Scion has announced that it will be discontinuing its xB and xD models, thus living up to its “one and done” motto. The brand originally intended for all of its models to be terminated after a single life cycle. The xB and xD vehicles join the previously axed xA model. According to Scion, the elimination of xB and xD models will make room for all-new Scion vehicles, but not direct replacements of the aforementioned models. The automaker’s insistence that there will be no direct replacements for the xB and xD likely means that Scion’s box-shaped car era may have finally come to an end.
Launched in 2004, the Scion xB is a five-door, box-shaped compact hatchback. Mainly targeted towards the youth demographic, the xB enjoyed strong initial sales, but declined in recent years. The xB’s popularity has been on a steady downturn since its record sales of 61,306 units in 2006. In 2011, Scion sold just over 17,000 xB models.
Fans of the xB can still purchase the latest 2012 model, which ranks 11 out of 41 on U.S. News’ Affordable Small Cars list. The 2012 xB earned an overall score 8.2 based on 83 published reviews and test drives. Despite a less than stellar fuel economy, the xB received praise for its styling, notable tech features, passenger room, cargo space and safety ratings.
Unlike the xB, the xD never quite became popular amongst car buyers during its six year production run. The xD is a five-door hatchback, which replaced the now extinct xA model. The xD’s sales figures never reached the success of the xB, achieving its record sales of 27,665 in 2008. Unfortunately for Scion, the xD sold a paltry 9,573 vehicles last year.
The 2012 xD ranks 22 out of 41 Affordable Small Cars according to U.S. News. Although the xD garnered some recognition for its hip styling and nifty interior features, the vehicle’s overall score suffered due to poor fuel economy, lack of interior room and poor cargo space.
Removing the xB and xD from Scion’s lineup leaves the automaker with three models: the tC; iQ and FR-S. Scion’s lineup boasts both the world’s smallest four-seater in the iQ and the all-new 2013 FR-S sports car, which goes on sale this spring. Also still available is Scion tC liftback model, currently in its second generation.
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Scion FR-S
Toyota has announced the 2013 Scion FR-S, its high-performance, rear-wheel drive compact sports car, which will go on sale in the spring of 2012.
The FR-S, which stands for front-engine, rear-wheel drive, is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel drive sports car with balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising fuel economy, the company said.
“Scion continues to push boundaries following its first year of sales in Canada,” said Larry Hutchinson, director of Scion in Canada. “With a lineup including the iconic xB, the adrenalized tC and the innovation iQ, the FR-S is a halo, taking Scion to a new level of driving performance.”
The FR-S is most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, known as the Hachi-Roku, or 8-6 in Japanese. It uses a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, the result of a joint development of Toyota and Subaru. The newly-developed horizontally-opposed Subaru engine uses Toyota’s D-4S injection system, which incorporates both direct and port injection, producing 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It will come with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
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A Scion is about the last car you’d expect to see at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but the FR-S concept has a design worthy of a six-, or even a seven-figure price tag.
Set to be unveiled as a Toyota model at the Tokyo Auto Show later this year, the production FR-S is then expected to be revealed at the NY Auto Show in 2012. Toyota has continued to be nearly silent on details, but what we do know is that this light-weight coupe will be powered by a Subaru-sourced boxer 4-cylinder engine, using a Toyota direct-injection system. Power will be delivered though the rear wheels using either a six-speed auto or manual (your choice) and a limited slip differential will be standard.
The 2012 iQ premium micro-subcompact will begin arriving in dealerships this October. The Scion iQ is only 10 feet long yet seats four people, making it the world’s smallest fourseater.
“Scion prides itself on being an innovative brand with a lineup of iconic vehicles that set automotive trends,” said Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion. “The iQ is the fourth vehicle in the family, and it will define the premium micro-subcompact segment as the choice for new urbanites who want clever transportation without a sacrifice in style or new features.”
Meeting the needs of a new trendsetting generation of urban drivers, the iQ succeeds at taking big ideas and concentrating them into a small package. Made possible by intelligent and functional packaging, the iQ is a small car that offers the functionality and comfort that drivers expect from a car twice its size.
Intelligent Design, Not Sacrifice
Instead of sacrificing features or comfort to reduce its footprint, the iQ relies on intelligent design. Six engineering innovations are responsible for the iQ’s ability to be small in size, but large in capability. A compact front-mounted differential, high-mount steering rack with electronic power-steering, and a compact air-conditioning unit all amount to significant decreases in front-end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang. Slim-back front seats optimize rear legroom, while the “3+1” offset seating arrangement allows one adult to sit behind the front passenger and a child or small package behind the driver.
Driving Performance of a Larger Car
With a 78.7-inch wheelbase and a unique suspension design – consisting of MacPherson struts up front, and a compact torsion beam rear suspension – the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. In addition, its overall length of only 120.1-inches, and short front and rear overhangs allows the iQ to fit into virtually any urban parking scenario. Although short in length, the iQ has a wide stance at 66.1-inches, giving it a confident stance that handles like a much larger car.
Smooth Drivetrain and Better Fuel Efficiency
The 2012 iQ is equipped with a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 94 horsepower and 89 lb.-ft of torque. It features the latest dual VVT-i, which allows the engine to be efficient, providing a broader powerband yet requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions.
The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that helps deliver smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. The iQ is rated an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-II) and achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 37 miles per gallon, comparable to similar vehicles of its size.
Small in Size but Big on Safety
In order to be considered a premium micro-subcompact, the iQ comes standard with safety features that drivers expect and demand. The iQ is packed with an industry leading 11 standard airbags, including the world’s first rear window airbag. Other airbags include driver- and front-passenger airbags; driver- and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; driver- and front-passenger knee airbags; and a Scion-first driver- and front-passenger seat-cushion airbags.
All iQs will come standard with the Star Safety System™, which includes antilock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology brake-override. A tire-pressure monitoring system is also standard equipment.
Iconic Styling
The iQ’s profile, defined by a strong and high beltline, glides from the large, stout headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wraps around the rear, emphasizing the iQ’s geometric shape. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design and give it a premium look.
The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the bumper’s rear diffuser-like accent, creating a substantial presence.
The iQ will be available in seven exterior colors, including Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Hot Lava, Pacific Blue Metallic and Black Currant Metallic.
High-Tech Interior
The iQ’s functional “3+1” seating equates to the world’s smallest four-passenger vehicle. The four-seat configuration is made possible because the driver and front-passenger seats are slightly off set.
The rear seats are extremely versatile, featuring a 50/50 split and the ability to fold flat, creating enough storage to accommodate large suitcases. The iQ comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, and features a flat bottom that provides additional thigh room. The steering wheel incorporates audio controls to manage the iQ’s impressive sound system.
The iQ comes standard with a Scion Drive Monitor that displays information like outside temperature, average MPG and an ECO-drive indicator that helps the driver maximize the iQ’s fuel efficiency.
Impressive Audio with Standard Bluetooth® and HD RadioTM Technology
The iQ truly focuses on youth with its all-new standard AM/FM/CD/HD/USB 160-watt maximum output Pioneer™ audio system. Standard features for all 2012 Scions include Bluetooth connectivity, which allows both hands-free phone connection and streaming audio capability, and HD Radio technology. Streaming audio allows compatible phone or personal media devices to pair with the audio system and delivermusic through the vehicles sound system. The audio system also features an organic electroluminescent (OEL) screen with a personalized welcome screen, iPod®/USB connectivity, Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), and a subwoofer RCA output. The USB port and universal auxiliary (AUX) port are located on the center console, which allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the iQ’s four Pioneer speakers.
The optional 200-watt maximum output Pioneer Premium audio system has the same features as the standard Pioneer audio, but it is enhanced with a 5.8-inch LCD touch-screen display, features iTunes® tagging, Pandora® internet radio connected through iPhone®, and six RCA outputs to add external amplifiers.
A Scion Navigation audio system is also available for urban drivers who would like the added convenience of easily finding their way around the city. The 200-watt SNS 200 system has all of the features of the standard and premium audio systems but it adds a navigation system and DVD player that are accessible through an easy-to-use seven-inch touch-screen LCD display. Navigation functions include a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system with comprehensive U.S. and Canada map coverage, plus guidance to millions of points of interest.
All three of the audio systems retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing® (SSP), where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility and MP3 and WMA capability. In addition, all units have the capability to adjust the volume control based on driving speed.
Pricing
The 2012 Scion iQ will begin arriving at dealerships on the west coast starting this October. The car will be available in other regions of the country beginning in early 2012. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 iQ is $15,265. The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $730 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
Warranty and Complimentary Scion Service Boost
Like all Scion models, the iQ is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The iQ will also come standard with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles whichever comes first, and three years of 24-hour roadside assistance.
Scion tC Release 7.0
Scion’s tC coupe was completely reworked for 2011, but it’s already time for the first special edition: the tC Release Series 7.0. As you may have surmised, it’s the seventh Release Series model based on the tC—spanning both generations—and it follows the pattern laid out for RS models: special paint, aesthetic add-ons, and limited availability.
This tC certainly nails the paint portion of the RS formula, being slathered in a searing orange-yellow hue Scion dubs “High Voltage.” The 7.0 also nets black-finished copies of the same 18-inch wheels worn by the standard tC, a TRD body kit, and honeycomb lower front intake, a custom interior with color-keyed accents and steering-wheel stitching, and a red push-button starter with proximity-key entry. Despite the TRD-branded bits—for those unfamiliar, TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development—performance upgrades are not part of the Release 7.0’s package. Scion will only build 2200 examples of the High Voltage yellow tC Release 7.0 at $21,625 a pop, a $2565 premium over a manual-equipped tC; you can get your hands on one later this summer.
by Matt Hardigree of Jalopnik — A rumored Toyota FT-86 like model for the company’s baby brand, possibly called the Scion FR-S/FT-S, is coming. Another concept version of the same car. Yeah!
First there was the FT-86, then the G Sports Turbo Concept, then the FT-86 II and now the Scion model being teased in a video for a New York Auto Show debut.
Great. Call it a Scion. Call it a Toyota. Call it a freakin’ Daihatsu. We don’t care. Just will someone please call us when we can drive the damn thing?
Scion tC Sports Coupe
After the success of its first generation, Scion re-introduce all-new 2011 Scion tC sports coupe some time ago in California.
Perhaps many of you who do not know about the Scion. Scion his own same thing with the Lexus, which is one of the automotive division in the family Toyota. If Lexus has a segmentation as a premium vehicle, the Scion has a target slightly below it, namely young people in the United States.
ll new Scion tC comes with styling, technology and performance technology that will give the sensation berendara unforgettable experience for the driver. Latest inline 4-cylinder engine that has a capacity of 2.5 L that is claimed to be able to generate power of 180 hp, up 19 points from the previous generation and are believed to provide reliable performance while maintaining fuel efficiency.
This development was enhanced with redesigned intake manifold on the exhaust and added by using the model of lightweight sport-tuned exhaust system, which is believed to remove excess fuel perfectly and provide a more aggressive sound effects. Not forgetting also with some other technologies that also applied such as, Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i), roller rocker arms and also Variable-induction Intake Manifold System.
2011 Scion tC
To revive sales, Toyota Motor Corp.’s Scion brand may add more upscale models. The brand was launched in 2003 to attract young buyers in the U.S. with its unusual designs and low prices. At the Detroit Auto Show, Jack Hollis, Toyota’s U.S. vice president who manages the Scion brand, said that the company is seriously thinking about presenting future Scions that would be priced higher than its current sub-$20,000 range. He said that part of Scion’s expansion would be to offer a larger range, from low-end to high-end.
Scion sales had climbed quickly after the nameplate’s introduction throughout the U.S. Sales had peaked at 173,034 units in 2006. Since then, deliveries of xB wagons, xD hatchbacks and tC sport coupeshave dropped. In fact, sales last year totaled only 45,678 units. This is being attributed partly to an aging model line and the increasing jobless rate among young U.S. consumers, which is Scion’s core buyer group. Hollis said that U.S. unemployment for those in their early 20s is about double the overall national average.
Craig Taguchi, a Scion spokesman, disclosed that the brand’s average customer is 37 years old, the youngest in the industry. In fact, buyers of tC coupes are only 29 years old on average. Hollis said that as the brand has already hit its initial goal of drawing in the younger customers, it is now focused on attracting drivers with a “young mindset” who may also have higher incomes.
2011 cB RS Series 8.0
The xB RS 8.0 comes fitted with a four-piece body kit designed by Kenstyle, including aggressive front and rear lower lips and side skirts. The xB comes painted in a vibrant color called Voodoo Blue, which is not currently available on any other Scion model. A color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option.
One of the most unique elements of the xB RS 8.0 is its sunroof, which features power tilt and slide function not currently available on regular xB models. The interior includes seats and door-panel trim covered in an exclusive black fabric with blue color-tuned highlights to complement the exterior. This Release Series comes equipped with unique floor mats embroidered in blue with the “xB RS 8.0” logo.
Only 2,000 units of the xB RS 8.0 will be built, and each vehicle comes with a unique, individually numbered Release Series badge illuminated in blue. The xB RS 8.0 will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,405 with a manual transmission, and $19,355 with an automatic transmission. A limited supply of the available color-matched rear spoiler will be available to xB RS 8.0 owners with a MSRP of $320, not including installation.
The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $720 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
Learn more about the xB RS 8.0 by logging on to http://www.scion.com/rsxb. Put the Voodoo Blue xB under a spell with “YouDo VooDoo” where you can click on a variety of spells to see the xB growl like an animal, grow huge, levitate and spin in the air.
PALISADES, N.Y. — That’s more like it. The Scion tC makeover for 2011 results in a crisp, purposeful, comfortable, good-driving coupe.
The previous car was slightly underpowered, and its older transmissions didn’t bring out the engine’s best.
Scion is Toyota Motor’s youth brand, and the tC coupe attracts the industry’s youngest buyers — average age 26, says Jack Hollis, Scion vice president.
The tC also accounts for 41% of all Scion buyers, 71% of them new to Toyota products. What’s more, 60% of its owners buy another Scion or other Toyota products. The tC is a key model, in other words.
But Scion sales are down about 32% this year, and that’s from last year’s recession pace when its young buyers — overall average age 38 — had trouble getting loans during the recession’s credit crunch.
So, Scion needs a spark. Toyota hopes the tC is it.
The brand even has bought four weeks of ads on Monday Night Football, a traditional venue unlike most of Scion’s generally off-beat marketing.
Hollis says the 2011 tC development was guided by feedback from owners, who said they wanted more power, jazzier styling, but a plain interior they could customize easily. He says the makeover should attract people who previously hadn’t considered Scion or tC.
The preproduction tC test cars were an automatic-transmission model with almost no options and a manual-transmission version with suspension and exhaust components from the TRD unit — Toyota Racing Development — that creates accessories for a variety of Toyota Motor models. Scion said the testers were very close to showroom models.
Both were good all-around machines, easy and satisfying to drive vigorously or languidly.
They’re not as thrilling as, perhaps, a high-revving Honda Civic Si coupe or a gutty Volkswagen GTI. But they are less expensive and still strong enough to appeal to driving enthusiasts as well as traditional Scion loyalists — a group that seems to care more about making personalized changes to their cars than making their way briskly down the road.
Roads around here, on a plateau above the Hudson River, are winding, sometimes poorly paved and interrupted often by small towns. The tC test cars handled most of that with aplomb, though the abomination that is Rockland County Route 5 sent the stiffly sprung tC into bumpy-jumpy behavior that even the biggest fan of firm might dislike.
Scion buyers often are comparing a new one with an old one — should they get the latest Scion or keep theirs? — rather than with somebody else’s new vehicle. So it’s highly relevant to note that the 2011 tC is quite a bit better than the 2010. Examples:
•Powertrain. The 2011 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated 180 horsepower and 173 pounds-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The 2010 had a 2.4-liter with 161 hp and 162 lbs.-ft. married to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
The upgraded drivetrain delivered strong performance and a rewarding feel when you leaned on the gas pedal. The new engine had an aural signature that tended unfortunately toward flatulence. Nice, then, that the optional TRD exhaust was an antidote. Worth getting just for the improvement in sound quality.
The manual was generally easy to shift and the clutch smooth and light to engage. The new automatic was just about right — shifted up and down with snappy response that cars twice the price don’t always deliver.
•Mileage. The 2011 is roughly 10% better in government tests — 26 miles per gallon (3.85 gallons per 100 miles) in combined city/highway use, the feds say. The automatic-transmission test car recorded 20 mpg in spirited motoring in hilly terrain. The manual, nearly 27 mpg on flatter terrain.
•Interior. Front-seat head restraints are “active” vs. last year’s “passive.” Active is better. It can sit farther back because it pivots forward in a crash to restrain your noggin. A passive restraint is fixed, usually much too close to the back of the head for comfort for people who sit upright or have ponytails.
Front seats were quite accommodating, supportive and comfortable, lacking the stupidly excessive lumbar bulge too common among car companies that should know better.
Remarkably generous knee and legroom were available in the back seats. Rear headroom was tight, but the rear seats reclined a bit to open extra space.
Controls and gauges were about right all-around — bless Scion owners for demanding simplicity.
The stereo’s rated nearly twice the power of the 2010 model and now has the desirable USB port to plug in your handheld device.
Steering column both tilts and telescopes now.
And so on.
Point being, the 2011 is a much nicer car, and the testers were a gas to drive. Best part was that they remained fun and comfortable in most circumstances.
Fuel-saving electric power steering, new on the 2011, was well-tuned. Firm enough, yet not stiff; connected to the road, or so it seemed, rather than numb and isolated as some EPS systems are.
Styling of the previous version was plain. The new one’s a little more dramatic, but — thank goodness — not weird for the sake of standing out.
The changes seem to vault the tC from a ho-hum contender to a car with serious appeal both to driving buffs and to mainstreamers who want a sporty image.
About the 2011 Scion tC
•What: Remake of the small, front-drive, hatchback coupe that’s the sales volume mainstay of Toyota’s youth-oriented brand.
•When? On sale Oct. 1.
•Why? Owners and potential buyers have been clamoring for more performance, jazzier styling.
•How much? Starts at $18,995 with six-speed manual transmission, $19,995 with six-speed automatic.
•Who’ll buy? Autodom’s youngest new-car demographic with average buyer age of 26; buyers probably new to Toyota or Scion; lots of graphic artists and computer types, Scion says.
•How potent? Sufficiently, finally. New 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated 180 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 173 pounds-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm.
•How big? Slightly larger than Honda Civic Si sporty coupe. Scion tC is 174 inches long, 70.7 in. wide, 55.7 in. tall on a 106.3-in. wheelbase.
Passenger space: 88.4 cubic feet. Cargo: 14.7 cu. ft. behind rear seat, 34.5 cu. ft. with rear seat down.
Weighs about 3,100 lbs. Turning circle diameter: 37.4 ft.
•How thirsty? Rated 23 miles per gallon city, 31 highway, 26 combined city/highway. Trip computer in preproduction automatic test car showed 20 mpg (5 gallons per 100 miles) on mostly winding, two-lane roads. The manual tester showed 26.8 mpg on slightly flatter terrain.
Uses regular; tank holds 14.5 gallons.
•Overall: Satisfying sports coupe, no longer a “wannabe.”