[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

(from Scion Press Release) Scion Introduces FR-S Sports Coupe Concept at 2011 New York Auto Show

• Rear-wheel drive concept makes world debut
• Design focus of Pure Balance
• Boxer engine utilizes Toyota’s D4-S direct and port injection system

April 20, 2011 – New York – Scion unveiled the rear-wheel drive FR-S Concept sports coupe today at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The concept, which sets out to stimulate the souls of true driving enthusiasts, will be at the Scion display through May 1. The FR-S Concept will inspire a new model coming to the Scion brand next year.

The FR-S Concept, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG.

“Scion is always experimenting with new things,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “The brand is iconic with the xB, adrenalized by the tC, and groundbreaking with the iQ. The FR-S will expand the brand into yet another new dimension that I know it is truly destined for.”

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The sports coupe is most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.

Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is built around the core goal of achieving “pure balance,” which begins with the strategic placement of a flat 2.0-liter boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and shape allows the FR-S’ powertrain to be mounted lower and further back towards the rear, giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio.

The FR-S’ naturally-aspirated engine is innovative, being the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, which utilizes both direct and port injection, resulting in increased horsepower and torque throughout the entire powerband, without sacrificing MPG.

The flat-four can mate with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission features aggressive, sporty shifts that are initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is distributed effectively via a limited-slip differential.

The idea of “pure balance” is further realized by the FR-S’ lightweight design and short wheelbase. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of any corner, with dynamic maneuverability and confident stability.

“Akio Toyoda has mentioned that he is going to bring the fun-to-drive spirit back to Toyota,” Hollis said. “I know that the Scion FR-S Concept is one of the ways that he plans to accomplish that.”

The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a good reflection of its inner power. The intimidating proportions of the concept give it a dominant stance that bleeds performance. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood-line that is remarkably sleek and low, made possible by the boxer’s architecture.

The low stance continues to exaggerate the FR-S’ menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights that include bright LED clusters.

The solid panel roofline is sleek, lightweight and rigid, slotted with an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top.

The front fenders protrude upward, making space for the massive monoblock Five Axis 20×8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house the 20×10.5-inch wheels, emphasizing the FR-S’ staggered stance and rear-wheel-drive setup.

The rear fascia sits low and wide, with extensive lower treatments that surround the dual exhaust exits and contribute to excellent aerodynamics. LEDs illuminate both the edgy taillights and the bold “SCION” logo.

The concept features four-piston-caliper front brakes that clamp down on monstrous 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matrix rotors that are fixed to the wheels in a motorcycle-fashion.

The FR-S Concept is layered in rich coats of Code Red, the appropriately named color that consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

(from Scion Press Release) Scion Announces Pricing for xB Release Series 8.0 Will Debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2010 — Scion announced today that it will be displaying its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2011 xB Release Series 8.0 (xB RS 8.0), in the Scion booth at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nov. 17-28, 2010. The xB RS 8.0 will begin arriving in dealerships later this month.

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.

Toyota has finally built something that will compete with the Smart Fortwo, the Scion iQ. We are expected to see it hit dealer showrooms around March of next year. The iQ is said to have a 3+1 seating arrangement that will allow three people to fit inside the car with an extra spot for a youngster or car seat. Scion is saying it will also hold a real storage capacity despite its small size. Stay tuned or further updates.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

12►

We’re none too thrilled about this drab extension of Scion’s xB.  The RS 7.0 is a factory tricked-out package limited to a mere two thousand units, and starting at $18,300 for the manual.  What do you get in this “hot” item?  A TRD (Toyota Racing Development) exhaust, a new body-kit, lowered suspension, and a spruced-up interior.