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Video: Tanner Foust teases Mulholland drift

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:32:13 -0600

Tanner Foust Mulholland drift teaser - Click above to watch the video after the jump

You know those epically cool Ken Block videos where the DC Shoes scion comes up with incredibly creative ways to drift his purpose-built ~~Subaru STI~~ Ford Fiesta? Yeah, we love them too. In fact, we wish there were more clever drift videos out there on the Interwebs, and it looks like we may soon get our wish courtesy of Tanner Foust.

Mr. Autoblog Podcast himself is starting up a new drift series in March and he's trying to get your interest piqued by releasing a tantalizing 18 second teaser of what's to come. Hit the jump to watch Tanner and his rear drive, V8-powered Scion tC slide across your computer screen for the briefest of moments. And don't worry, we've used our considerable pull (read: none) to make sure Tanner mixes in some kick ass slow-mo shots when his Mulholland drift project hits the web next month.

Gallery: Autoblog Goes Drifting with Tanner Foust

Gallery: Tanner Foust's AEM/Rockstar Scion tC

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tanner Foust teases Mulholland drift

Video: Tanner Foust teases Mulholland drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Scion tC Release Series 6.0 is present and accounted for

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:20:14 -0600

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Scion

2010 Scion tC Release Series 6.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a good look at the Scion tC Release Series 6.0... it's kind of a big deal. Last year, Scion offered up 2,000 tC Release Series 5.0 models. This year, the new Release Series 6.0 will be almost twice as rare, with just 1,100 such models planned for production. Better get yourself in line now.

To recap, this special tC comes painted up in Speedway Blue, which looks even more like Chrysler's classic B5 Blue in person than it does in pictures, along with some very Challenger-esque flat black stripes. So, what we have here is obviously a pint-sized muscle car, right? Well, not exactly. With the same exact 161-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as all the other tCs sharing roadways, muscle isn't really in this car's vocabulary.

It's not all bad news, though. The 200-watt Alpine audio system with iPod/USB jack and 4.3-inch GPS touch screen do come standard for the car's $18,620 (with a stick, or $19,420 with an automatic) asking price. Check out the high-res image gallery below and click past the break for the press release.

Gallery: 2011 Scion tC Release Series 6.0 at Chicago Auto Show

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Scion tC Release Series 6.0 is present and accounted for

Chicago 2010: Scion tC Release Series 6.0 is present and accounted for originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Preview: Scion tC Release Series 6.0

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:44:22 -0600

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Scion

2010 Scion tC Release Series 6.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Scion has chosen Speedway Blue for its latest Release Series special, the 2010 tC Release Series 6.0 (tC RS 6.0), that should start speeding into dealerships in March. Gotta say, we're digging the blue a whole lot more than the electric lilac color that they chose for the xB RS 7.0 that debuted in Los Angeles. This latest RS will land at the Chicago Auto Show this week, and will be limited to just 1,100 units stickering at $18,620 with a stick, or $19,420 with an automatic.

Like prior RS limited edition models, the tC RS 6.0 gets its bespoke hue and a host of other tweaks, including a matte-black vinyl graphic that's pure muscle car. In fact, it reminds us of the popular Mustang tone and a certain Challenger from the Dodge boys, although we wouldn't recommend lining up against either of those with this Scion's untouched 161-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

Besides the paint and graphics, this particular RS package also includes bright blue highlights on the seats and steering wheel, a specially tuned 200-watt Alpine audio system with iPod/USB jack, and a 4.3-inch GPS touch screen. More details in the press release after the jump and check out the high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 tC Release Series 6.0

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Chicago Preview: Scion tC Release Series 6.0

Chicago Preview: Scion tC Release Series 6.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Motor Trend pits the Nissan GT-R against the Scion TC RWD drifters

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:44:32 -0600

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan, Scion

Nissan GT-R vs RWD Scion drift cars - Click above to watch video

Motor Trend hosted a summit of monsters that could be called "Where the Wild Things Are," gathering a Nissan GT-R and two back-wheel-driven Scion TC drift cars.

The question asked of the GT-R could have come from Autocar magazine's Ken Sutcliffe: "Will it drift?" After running through some standard MT performance runs, the cars were let loose around El Toro airfield to find the answer. You can click through the jump to see the video and find out...

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: Motor Trend pits the Nissan GT-R against the Scion TC RWD drifters

Video: Motor Trend pits the Nissan GT-R against the Scion TC RWD drifters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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xD wiper blades replacement

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:51:49 -0600

Both the 26" driver side and especially the 14" passenger side blade can be tough to find. I bought the Trico NeoForm at wipers123 they comes in a 14" and 26" length and has the proper mount for the xD. Awesome, cool looking windshield wiper blades!

New, Newbie, NOOB

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:49:32 -0600

Hello from Waterford, Wisconsin - USA!!

Toyota Exec: Hybrids too expensive for Scion, AWD possible

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:45:35 -0600

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Scion, Toyota

2010 Scion Lineup - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Scion (is an) innovation laboratory and a chance to try new things," says Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Naturally, when we think of Toyota and innovation, we think hybrids. And, moving another step towards some sort of logical conclusion, since Scion is Toyota's youth-oriented brand and the younger generations are considered to be more in tune with the environment, hybrids would seemingly be a lock for the Scion brand. Not so, it seems, and the main stumbling block is a familiar one: cost.

Hybrids - and particularly Toyota's complicated Hybrid Synergy Drive - feature two distinct sets of drivetrain components that are each capable of powering the vehicle under certain circumstances. As such, they are more expensive to produce than typical internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. Add in an expensive battery pack, and the expected cost for a hybridized Scion shoots past the self-imposed $20,000 ceiling that Toyota has set on its entry-level marque.

So, if not hybrids (at least not in the near-term future), what innovative technology is Toyota considering for Scion? For starters, all-wheel drive, likely cribbed from Subaru, of which Toyota owns a 16.5-percent stake. Apparently, Toyota believes it can manage an all-wheel-drive Scion that doesn't break the $20,000 barrier more easily than it can one with a hybrid powertrain. Where that falls into the Japanese automaker's stated goal to produce ever more fuel efficient vehicles, we don't yet know.

Gallery: 2010 Scion Lineup

[Source: Wards Auto]

Toyota Exec: Hybrids too expensive for Scion, AWD possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota 'Gs' performance division in the works

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:55:43 -0600

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Scion, Toyota

Toyota G Sports FT-86 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Be still our hearts. A Toyota post that doesn't involve a recall. Instead, we've got an unsurprising report about ToMoCo's plans to start a new, in-house performance division dubbed "Gs" sometime in 2010.

Earlier this month, Toyota trotted out three models wearing a new line of performance parts at the Tokyo Auto Salon under the "Toyota G Sports" moniker. While a bodykitted Prius isn't exactly our cup of Earl Grey and the tuned Mark X is about as interesting as a fire-breathing Camry, the (supposedly) turbocharged Toyota FT-86, fitted with a complete aero kit, suspension and brake mods kicked our salivary glands into overdrive.

Unlike the forthcoming Volkswagen R line, BMW's M division or Mercedes-Benz' AMG unit, the Gs line would be a joint collaboration between Modelista - which has been developing and supplying exterior components to the automaker - and TRD, which will handle engine, suspension and brake development with the help of Gazoo, the firm that helped to create the hybrid Mk. III MR2 for TAS.

G's will focus more on high-end components developed for the street and will likely sold as either a complete model (think Toyota FT-86 Gs) or available as separate components, similar to the Lexus F Sport line.

Whether these components or full models will make it Stateside remains to be seen, but when the FT-86 makes it to U.S. shores, we'd suspect Toyota - or more likely Scion - will offer similar equipment.

Gallery: Toyota G Sports Series

[Source: InsideLine]

Continue reading Report: Toyota 'Gs' performance division in the works

Report: Toyota 'Gs' performance division in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Scion inject freshness into America's stale compact pickup scene?

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:24:59 -0600

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Scion

Scion Hako concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We know that Scion will launch a new tC coupe and a tiny little iQ minicar before the end of the year, but what comes after that? Yoshi Inaba, president of Toyota Motor North America, admits that the Japanese automaker hasn't yet decided what future products make the most sense for the youth-oriented Scion brand, but Scion General Manager Jack Hollis tells Wards Auto that a truck is a possibility.

Take a look at the current pickup truck market and you'll see that the only currently available machine that even remotely fits into the compact role is the Ford Ranger, which hasn't been updated in eons and sees its sales dwindle every single year (55,600 in 2009). This being the case, there may be room for a small urban pickup from Scion, though the automaker indicates it would need to be careful not to infringe on the class-leading Toyota Tacoma.

If Scion did indeed build a true compact pickup with an eye toward reasonable fuel efficiency, what would it look like? Perhaps an xB with a small bed? Or might it look something like the Hako concept from the 2008 New York Auto Show (perhaps in modified form

Gallery: Scion Hako Coupe Concept

[Source: Wards Auto]

Will Scion inject freshness into America's stale compact pickup scene? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Scion to get stronger Stateside focus, two new models

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:36:52 -0600

Filed under: Coupe, Scion

2009 Scion tC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the fact that Scion is a uniquely American invention for Toyota, only one of its current models - the rapidly aging tC coupe - was actually designed here in the States. Perhaps it shouldn't come as too big a surprise, then, that U.S. Scion sales are down by 49-percent compared to 2008 levels.

According to Automotive News, Yoshi Inaba, president of Toyota Motor North America, says that's all set to change in the near future as the youth-oriented Japanese brand draws up two new models that will be heavily influenced by American tastes. We certainly hope that doesn't mean bigger and unnecessarily bloated like the second-generation xB.

A redesigned tC model will reportedly come first, followed by the Scionized version of the mini-me Toyota iQ. Inaba didn't give any sort of timetable on new model launches and even said that the automaker hasn't yet determined what new vehicles will come after what's currently scheduled.

Whatever comes our way, it seems that we should expect Scion to continue marketing to a young audience. To that end, the company will continue to focus on innovative new technologies that will boost "connectivity," though that could have a number of differing meanings. We'll see what Toyota has in mind soon enough, as the redesigned tC is scheduled to go on sale later this year.

Gallery: 2009 Scion tC

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Scion to get stronger Stateside focus, two new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to offer hybrid Scion iQ in sedan, five-door

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:31:00 -0600

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota

Scion iQ Concept - click above for hi-res image gallery

You know that Toyota iQ your cousin's seen running around Europe and Japan? It's making its way Stateside, first to next week's Detroit Auto Show, then to a Scion dealer near you as a hybrid. This is according to a scoop by Inside line. We've known for a while now that the iQ will be showing up as a Scion, just not for certain as a hybrid. Also, according to IL, the fate of the brand hangs in the balance. Also-also, they might (yay!) drop the name iQ.

That's right, the diminutive Toyota with the silly name is going to greet us as a youth-branded Scion. In multiple flavors, too. First will come a five-door hatchback, followed next by a four-door sedan. The latter is almost a little puzzling - who on earth wants a four-door sedan version - but then we recall all the other cars PR types tell us the American market forces into four-door guise and we're not surprised one bit. The Scion iQ will also come as a three-door hatch. Expect the five-door to show up first, towards the end of 2011.

The engine options are pretty interesting. If you so desire, a 1.3-liter four-banger will produce 93 horsepower. However, most folks will probably opt for the hybrid version. First of all, the gas and electric propulsion is so cheap that Toyota will be able to sell it for $15,000 or less. Second, expect a 1.5-liter four and some sort of electric motor to produce between 100 and 120 hp and return 60 mile per gallon. Not bad at all. Again, Inside Line ends their scoop explaining that if the iQ doesn't get youngsters buying Scions, nothing will. Er, make that nothing will have a chance to, as Toyota is likely to fold the brand.

Gallery: New York: Scion iQ Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Toyota to offer hybrid Scion iQ in sedan, five-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:01:41 -0600

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Design/Style

Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, CA - Click above for high-res image gallery

In anticipation of the debut of the all-new 2011 Toyota Sienna at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December, the folks responsible for the minivan invited us to take a peek inside their Calty design center in Newport Beach, California. Calty Design Research is the Toyota design center that created production cars like the '78, '90 and '00 Toyota Celica, '07 FJ Cruiser, '07 Tundra, '08 Highlander, '08 Scion xB, and '09 Venza, as well as the Lexus LF-C, FT-SX, Scion t2B, Scion FUSE, FT-HS and A-BAT concepts.

It's not very often that they open the doors of this design center to the public - let alone journalists - so we jumped at the chance. We spent a day with the group directly responsible for the 2011 Sienna and also met with Calty and Toyota officials. It was an enlightening day in which we learned about what inspired this third generation people-hauler, what Calty offers to differentiate it from other Toyota design houses, and why full-size clay models are still so important in the world of design, among other things.

Follow the jump to travel with us past the velvet rope and into Calty.

Gallery: Calty Design Research Tour

Continue reading Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center

Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:44:00 -0600

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Scion

Scion xB Release Series 7.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just yesterday we shared with you some pics of and specs on the latest Scion Release Series, the xB 7.0. It's a tradition of sorts for Scion to come out with a new Release at the LA Auto Show. For this go-around, Scion seems to have been indulging in some fermented grapes, as the bloody thing is painted Murasaki! That would be purple for those of us not fluent in Japanese. Well, we have just one thing to say now that we've seen it in person, we're glad it's going to be limited to just 2,000 units.

It's not so much the underlying xB, or the DAMD body kit, or the custom stitching on the interior. It's not the TRD springs for sure, and the new exhaust tips aren't that bad. It's just that when the whole thing is swathed in purple, we can't get past the color. In any case, you can check out the high-res gallery below and the press release after the jump and judge the 7.0 for yourself.

Gallery: LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0

Gallery: Scion xB Release Series 7.0

Continue reading LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies

LA 2009: Scion xB Release Series 7.0 limited to 2,000 copies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion unveils $18,320 xB Release Series 7.0, will debut in LA

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:44:59 -0600

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Scion

Scion xB Release Series 7.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we've come to expect, Toyota will roll out a special edition Scion model at the upcoming LA Auto Show. As has typically been the case with these special editions, the xB Release Series 7.0 will sport a standard body kit and an unmistakable color palette inside and out.

For numero 007, Toyota has chosen a four-piece DAMD body kit that includes front and rear lower lips plus a set of side skirts. It's certainly not the best looking body kit available, but the real kicker is the color. The hue is called Murasaki, which means "purple" in Japanese. Yep, purple.

Inside, black fabric seats will be highlighted with more matching purple insets and a leather-wrapped RAZO GT Formula Spec shift knob. Suspension bits are upgraded with TRD lowering springs and a new exhaust system features a sportier sound and twin center-mounted tail pipes. For what it's worth, there's an optional rear spoiler but no alloy wheels.

Those with a hankering for a Grimace-inducing-and-recalling Scion will be able to get one of the 2,000 planned models for $18,320 with a manual transmission or $19,270 with an automatic (plus a $670 shipping and handling fee) starting this month. See the high-res gallery below and hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Scion xB Release Series 7.0

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading Scion unveils $18,320 xB Release Series 7.0, will debut in LA

Scion unveils $18,320 xB Release Series 7.0, will debut in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: A quintet of concept Scions leaves us hungry for more

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:19:04 -0600

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Work, Hatchback, Scion, Specialty

2009 SEMA Scion xB DJ 2.0 Concept by Five Axis - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just like last year, Scion had a group of tuners develop a whole range of models for SEMA 2009. Clustered in one corner of the Central Hall, the group included the Brandon Leung pickup and 0-60 Rally xD we showed you earlier, as well as another handful of tricked out Toyota lites.

First up was the Epic Cartel tC, the only tC in the group and a unique take on open-air motoring and completes what they are calling the Trilogy/Cartel Open Air Collection.

Next up was the xB DJ 2.0 by Five Axis (above). With its widened track and massive contrasting wheel arches it looked like it was ready for some Touring Car duty, but the real purpose was what lay inside: A full mobile DJ set-up. Sadly, it was locked up when we went by for a peek.

Eneri Abillar did up an xB for the xB Tuner Challenge, with a fairly straightforward tuner look and some blazing red-orange paint. Suspension, brakes and engine upgrades made this a runner too.

It was similar to the xB done by Peter Colello, although his was blue, didn't have the Greddy turbo, opting for a BullsEye Power T04B instead. The inside was a wild mix of alcantara, speakers, roll cage and gauges.

The one we had wanted to see the most, however, was the Scion xD by MV Designz. When we saw the name of it in the preview, we had hoped we'd finally get to taste the elusive, underground, Korean BBQ from Kogi. When closed up, the xD looks a lot like any other Scion runabout. When opened, it transforms into a mobile kitchen, complete with fridge, sink, cutting board and grill! Sadly, it was closed for business when we stopped by so no Kogi once again. We promise to check back regularly though.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: The Scions of SEMA

SEMA 2009: A quintet of concept Scions leaves us hungry for more originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: 0-60 takes the Scion xD rallying

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:19:04 -0600

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Scion, Off-Road

0-60 Magazine/Sparco Scion xD Rally car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Screw convention! Why do you have to build a rally car out of something sporty? Or powerful? Or off-road-worthy? According to 0-60 magazine at least, you don't have to. You can build a rally car out of just about anything. Take this Scion xD for instance. It's probably among the last cars you'd picture taking off-road, but seeing what it looks like after 0-60 and Sparco got their mitts on it, you might want to reconsider. They added a ton of safety gear, enough lights to rival the nearby Luxor's candlepower, and basically just butched it up enough to make it look less like... well, an econobox. It should be a blast to drive. Maybe we'll try to find ourselves an Irish copilot and take it out for a spin.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: 0-60 Scion xD Rally Car

SEMA 2009: 0-60 takes the Scion xD rallying originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Brandon Leung's Scion xB channels Bonneville circa 1955

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:19:04 -0600

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Truck, Scion, Specialty

Scion xB Challenge entry by Brandon Leung - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we look at a Scion xB we tend to think of a lot of things, few of which are very flattering. One thing we definitely don't think of is a Bonneville Salt Flats bike hauler from the '50s, until now. That's probably why we're bloggers and not designers. Fortunately for us there is Brandon Leung, who transformed this second gen. xBox into a super sweet retro ride, complete with custom matching BOWLS bike in the bed.

That's right, this former hatchback now has a bed. A wood-lined bed at that. It has a great low stance, low and wide, a perfectly nostalgic green and cream paint scheme, and full-on Moonie-like billet aero wheels to complete the look. The changes are more than skin deep too, with engine, suspension and brake upgrades to complete the package. You can see the full breakout of changes in the gallery.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Scion xB Tuner Challenge by Brandon Leung

SEMA 2009: Brandon Leung's Scion xB channels Bonneville circa 1955 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion brand finally headed to Canada next September

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:40:28 -0600

Filed under: Scion, Toyota, Canada

It's official: Scion is headed to the land of Bob and Doug. Toyota's sub-brand will arrive in 45 dealerships in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver ten months from now, in September 2010. Scion's full model range will be offered -- xB, xD, and tC -- and dealers will present them in a "store within a store" concept, which makes it sound like passwords, burlesque, and moonshine will be involved.

To give you Canuck Scion mavens something to do for the next eleven months, there's a Canadian Scion website. It's a little barren right now, but after you take a quick survey it'll let you know things like the Scion badge was "created to symbolize non-conformity, authenticity and personal style." And then there are links to other Scion content, such as an interview with Mot

the Melissa Project

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:19:17 -0500

I am going to raffle some stuff off and all the $ will go to the Melissa Project. I will do one raffle a month for 4 months. At the end of the month I will post a video of the name being pulled out of a hat or something like that. First up is going to be a set of eyelids. To enter in the raffle you must donate $5.00 that will place you into the raffle and will give you a chance to win the prize. More info click the link.

Toyota Celica or Scion tC? Toyota reportedly deliberating over production FT-86 nameplate

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:03:53 -0500

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Tokyo Motor Show, Scion, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although the Toyota FT-86, freshly unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, is billed strictly as a concept car, we're fully expecting the rear-wheel-drive coupe to foreshadow a new production car from Toyota. The question on everyone's lips, then, is what Toyota will call the final version when it hits the market.

Some reports are indicating that Toyota will revive the Celica nameplate, a name which still carries a certain following among Japanese sportscar fans even though it hasn't been used in four years. Other reports are suggest that when the production FT-86 reaches American shores, it will act as a replacement for the current Scion tC. Both the models, in their last iterations, were front-drive models, but that may not be a factor in determining the vehicle's name.

So which is true? Only time will tell, but both reports could ultimately prove accurate. Even if Toyota does decide to badge the FT-86 a Scion, the youth-oriented brand is only active in the North American market, meaning that the Japanese automaker will still need another name for use in its domestic market and others overseas. Which name would appeal to you more? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

[Sources: Autocar and The Detroit Bureau]

Toyota Celica or Scion tC? Toyota reportedly deliberating over production FT-86 nameplate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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