The Japanese automotive manufacturer Scion has just revealed plans for their final limited edition vehicle for the 2009 model year. The xD Release Series 2.0, highlights of this last of the 2009 Scions will consist of an Electric Wasabi green paint job on the exterior and a touch screen Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation head unit complete with flash memory, voice recognition software, and hands free Bluetooth connectivity for the interior.
The Scion xD Release Series 2.0 will go on sale later this month and carry a $1,270 premium over a base xD, which go for $14,650 when equipped with a manual transmission and $15,450 for one that will shift itself.
Like any limited edition offering from an automaker, the Scion xD Release Series 2.0 will be manufactured in limited numbers. In this vehicle’s case there will only be 1600 units produced. Is this the kind of factory custom ride that today’s young new car shoppers are looking for? We will just have to wait and see, but as is the case with any special edition Scion, every example should find a home very shortly.
Press release after the jump.
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While the IQ is already sold in Japan and Europe as a Toyota, it’s getting its shot at the U.S. with the younger, hipper Scion brand. Unlike the other markets where the 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine is available, the IQ will only be available with the 1.3-liter four cylinder unit. This makes a respectable 93 hp — not bad for a three-seat (plus luggage) car that may return over 55 mpg.
More details and pics in the press release after the jump.
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Scion is a blank slate. Toyota’s youth oriented brand sells cars with the idea that many of its owners will buy parts to customize their cars. Occasionally Scion gives its fans a hand by showing them what is possible by modifying the cars at the factory. The Chicago Auto Show is the place Scion is using to showcase its latest special edition with the tC Release Series 5.0. This tC is upgraded with parts directly from parent company Toyota’s TRD (Toyota Racing Development) catalog.
The upgrades include a TRD stainless-steel muffler to add performance and improve the exhaust note, a thicker rear TRD anti roll bar to improve handling and TRD split nine-spoke rims finished in matte black with a red lip measuring in at 18 inches. The limited production run will consist of 2000 examples all painted in gloss black and have special TRD badging. Although there is no official word about performance, the Scion tC Release Series 5.0 should be quicker in a straight line as well as in the twisties.
In the interior you will find a black leather steering wheel with unique red stitching, black seats also with red highlights and TRD floor mats. Each Release Series 5.0 will be identifiable by a numbered plaque that certifies the tC’s authenticity.
The limited edition tC should arrive in dealerships in March and be priced around $19,970 for the manual and $20,770 for the automatic. Scion representatives have said that this will be the only limited edition tC for 2009.
Press release after the jump
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Scion will unveil at the Detroit Auto Show the special edition xB Release Series 6.0. It will go on sale starting February at a price of $15,750 for the manual transmission and $16,700 for the automatic transmission model. It will be limited to 2500 units.
The xB Release Series 6.0 comes exclusively in Absolutely Red exterior paint. A unique front grille with custom black finish and Release Series wheel covers distinguish this limited production xB. A color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option.
On the inside this special edition features a touch screen Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) headunit with flash memory, voice recognition, MSN Direct, and Bluetooth.
Press release after the jump.
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For those folks who don’t know, the Scion xB is an urban utility vehicle which features an iconic box style with elongated headlamps, rectangular grille and pronounced fenders. Under the hood, the 2009 model features a 2.4-liter dual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine capable to develop 158 hp, with 55 more than the previous generation. With this engine the estimated EPA fuel economy is of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
According to the manufacturer the stability and the handling of the vehicle is attributed to the MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension but also to the 16 inch wheels.
At the interior the vehicle features plenty of utility space with 21.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60/40 split fold flat rear seats for additional space and a flat cargo floor. Also the front seats can be fully reclined in order to increase cargo space or relaxation. More details after the jump!
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Scion today announced the 2009 tC sports coupe, the best-selling vehicle in the Scion lineup. The car remains unchanged, and the tC Spec Package is discontinued.
The company is offering a Sporty Package distinguished by an upper mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector-type low beam headlights with black trim in front, and tail lights similar in style to the headlights with round combination lamps.
A 2.4-liter double overhead-cam four cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence powers this CARB-certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle to produce a punchy 161 hp. The tC features a five-speed manual transmission or an available electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
The tC model is available in a choice of seven colors: Flint Mica, Super White, Black Sand Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Sizzling Crimson Mica, Wave Line Pearl and Nautical Blue Metallic. Exterior colors are complemented by a high-quality dark charcoal fabric interior.
Press release after jump.
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When you hear the name Scion, you probably think about the “stylish” Scion xB. The xB was such a success, with over 60,000 xBs sold in 2007; it outsold its smaller sibling the xA. Apparently, the xA just wasn’t cool enough. That is probably the reason why Scion decided to stop production of the xA back in 2007. However, the xA was quickly replaced with a newer and nicer model- the xD. The 2008 Scion xD was first introduced to the public on February 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show, and production started that same summer. The new xD wants to be fuller, sportier and more playful than the defunct xA, let’s see if that is the case.
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To appeal to young drivers, Toyota launched a complete line of vehicles in 2004. This new brand is called
Scion. Their hope was to repeat the Lexus success story with the Scion. Don’t ask me what Scion means or where it comes from, but after only 4 years in the US,
you will have a hard time to find a teenager who doesn’t know or want a Scion.
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Scion unveiled the RS*R tC, a Formula Drift model based on the most popular model, the tC sports coupe. The RS*R Scion tC features a 3SGE Beams motor, HKS GT3037 turbo and intercooler, Blitz Dual SBC boost controller, and AEM EMS engine management system that outputs more than 400 hp, compared to the stock 161 hp.
A G-Force five-speed sequential transmission, Tilton triple carbon clutch, Project Mu brakes, RS-R coilovers, Sparco Corsa seats and a custom concept wide body kit also make this vehicle unique. This tC will gracefully maneuver the track with Enkei RPF1 wheels and Toyo Proxes R1R™ tires.
The RS*R Scion tC, also sponsored by Toyo Tires and XM Satellite Radio, will make its first appearance at Formula Drift’s Round 1, Streets of Long Beach in Calif. on April 12. The event will also be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
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Scion unveiled today at the New York Auto Show the Hako Coupe, a concept developed by Tokyo Design Division. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.
Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.
The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.
Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.
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