Scion Announces September 2010 Arrival In Canada For The Youth Trend-Setting Brand

Drivers looking for a car that maximizes personal expression while busting style conventions should mark September 2010 on their calendars. That’s when the Toyota Scion comes to selected dealer showrooms in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

Originally announced in 2008, Canadian enthusiasts of the youth-oriented vehicle have been able to get a taste of the new brand with interactive concept vehicle displays and give-aways at auto shows in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

"This is a great time to launch Scion in Canada," said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada. "As the auto industry emerges from recession, one of the largest and youngest demographics will be entering the marketplace. Young buyers will be looking to the ever-growing small car market. They are not only looking for a safe, high-quality and fuel efficient vehicle, it is important to them that the vehicle reflects their personality and lifestyle, and the stylish and trendy Scion brand will be there to fulfill that need."

The 45 dealers were chosen for both their location and the ability to address and anticipate the needs of the growing youth market. Dealer locations are centred in and around urban areas with above average youth populations.

"The next generation of young car buyers is carving its own unique social and cultural experiences, and Scion dealers will be part of their lifestyle," Hutchinson said. "We are very excited to announce the 45 Scion dealers for Canada are already preparing for an edgy new car line-up and a whole new demographic of drivers."

Scion arrives with three distinct and unique vehicles:

• The tC compact sport coupe, combining style and performance topped with a remarkable panorama moon roof;

• The xD, an aggressive subcompact five-door hatchback;

• The xB, the iconic five-door box, delivering astounding spaciousness that’s game for urban adventure.

Not only fuel efficient, stylish and safety-conscious, Scion is also about personalization. Upgrades and accessories can be added to any Scion, from unique wheels to shift knobs and sport pedals, from satellite radio systems to a broad selection of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance enhancements. On the safety side, every Scion includes front dual-stage airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags and three-point lap and shoulder belts for all occupants.

There will be more to see and hear from Scion throughout 2010, including the introduction of the line-up during the 2010 auto show season and sneak peek events aimed at the youth demographic and the young at heart.

Scion Reveals IQ Concept At The 2009 New York International Auto Show

At the New York Auto Show today, Scion unveiled a special concept version of the iQ micro-subcompact car designed to meet the transportation needs of young urban trendsetters.

Scion’s iQ concept is a new urban vehicle with a revolutionary package that is just over 10 feet in length and accommodates three plus luggage. As more and more urban centres are revitalized with a new sense of purpose, energy, and creativity, young people are moving in from the suburbs to embrace new urbanism and are looking for a car that suits their needs and delivers high emotional value.

Scion’s iQ concept is the intelligent answer to this need for highly emotional and efficient urban transportation. The convenience of having work, entertainment and culture nearby for young city-dwellers is a significant draw to urban centres. The vehicle must be able to navigate narrow, congested streets, park in tight places, have impressive fuel economy, and have compelling design and function.

"Scion’s iQ concept turns traditional auto design upside down," said Larry Hutchinson, Director, Toyota Canada Inc. "Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just the opposite with its innovative features and iconic urban design, and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand. Our young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward thinkers, and we think they will appreciate what iQ has to offer."

The production iQ is currently sold in Japan and Europe. Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif. took the iQ to the next level with aggressive exterior and interior modifications that show the vehicle’s potential for personalization.

With its 78.7-inch wheelbase, the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through city traffic. At the same time, its overall length of 3223.26 mm (126.9 inches), overall width of 1813.56 mm (71.4 inches), and short front and rear overhangs allow the iQ to fit in virtually any city parking space. The front-mounted differential and repositioned steering rack decrease front end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear overhang.

Pushing the wheels of the small, bold concept towards the four corners of the body gives the iQ a confident stance. The custom 18-inch wheels with a nickel finish and wide tires fill the wheel well, adding to its surefootedness. The iQ’s custom front air dam, aero headlamps and high-intensity LED driving lamps signal urban road readiness.

"We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation," said Hutchinson. "If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, you know it’ll be easy to personalize."

The iQ’s profile is defined by a strong and high beltline. Smooth lines glide from the large, dark finish headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and wrap around the rear emphasizing the concept’s geometric beauty. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the clean design.

The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run toward the wheels, from the hatch to the thick rear diffuser, creating a substantial presence. A centre-mounted trapezoid exhaust adds to the vehicle’s distinctiveness, while large, matte-finished rear taillights help keep the vehicle visible.

The iQ’s interior fuses function, style and entertainment. Attention to detail and modern accents can be seen in the illuminated door handle; the swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash; an illuminated iQ logo on the passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum toned interior panels. Iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas, combined with the custom exterior paint, provides a balance of freshness and sophistication. Black matte scuba-like polyurethane covers the seat bolsters and is also used on the headliner with a bright green topstitch for a contemporary finish.

The iQ features a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. With the push of a button, the touch-screen articulates to reveal the entertainment hub. The touch screen can also play movies while the vehicle is parked. When not in use, the screen lays flat on the dash with a translucent cover that emits a colourful display of light patterns to make the interior even more unique.

A few quick strokes to the black panel below the entertainment hub, or steering wheel controls, command the audio system to shuffle through a music library. The centre cluster also features three control knobs for dual front heating and air conditioning settings. The driver and front passenger each have a knob that displays their desired temperature and controls their temperature and fan settings. The centre knob dictates zone control for both occupants.

The instrument panel has a speedometer, warning lamps, and a multi-information display. The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle through the odometer, average speed, temperature, and eco lamp. The eco lamp illuminates during efficient driving to help the driver achieve maximum fuel economy.

Comfortable front passenger legroom was achieved with a newly-engineered, compact air conditioning unit located behind the centre of the front console. The iQ employs a glove bag, with the same textured, honeycomb fabric as the front and rear seats, that can be easily snapped on and off for storage or additional legroom.

Rear seating can accommodate one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver. Extra slim front seat backs provide rear passengers with legroom. The rear seats are 50/50 and fold flat for increased utility. In addition, the rear seat cushion lifts up to reveal a small flat storage space that can be used for pocket-sized portable music players, small books, digital cameras, or slim laptops.

The iQ does not skimp on safety and is equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA); and nine SRS airbags, which includes the world’s first rear window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver and front passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag; and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.

Scion iQ concept vehicle

Preliminary specifications

Powertrain

Engine:	1.3-litre, four-cylinder, VVT-i
Horsepower:	93 hp
Torque:	89 lb.-ft.
Drivetrain:	Front wheel drive

Dimensions (mm/inches)

Overall Length:	3223.26 / 126.9
Overall Width:	1813.56 / 71.4 without side mirrors, 2014.22 / 79.3 including side mirrors
Overall Height:	1445.26 / 56.9 without antenna, 1587.5 / 62.5 including antenna
Wheelbase:	1998.98 / 78.7
Seating Capacity:	3+1

Modifications

Exhaust:	Five Axis custom stainless exhaust
Wheels:	Five: AD S6:F custom wheels with nickel finish prototyped by MetalFX - 18×8.5 ET03
Tires:	Yokohama S.drive - 2.5/40R18
Suspension:	TEIN Super Street coilover suspension
Body:	Five Axis widebody conversion , Burnt nickel accents, Custom accented headlights and taillights

Scion Fuse Sports Coupe Concept Debuts At The 2009 Montreal International Auto Show

The street-smart Scion, Toyota’s lifestyle brand on wheels, makes its first Canadian Auto Show appearance in the shape of the Fuse Sports Coupe Concept at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show (Jan. 16-25). Scion is enforcing its brand commitment to urban youth, making Montreal the setting for the official Canadian debut of the Fuse concept.

Designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon and with the forward-thinking lifestyle of young Gen Ys in mind, the Fuse was developed by Calty Design Research, Toyota’s North American design studio, and Scion’s Advanced Product Strategy Team. The aim was to push the limits of a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one menacing looking package. More importantly, its styling lets the world know it intends to expand the performance envelope among affordable, entry-level sport coupes.

"Last fall, Toyota Canada Inc. announced that the urban, street-savvy Scion would hit three key urban centres across Canada, including Montreal, in spring 2010, so we wanted to give Montrealers an example of the next Scion’s potential when it arrives," said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada.

With an exterior inspired by the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan, the Fuse features:

• A low, aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window, and balanced by a strong C-pillar.

• A front end that glares at you with slim, high-mounted, deep-set headlamps communicating a serious and aggressive attitude, and a massive rectangular air intake that hints at the potential for a large intercooler.

• A back end with wide-body rear flares that span the entire rear mass, encasing deep-set vertical tail lamps.

• 20-inch custom-machined wheels with LED’s on the end of each spoke, which illuminate as turn indicators.

• Programmable headlights and fog lamps that light up in various colors.

The Fuse’s interior merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the surround.

Among its features:

• A drive-by-wire steering interface with influences from race cars and video game controllers.

• A media station that runs the length of the dash where passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual display 10.5-inch monitors.

Just as unique and forward-thinking are the Fuse’s three separate interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations:

• Video mode: the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table, or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or take advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity and instant message their friends.

• Driving mode: the video screens turn off and a multi-informational display is used for driver information.

• Cargo mode: the front passenger seat and rear seats fold down to form a flat surface, and multi-functioning rear cargo access allows stowage of larger items.

While the Fuse cabin seats four comfortably, when parked the tailgate converts to provide outdoor seating. A pass of the foot over an infrared sensor on the lip of the rear bumper opens the rear tailgate and sliding hatch, allowing the tailgate to drop down into a curb-high bench. Add rear foldout speakers and a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, and an instant social scene is created.

"The Fuse is a styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Canadians who have been asking for Scion, as well as other Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe," said Hutchinson. "Like previous Scion concepts, the Fuse delivers a unique statement about what the Scion brand is all about and where it is headed."