buyers having never shopped Toyota before. Young people were clamoring for the xB and tC, and 100-200k online shoppers flocked to the Scion site each month.

Only a year after the redesign of the xB and xD, the Scion site is seeing less than half the traffic. Overall, year over year sales fell for 17 strait months until March, when gas prices skyrocketed. Even then, sales were back down by June, which was the peak of high fuel prices. The problems began to surface when the redesigned Scions were little more than larger versions of their former selves. A larger xB became more attractive to the mother of two, while losing some of the edginess that made it a smash hit with teens and early-20-somethings.

Scion's leadership would like to turn the tide by creating a fourth member of the Scion family that exudes cool for under $20k. It could be an SUV or a hybrid, but Scion execs want it to be free from the grasps of the parent company. The current models also have to be refocused to once again attract the coveted 18-30 crowd. That's a tall order, and a lot of work for a brand that's only five years old.

Gallery: 2008 Scion xB

Gallery: 2008 Scion xD

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Scion sales are down, brand image in flux originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion's newest ad campaign puts reader's rides on billboards

Michael Harley — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Contests, Hatchback, Scion

Scion owners recently submitted pics of their personalized vehicles, including tC, xA, xB, and xD models, to the company for evaluation. The loyal owners were participating in Scion's "United by Individuality" brand campaign, designed to put individuals' modified vehicles in magazines, on billboards, even projected onto movie screens. More than 300 cars made the cut, and they soon found themselves in the Nevada desert for a photo shoot that included racing, tuning events, and even music performances. Shown above is a stunning aerial shot of more than 200 cars parked - very well we might add - at the event. The ad campaign launches in movie theaters July 21, while the other media won't go live until August 4th.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Scion's newest ad campaign puts reader's rides on billboards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion xD Limited Edition Release Series 1.0 starting at $16,549

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Scion

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Scion xD Release Series 1.0.

Scion seems to release more limited-edition models than we have fingers and toes to count, and it's continuing that tradition this June with the xD Release Series 1.0.

Scion's attempt to differentiate the xD RS 1.0 from its staid siblings includes a Hot Lava paint job, a DAMD four-piece body kit and a rear spoiler. The magma-themed exterior works its way inside with color-matching trim and seat inserts, while a RAZO shift knob, TRD lowering springs and model-specific wheel covers (wheel covers, really?) round out the poser package.

Scion is limiting production of the xD RS 1.0 to 2,000 units with an MSRP set at $1,999 over the standard xD's $14,550 base price (not including the $640 destination charge).

Gallery: Scion xD Limited Edition Release Series 1.0

Continue reading Scion xD Limited Edition Release Series 1.0 starting at $16,549

Scion xD Limited Edition Release Series 1.0 starting at $16,549 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Production Toyota iQ, Urban Cruiser revealed

Alex Nunez — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, Toyota

click either image to enlarge

Unlike the Dodge Challenger Midwest Regional Auto Show, Geneva's shaping up to be bursting with new-car debuts. Toyota will be in the thick of it, showing off the production-spec version of the iQ microcar, which the automaker debuted as a concept last year in Frankfurt and will be heading to the European market. The little runabout measures just under 3 meters in length, and it should be as wide and tall as a Yaris, if the iQ concept is an indication. As a basis of comparison, the smart fortwo is 2.5 m long. Unlike the smart, the iQ has seating for three adults plus a child or additional cargo. (And hey, depending on your darling little one's mood, he/she might seem more like baggage on some journeys anyway.) Over at AutoblogGreen, Sam suggests that the iQ could get a 1.0L engine with stop/start functionality. Whatever the company sticks underhood, we do know this: the iQ will go into production at the end of this year.

Joining the iQ will be the Urban Cruiser, which appears to be little more than a jacked-up Toyota ist (Scion xD). Earlier reports said that it would borrow styling cues from the 2006 Urban Cruiser concept, but clearly the only thing the production ride cribbed is the show car's name. Toyota hasn't released tech specs for either the iQ or Urban Cruiser yet, and we'll bring you all the news from Geneva as it happens early next month. It's worth noting that the JDM ist is available with optional 4WD, which would be in keeping with the Urban Cruiser's SUVish stance.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Production Toyota iQ, Urban Cruiser revealed

Geneva '08 Preview: Production Toyota iQ, Urban Cruiser revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS wrecks new Scion xD. Rates average, good

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Hatchback, Scion

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did its worst to the new Scion xD, and after performing both the frontal offset test and a side impact test with the standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat torso airbags, the xD came away with ratings from "good" to "average."

On the frontal offset crash, the IIHS found that the dummy's movement was well controlled, although the rebound caused its head to strike the roof rail. The possibility of injury to the neck and chest garnered an "average" rating, while the safety cage, foot protection and restraint system were all rated as "good."

The side impact test rated the Scion xD as "good" all around, save an "average" rating for the structure/safety cage portion. Although there's no IIHS data for the Scion xA - the model the xD replaced - NHTSA gave the old model four out of five stars.

[Source: IIHS]

IIHS wrecks new Scion xD. Rates average, good originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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It's the "TRD-ist" ist around

Alex Nunez — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Scion, Toyota

Click image for gallery

The oddly-named JDM Toyota ist was formally introduced this week, and as was the case with the Toyota Blade Master, another new arrival in Japan's Toyota stores, a range of TRD accessories was announced very shortly thereafter. They do the job of dressing up the rather bland ist, which is Japan's version of the USDM Scion xD.

Naturally, there's a replacement grille, body kit, and new wheels. The look can be further augmented with branded scuff plates, TRD Sportivo suspension parts, and a TRD muffler. Hell, TRD even offers a red engine start button. The US-market Scions have always been pushed as being very customization-friendly, and really, it's no different for the JDM cars. The available accessories do a nice job of dressing things up.

[Source: Toyota via Carview]

Gallery: TRD Accessories for the Toyota ist

It's the "TRD-ist" ist around originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan gets new ist, err... xD

Justin Gardiner — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Crossover, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota

The JDM Toyota with the most peculiar name (it's up against some pretty tough competition on that front), the "ist", had a face lift and heart transplant today.

Replacing the original 2002 model, which was sold Stateside as the Scion xA, the new car is still a front wheel drive hatchback, but has taken on distinctly crossover-ish dimensions, and comes with a choice of 1.5 and 1.8 liter motors as opposed to the 1.3 and 1.5 liter line up of old. Prices are a bit below the near-identical US spec Scion xD, starting at $13,800 for a CVT equipped 1.5 but rising to almost $16,000 for the 1.8 with an electronic four speed auto.

[Source: Toyota]

Japan gets new ist, err... xD originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion xD gets stickered at $14,550*

John Neff — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Scion

Don't forget about the destination charges! Those are an additional $620.

click on the above image to view more pics of the 2008 Scion xD

Scion has come out today and priced its new entry-level xD with an MSRP of $14,550 for one with a manual tranny and $15,350 for one with an automatic. The base MSRP of the outgoing xA is $12,780, so anyone interested in getting into a Scion as cheaply as possible better do so now, because the entry fee will be going up by $1,770 as soon as the new xD arrives. To be fair, the xD looks to be a significantly better car than the anemic xA. Whereas the xA came with a 103-hp (revised 2006 SAE number) 1.5L motor, the xD gets a four-cylinder with .3L more displacement, 25 more horsepower and variable valve timing. With a manual, the new engine will return 27 mpg city/33 mpg highway, which is average though not exceptional fuel economy for a car this size.

Read all the marketing mumbo jumbo on the new xD in the press release after the jump. Pricing can be found in the second last to paragraph, though no options were priced with the car at this time. You can also revisit the xD's debut in Chicago last February by flipping through the gallery below.

[Source: Toyota]

Gallery: 2008 Scion xD

Continue reading Scion xD gets stickered at $14,550*

Scion xD gets stickered at $14,550* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Scion's xB gets bigger and less boxy (w/ VIDEO!)

Eric Bryant — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Budget, SUV, Crossover, Scion

click above image to view XX high-resolution images of the redesigned Scion xB

Scion VP Mark Templin claims that his company is more in touch with its buyers than any other brand, and what xB owners wanted even more than another Toyota-sponsored group hug (or Second Life virtual conference) was a larger vehicle. The 2008 xB addresses this request with a foot more overall length and three more inches of width, while an inch decrease in height yields somewhat more traditional proportions.

With the expanded sheetmetal comes an upgrade in components under the skin, starting with a 158-hp, 2.4L DOHC inline-four. Under the larger standard 16-inch wheels lie a set of disc brakes that are a touch smaller than 11-inch, and anti-lock, stability control, and traction control are standard. Inside, the cargo area grows by nearly 40%, and a storage area is provided underneath the rear seats for laptops, cameras, and various other consumer paraphernalia. The still center-mounted gauge cluster includes what Scion refers to as a "combination meter", which offers up various information related to fuel economy and outside air temps, the Pioneer sound system offers up an iPod interface, and the driver now gets a spot to set his or her right arm.

Click on the photo above for live and studio shots of the production and customized 2008 Scion xB!

Gallery: 2008 Scion xB

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Scion's xB gets bigger and less boxy (w/ VIDEO!)

Chicago Auto Show: Scion's xB gets bigger and less boxy (w/ VIDEO!) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Toyota unveils the all-new 2008 Scion xD (w/ VIDEO!)

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 11:47:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Scion

click image above for 91 high-resolution images of the new Scion xD

Toyota officially unveiled the new 2008 Scion xD, its replacement for the xA, today at the Chicago Auto Show. Like the original xA, the xD is built off the platform of the Toyota Yaris. It has a wide aggressive stance with Macpherson struts in the front and a twist beam axle in the rear. Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard with a choice of three different wheel covers, though the car above looks great with an aftermarket set of rims. The brakes are vented disks in the front, but unfortunately drums are used in the rear.

A few pleasant surprises await inside the car. The rear seats split 60/40 and fold completely flat for a large cargo area. In addition, the rear seats can slide back and forth up to six inches for extra legroom or cargo room, and the rear seatbacks can recline up to ten degrees. Those are features not often found in cars costing much more than a new xD. The interior benefits from a relocation of the gauge pod to its rightful spot behind the steering wheel, while the standard Pioneer 160W audio system has built-in iPod integration so that your iPod can be controlled via the head unit.

xD is equipped with a more powerful engine than the one that propelled the xA. It's a 128-hp, 1.8L four cylinder with variable timing mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

All the xDs come in only one trim level with the only choices being color and gearbox type. The sole factory option is electronic stability control, although an almost limitless supply of dealer-installed and aftermarket options exist.

Video of the xD's introduction and the car in the round can be found after the jump, along with Scion's official press release containing more details of the car.

Gallery: 2008 Scion xD

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Toyota unveils the all-new 2008 Scion xD (w/ VIDEO!)

Chicago Auto Show: Toyota unveils the all-new 2008 Scion xD (w/ VIDEO!) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Scion xB and xD info leaked early

John Neff — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Scion

In a move that can only be deemed as stupid, lazy or incredibly devious, Car & Driver published images and information on Scion's redesigned xB and all-new xD more than a day and a half before the car's are scheduled to be debuted here in Chicago. The info went live last night but wasn't discovered until an industrious member of the ScionLife forum messed with the URL and found it.

First up is the new xB, which has grown in size thanks to leaving the platform it shared with the now defunct xA. Gone is the toaster-esque styling as well, replaced with a design that's still a box, though one with fender flares, a little more character in the front end and a thick C/D-pillar. It's also reported that the interior has been upgraded along with losing the not-loved center-mounted gauge pod. The xB will also share its powerplant with the tC now, which means a 2.4L four-cylinder generating 158 hp and 162 ft-lbs. of torque will be on tap to send power through a five-speed manual or four-seed automatic.

The xD is the new kid in the Scion camp, replacing the less well-received xA. It rides on the same platform as the Yaris, but is powered by the 128-hp, 1.8L four-cylinder found in the Corolla and Matrix. The xD will feature the same transmission choices as the new xB and send power to the front wheels only. The xD's styling shares the same thick C/D-pillar seen on the new xB, which appears to be a new Scion trademark styling cue. We'll leave judgment of the car's overall design to you, but will just say that it looks like a cross between a Camry and a JDM-market Mazda Verisa.

[Source: ScionLife]

Gallery: 2008 Scion xD and xB leaked images

Chicago Auto Show: Scion xB and xD info leaked early originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Scion xB and new xD set to debut in Chicago

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Budget, Hatchback, Scion

Auto show season is in full tilt boogie and the latest news is that Scion intends to debut two new vehicles at the Chicago show next month.

The first vehicle will be a redesign of the rolling toaster known as the xB, which may share some design cues with the t2b that debuted in New York in 2005. The other vehicle set to be unveiled in the Windy City is the replacement for the moribund xA: the xD. Although Scion devotees were shown the xD late last year, no photos have surfaced. However, one rumor circulating the web is that it will draw on Toyota's Urban Cruiser concept (pictured) that was shown in Geneva last year.

We'll be on hand for the official unveiling in Chicago, but if you'd like to share in the festivities, Scion is holding a virtual press conference in tandem with the real world event in Second Life. So update your avatar, register here and be online Thursday, February 8th at 9 AM CT.

[Source: Toyota/Scion]

Redesigned Scion xB and new xD set to debut in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SPY REPORT: Inside Scion's big Miami Beach product reveal

Alex Nunez — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 10:17:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Scion

This weekend, Scion flew 328 owners to Miami Beach, which served as the backdrop for an invitation-only reveal of the replacement for the xA and the brand-new xB. The event happened Friday night at the Miami Beach Convention Center (if you go to the CC's website, you'll see that 12/15 was booked for a "private event"), and we're fortunate enough to bring you a full report on the goings-on from an attendee.

Sorry folks, there are no pictures to show you, as cameras and phones were strictly prohibited, but our spy gave us very detailed descriptions of the cars that were revealed. Want to know more? Follow the jump for the skinny.

Continue reading SPY REPORT: Inside Scion's big Miami Beach product reveal

SPY REPORT: Inside Scion's big Miami Beach product reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Dec 2006 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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