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.
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.
Episode #57 is a breezy little number, clocking in around 32 minutes long. Though on the short side, it's action-packed! We recap the Chicago show, paucity of activity and all. For starters, we return to one of our favorite subjects recently, the impending Pontiac G8. Let's just say it's even better up-close. Next, we ruminate over the all-new Scion xD and xB. The little Toyota offspring were all that happened on the second day of the show, and the aging boomers there were thrilled with the updates to these cars. Nothing like nailing your target market, eh? Before wrapping up for the night, the boys take a ride through the return of the Taurus and Sable nameplates, and how successful that move may prove to be. Capping Podcast 57 is the one bit that's not Chicago-related; the upcoming unveiling of Dodge's Demon roadster at the Geneva show. It looks nice, but we're dubious that it has any production plans, though this is Chrysler, which is capable of turning a show car into reality better than most. Enjoy the 'cast!
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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!
Toyota has announced that production of its 2006 Scion xA and xB will end in December, and that the two economy cars that kicked things off for Scion will be replaced next spring by two all-new models wearing 2008 badges. That means technically speaking Scion will have but a single car available for model year 2007, the tC coupe.
Scion's vice president Mark Templin gave no other information regarding the upcoming replacements, except their estimated time of arrival. The success of the Scion brand can be largely attributed to the splash made by the xA and xB when they hit U.S. shores in June of 2004. Since then Scion has sold 72,011 units of the xA and 139,091 units of the boxy xB.
The guys at CNNMoney.com have come up with a list of the 7 best "college cars" -- the best available rides for current college students or new grads who have to work within a limited budget. To make the list, each car had to have a base price of under $16,000, be fuel-efficient, and offer good utility.
Without further ado, here's what they came up with. We've listed them from lowest to highest base price:
Sibling site Adjab posted an interesting marketing ploy. Toyota Motor Co. is currently advertising its Scion brand on Whyville.net, a website frequented by eight to fifteen year olds. Why? Toyota's theory is that such youngsters will influence their parents' vehicle choices as well as be more pre-disposed to the brand once they're of driving age. Such strategies are not new: Cadillac and DaimlerChrysler both have their vehicles in video games played by teens and young adults. Toyota's strategy, though, is aimed at a populace who can't even drive let alone seriously purchase any vehicle.
However, the strategy may be working. "Scion" appeared more frequently on the site shortly after the program started and many visitors played with their virtual vehicles.
What's your opinion? New advertising method or money wasted on the fickle minds of youth?
Scion, Toyota's "youth" division, was launched three years ago this June, and the brand has much to celebrate on its third birthday. By offering up three cars that all start off under $17,000, Scion has gone some way toward redefining the term "entry level." Given parent Toyota's marketplace might, the upstart marque has gone to great lengths to associate itself with all things trendy and customizeable, resulting in a combination that garnered sales of 150,000 units in 2005 alone. Having a marketing arm employing what many in the industry have referred to as a "brilliant" viral marketing strategy seems to have worked wonders.
So... does Scion's combination of inexpensive wares and funky marketing rub you the right way? Have your say in 'Comments.'
Toyota has announced that production of its 2006 Scion xA and xB will end in December, and that the two economy cars that kicked things off for Scion will be replaced next spring by two all-new models wearing 2008 badges. That means technically speaking Scion will have but a single car available for model year 2007, the tC coupe. 
Follow the Audi Mileage Marathon starting Monday morning
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