Straightline
Scion
June 10, 2009
Scion has announced that its last limited-production vehicle of 2009, the xD Release Series 2.0, will hit showroom floors at the end of the month. Pricing on the five-door hatch starts at $15,320 for the manual tranny and $16,120 for the xD with the automatic.
You're stuck with Electric Wasabi (that makes me hungry for sushi) paint for the RS 2.0, and inside, the vehicle has four-in-one interior lights to set the mood and a cool Pioneer touch screen head unit with a rear-view camera. "Release Series 2.0" is also illuminated in the door sills.
For another $285, Scion will throw in a spoiler already dressed in Wasabi paint to spice up the xD's rear end.
- Permalink | Comments (3)
- Posted by: Mike Lysaght June 10, 2009, 12:08 PM
- Categories: Hatchbacks, Scion, Tuners and Modifications
June 9, 2009
If you have never driven on a race track, you should. If your skills are weak, track time will make them better. And if you think you're an undiscovered Tony Stewart, well then, get out there and prove it. The list that follows after the jump gives some ideas where you might try your luck both on the road and in the dirt.
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (4)
-
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig June 9, 2009, 10:27 AM
- Categories: Audi, BMW, Bentley, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Consumer Track Events, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, MINI, Maserati, Mazda, Porsche, Saab, Scion, Subaru, Toyota
April 13, 2009
The 2009 Formula Drift season opened in Long Beach over the weekend. Ryan Tuerck, 23, took first place in his Gardella Racing Solstice coupe. He was joined on the podium by second-place finisher Samuel Hubinette (Dodge Viper) and third-place Tanner Foust (Scion tC).
IL News: Hubinette to Drive Viper at Season Opener; Challenger Drift Car Delayed
IL News: Foust's Rear-Drive Scion tC to Compete in Formula D Opener
IL News: Vaughn Gittin, Jr. To Debut 2010 Ford Mustang Drifter at Long Beach Opener
IL News: Hyundai Genesis Coupe Drift Car to Debut at Long Beach Opener
- Permalink | Comments (2)
-
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 13, 2009, 10:39 AM
- Categories: Coupes, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Motorsports, Scion
April 8, 2009
#NYIAS The Scion iQ is the best and most interesting Scion concept we've seen since the original bbX.
Granted, you have to look past all the oversize fascias, skirts and "bubble flares" that Five Axis (a Huntington Beach, California-based aftermarket company specializing in Toyotas) has added to the New York showcar. But if you do that, there's a Toyota iQ underneath. And in marked contrast to the overgrown, current-generation Scion xB and the rather hideous Hako concept, the iQ takes the Scion brand back to where it started: small for small's sake and styling that's "with it" without pandering to perceived Generation-Y whims.
Mike Michels, communications director for Toyota, tells us the company will make a decision whether to import the Toyota iQ to the U.S. as the Scion iQ before the end of the 2009 calendar year. Since the iQ was designed for world consumption, minimal modifications will be necessary to meet U.S. crash standards.
Curiously, it might not be the entry-level car of the Scion family. "The point on this wouldn't be cheap, it would be cool," Michels told us. "I wouldn't say that it's even intended to be the least expensive car in the Scion lineup."
More photos and details after the jump. Update: Video added after the jump.
Continue reading...
March 18, 2009
Looks like we're going to have to wait to see the tD coupe. Scion just announced that its 2009 New York Auto Show press conference will feature a micro sub-compact concept car. Man that sounds small.
The description can only mean one thing: the iQ, Toyota's answer to the Smart Fortwo. Already on sale in Europe and Japan, the iQ seats four in a pinch and measures just under ten feet long. Sounds like a tough sell in the U.S., but Scion seems like the right brand to give it a try.
First Drive: Toyota iQ
March 17, 2009
What's a Scion tD? Allow us to explain. Scion is on the press conference schedule for the 2009 New York Auto Show. And with the way things are going in the industry these days, even Toyota isn't going to pay up to have a press conference for the xB 11.0 Special Edition.
No, a full blown press conference is more likely reserved for an all-new model. But which one?
Well, current Scion VP Jack Hollis told Automotive News last month, "Within the next two years, we will have a replacement tC" coupe.
The time frame seems a little long, but we went digging anyways. The U.S. Patent and Trademark website makes things easy, and when you're looking for the next-generation tC it doesn't take much imagination to figure out where Scion might be going with the naming convention.
Sure enough, we found a Toyota trademark for the name "tD". Does it guarantee that's the name? Nope. Does it sound considerably more marketable than tB? Yep.
The only question left now is what kind of coupe it'll be. Let's hope it takes after the Fuse, and not the Hako.
- Permalink | Comments (7)
-
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig March 17, 2009, 4:30 AM
- Categories: Coupes, Future Vehicles, New York Auto Show, Scion
February 3, 2009
Yes, even the mighty Toyota got killed in January.
Regardless of division or model, the numbers were dismal across the board. Some highlights follow after the jump.
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (5)
-
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 3, 2009, 4:37 PM
- Categories: Lexus, Scion, Toyota
February 2, 2009
Few automakers had a positive 2008, but Scion didn't suffer as much as most. Its market share actually increased by one-tenth of a point last year and although overall sales were down 12.5%, the industry as a whole averaged an 18% drop.
Of course, Scion would love a little help in 2009. Jack Hollis, Vice President of Scion, told AutoObserver, "A fourth product would be fantastic," he said. "It's our company's belief we need to expand our lineup."
So what product might that be? Scion has shown several concepts over the last couple of years. There was last year's horrific Hako concept and the considerably more palatable Fuse coupe of 2006. Both concepts made their debuts at the New York Auto Show, so don't be surprised to see another, more production-ready concept at this year's show in April.
AutoObserver: Scion not scorched by 2008 but wants fourth model
November 12, 2008
Latest rumor to hit the Net is that the joint-effort Subaru-Toyota sport coupe may be sold as a Scion. At least, that may be the case here in North America. In other markets, where there is no Scion brand one can only assume it will be branded a Toyota.
And, of course, there will be a version sold in most markets as a Subaru. I say most markets, as Subaru of Australia has stated they have no interest in this car. Why, you ask? It's RWD, and the Aussies (like myself, and perhaps other markets as well?) believe that RWD runs counter to Subaru's AWD brand image.
Full story here.
- Permalink | Comments (3)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland November 12, 2008, 5:58 AM
- Categories: Coupes, Scion, Subaru, Toyota
October 27, 2008
The new Subaru DEX will go on sale in Japan next month. Think of it as badge-engineering at its best (or worst, depending on your perspective), as it is merely a Scion bB/Daihatsu COO with a Subaru Stella grille. Also, to the best of my knowledge, this is the FWD-only Subaru being offered.
Full story here.
- Permalink | Comments (3)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland October 27, 2008, 6:00 AM
- Categories: Scion, Subaru
October 10, 2008
The Toyota Smart-fighter, the iQ, will be on display at the LA auto show. There is some speculation that it could be sold here under the Scion banner, and could come in under $15K.
The iQ is scheduled to go on sale in Europe and Japan in 2010. If it does come here the current 3-cylinder engine might be replaced with a more powerful 4-cylinder unit.
Full story here.
- Permalink | Comments (7)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland October 10, 2008, 10:36 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, LA Auto Show, SMART, Scion, Toyota
August 11, 2008
The Scion brand is struggling, and Toyota needs to figure out what to do with it. A number of industry-watchers think it's a "distraction" for Toyota, and that Toyota would be better served by focusing their energies and money on the Toyota brand.
"Toyota doesn't need Scion," said Art Spinella, president of CNW Research, Bandon, Ore. "They should have spent the money on developing Toyota-branded products," he said, comparing Scion to Saturn, which some critics say distracted GM from improving its established brands.
Full story here.
- Permalink | Comments (11)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland August 11, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Scion, Toyota, Trends
March 19, 2008
Whether you think it's massively cool or just as far down on the ugly spectrum, the Scion Hako coupe concept was one of the most unusual and interesting-looking cars unveiled at New York's Javits Center today.
Actually, Jack Hollis, Scion vice president, is kind of hoping you won't like it. "If you think it's ugly, great. That's perfect. As you know, polarizing style fits in well with our lineup."
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (19)
-
- Posted by: Erin Riches March 19, 2008, 1:50 PM
- Categories: Coupes, Hatchbacks, New York Auto Show, Scion
February 20, 2008
Inside Line tested the 2008 Nissan Cube against the 2008 Scion xB.
They may look like little boxes, but they have their charms. They're fuel efficient, versatile and funky...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (13)
-
- Posted by: Donna DeRosa February 20, 2008, 6:39 PM
- Categories: Nissan, Scion
July 2, 2007
Okay, it's the first thing on a Monday morning, and I've only had one cup of coffee, so maybe I'm still a bit groggy... But I swear there's a story over at EgmCarTech.com about a Subaru Tribeca being rebadged as a Scion in the works!
They got the story from Automotive News, which is reporting that a Japanese magazine is showing a picture of a Scion “xTribeca” idea in its latest issue.
Full story here...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (12)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland July 2, 2007, 5:17 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, SUVs, Scion, Subaru
June 19, 2007
Here's a wild rumor: How about a Scion pickup? That's what's being reported over at PickupTruck.com., a Scion pickup called the xP, perhaps for 2010.
Whether true or not, it sure makes for some interesting speculation. Frankly, I hope it's true...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (16)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland June 19, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Future Vehicles, Scion, Subaru, Trends, Trucks
June 11, 2007
They're so tiny and cute. But don't let their adorableness fool you. These funky subcompacts aren't just for the iPod generation. They're peppy, fuel-efficient and affordable. So if you're tired of the United States of SUVs, check out this subclass of cars. We've tested two of the best side by side.
Read our comparison test of the Fit and xD and watch the video on Inside Line.
I put some outtakes from the photo shoot after the jump.
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (13)
-
- Posted by: Donna DeRosa June 11, 2007, 10:43 AM
- Categories: Honda, Scion
May 30, 2007
Nissan says the new upcoming Cube won't target the Scion xB. Well then, how about the Honda Element?
“We think it’s different than what Scion is going after. We think we can get a bit more gender neutral, maybe a little bit more female (buyer) than what they’re getting. Certainly xB today is a little young, macho dude car,” says Larry Dominique, vice president-product planning for Nissan...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (14)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland May 30, 2007, 8:20 AM
- Categories: Hatchbacks, Honda, Nissan, Scion, Trends
February 8, 2007
The wacky kids over at wacky Scion got a wacky idea. Biting off a bit of Volkswagen and Mini's mojo, Toyota's youth brand brought the fun and games to the somnolent Chicago auto show. Yes, the company showed off a couple of goofy-looking little cars. And, yes, the company handed out CDs containing music sure to confound and annoy your average car journalist...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (2)
-
- Posted by: Daniel Pund February 8, 2007, 12:45 PM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chicago Auto Show, Scion
Scion's promise to keep its lineup fresh was kept today, when the xA was replaced by the xD and the xB was replaced by the new xB. Both are 2008 models with five doors, four-cylinder power and Scion's now signature urban edge.
"The xD is a clever new take on a five-door urban subcompact, with style and flair to match its efficiency and utility," Mark Templin, Scion vice president told us. "The xD's aggressive styling is wrapped in a small, agile package, while its interior offers impressive details and a spacious cabin."
And to help along the xD's urban edge, or street cred, as they say on the street, is this tuned version, which Scion unvieled to ooooos and ahhhhhs at its morning press conference...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (8)
-
- Posted by: Scott Oldham February 8, 2007, 12:28 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, Scion
Today's press introduction of the 2008 Scion xB was pretty conventional. You had your loud music, your concert lighting and plenty of teleprompters telling executives what to say. It was almost as if Scion had gone straight and abandoned its relentless drive for urban street cred. Then again, if you were watching the press conference in Scion City you might have thought differently. Don't know where Scion City is? Well then, you are clearly not cool enough to have generated an electronic alter ego in Second Life. It's the much hyped computer-generated world complete with its own currency, retail stores and yes, even corporate-sponsored media events. Scion's press conference was the first time a manufacturer has used Second Life for a major product introduction, and judging by the number of avatars (those would be people) in attendance it may be the last. And as far as the car goes, if you liked the original xB you'll like the 2008 version, too. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (20)
-
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 8, 2007, 10:03 AM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, SUVs, Scion, Wagons
December 20, 2006
You've all seen the headlines by now. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently released the results of crash-testing seven small cars; the Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris (2 models), Honda Fit, Chevy Aveo, Scion xB, and the Hyundai Accent. Of those seven, five got at least one "poor" rating. Only the Nissan Versa got all "good" ratings...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (10)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland December 20, 2006, 7:35 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Scion, Toyota, Trends
September 17, 2006
As expected, this week's issue of Automotive News features a considerable amount of info on Ford's future product plans, but since most of that info was covered late last week we'll focus elsewhere for now. Probably the most interesting piece of information came from Scion.
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (2)
-
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig September 17, 2006, 10:58 PM
- Categories: Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Future Vehicles, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Scion
August 16, 2006
It's that time of the year again; back to school time... If you've got a third-grader, you're probably thinking about note books and pencils. If you have a kid in high school you might be thinking about clothes or a computer—or at least your kid is. If you're shipping your offspring off to college, besides everything else he or she needs, maybe a cheap but reliable car is also on the list?..
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (7)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland August 16, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Dodge, Ford, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Scion, Trends
April 13, 2006
Technology overload? Get the full story on the tech-heavy Scion Fuse Concept with eight photos from the show floor.
- Permalink | Comments (0)
-
- Posted by: Donna DeRosa April 13, 2006, 11:54 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, New York Auto Show, Scion
April 12, 2006
It was here in New York about four years ago that Scion was introduced to the world. Now comes the Fuse concept but it seems less grounded than the xA xB and tC. Certainly some of the Fuse's features will make it to a production car but items like twin LCD video screens seem like they're just for fun.
However, the Fuse's reconfigurable interior is interesting as is the removable drink cooler. There are also LED lights in the wheels that can light up with the turn signals - this kind of thing is starting to show up in the aftermarket so maybe it's not so far fetched...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (0)
-
- Posted by: Brian Moody April 12, 2006, 12:01 PM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, New York Auto Show, Scion, Trends
January 20, 2006
Toyota and Daihatsu launch new mini SUVs in Japan. The 1500cc vehicle will be sold as the Toyota Rush and the Daihatsu Be-go (pictured above).
I think this is a pretty nifty looking vehicle, and I would love to see Toyota sell it over here. Perhaps under the Scion label?..
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (0)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland January 20, 2006, 8:01 AM
- Categories: SUVs, Scion, Toyota, Trends
December 28, 2005
So is it a mid-life crisis? Wanting to be hip, when in fact your body needs a new hip (replacement)? Something else? Why is it that older folks are digging vehicles that are aimed at a market that may be a generation or two younger than they are? Scion seems to be leading the pack in this regard...
Continue reading...
- Permalink | Comments (2)
-
- Posted by: Bob Holland December 28, 2005, 8:00 AM
- Categories: Scion, Trends
