Auto Fans Club

Toyota’s North American subsidiary, Scion, surprised us today at the opening of the 2011 New York Auto Show with the world premiere of its new FR-S sports coupe concept. We say ‘surprised’ not because we weren’t expecting a Scion-badged Toyota FT-86 to make its appearance in the Big Apple, but because of its refined design that made us forget about the FT-86 II concept we saw less than two months ago at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Read more »

The most hotly anticipated model of the New York Auto Show, Scion’s version of the Toyota FT-86 sports coupe concept, finally made its world premiere today. The study is named FR-S, which stands for ‘Front-Engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport’, though we prefer the definition given by Jack Hollis, Scion vice president, during the New York Show presentation.

“FR-S stands for Front-engine… Rear-wheel drive… Sport. Pretty simple. I personally believe it should stand for Friggin’ Really Sweet… but the legal department at Toyota was NOT feeling the same way,” said Hollis.

The first thing most readers will notice about the FR-S is the refined design compared to the latest concept version of the Toyota FT-86, shown in Geneva this past March. Though it’s hard to pinpoint all the changes without having the cars side by side, the photos reveal a tweaked front end with revamped headlamps and a different bumper design without the aftermarket like add-on LED strips.

Anticipation is running so high for Scion’s version of the Toyota FT-86 sports coupe that some couldn’t wait for the official reveal of the FR-S later today at the New York Auto Show, and dropped the first pictures of the car onto the web.

From what we can tell from these two photos, the Japanese automaker has changed the design again with the FR-S sporting a new front bumper that does away with the Geneva Show FT-86 II’s aftermarket-like LED strips, while also featuring a different rear bumper and diffuser, as well as more pronounced rear fenders. The gaudy side vents are also gone while the study is equipped with different exterior mirrors.

Toyota has been teasing us with its upcoming compact rear-wheel drive sports car since the original FT-86 concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, which was followed up by the FT-86 G Sports study a year later at the same show, and more recently, by the almost production-ready FT-86 II concept in Geneva. Now it’s time to get our first glimpse of the North American version of the FT-86 that will be marketed under the Scion brand.

Even though the Japanese firm’s North American subsidiary only makes word of a new Scion Concept to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show on April 20, 2011, without giving any further details, the car shadowed in the teaser video below leaves few doubts that the model in question is the FT-86.

2011 Scion iQ Reviews

2011 Scion iQ.Measuring just 120 inches long overall, the baby Scion is nearly 4 feet shorter than its boxy stablemate, the Scion xB, although it is still 14 inches longer than the two-passenger Smart.
To downplay the vehicle's ultra-compact dimensions, Toyota is fitting loads of standard safety gear, including stability and traction control, ABS with brake assist, plus 10 airbags, including an industry-first rear-window air curtain.

The mini car wars are on, and Scion is hoping to appeal to young, hip, urban shoppers with the 2011 iQ, which Scion says is the world's smallest four-seat car.

The 2011 Scion iQ is based on the Toyota iQ, a micro car that's been sold in Japan since 2008, and has made its way to Europe. Reviewers say that with its unconventional styling and features that skew young (Scion has stuffed a standard six-speaker stereo into the iQ's tiny cabin), Scion may have a hit on its hands.

Scion has released preliminary horsepower and fuel economy estimates.
If you're looking for an ultra-small city car, you can't overlook the granddaddy of the segment, the Smart Fortwo. However, the Fortwo is no longer the only super-small car game in town.
Though Scion showed off the production model at the 2010 New York Auto Show, they haven’t released all details on the 2011 Scion iQ. Pricing and trims haven't been announced, but reviewers expect the iQ to start around $12,000.

The 2011 Scion iQ uses an innovative "3 + 1" seating arrangement that holds three adults and one child or pet -- the configuration makes it the smallest four-seat car in the world, according to Scion. Like most Scions, reviewers expect the iQ to be very customizable.

the Scion iQ is a few inches longer than the Toyota version and just over a foot longer than the two-seat Smart Fortwo, but it’s still two feet stubbier than a Mini Cooper. The iQ’s 78.7-inch wheelbase is five inches longer than the Smart Fortwo’s, which makes space for the iQ’s innovative—you might also say “compromised”—rear seats. The rear seats fold independently and with both folded, Scion says there’s enough room for two golf bags.

A rundown of the fluffy collision pillows: two front, two side-impact, two side-curtain, two front-seat knee airbags, a seat-cushion airbag for the driver, and the rear bag.
Scion expects the iQ to return a combined-fuel-economy figure in the high 30s.
Like the Smart, which doesn’t have a rear seat, space in the front of the iQ is plentiful, thanks to numerous space-saving engineering solutions. Whereas the Smart tucks its engine and transmission below the rear of the car, the iQ’s has a traditional front-engine, front-drive layout. The Scion iQ goes on sale in early 2011.

The devastating consequences of the March 11 Japan earthquake and tsunami on the country’s auto industry continue to unfold. Today, Toyota Motor Corp. announced that it will reduce its North American production because of the lack of parts. The Japanese auto giant said that over the next few weeks, its American vehicle plants will operate on a reduced schedule, with production suspended on April 15, 18, 21*, 22, and 25. The same goes for most of the company’s North American engine and component plants that will follow a similar schedule.

The Toyota group has announced price increases for most 2011MY cars, SUVs and trucks it sells under the Toyota, Scion and Lexus brands. These increases will be applicable for cars produced from May onwards. The only models that will keep the same prices are the Tacoma pickup truck, Yaris sedan, Scion tC, Scion xB, Lexus CT 200h and Lexus LFA.

2011 Scion xD
Toyota’s entry-level brand is under fire. After seven years of relatively easy pickings, a combination of poor corporate decision making and increasingly laser-accurate competition, Scion is scrambling.

Perhaps the vehicle most under fire is the entry-level xD, a poor cousin replacement to the poor cousin xA hatchback that although mechanically identical, couldn’t hold a candle to the original square-box xB in terms of perception.

The xD is not an overt performer, especially with its 16-inch all-season tires on steel wheels, and relatively modest brakes (including rear drums).

Maybe Scion’s trying to attract all those old Honda Civic owners bouncing around on cut springs?Either way, the xD does nip through traffic quite well for its size.

While a starting price of $14,900 is middle of the pack, it’s certainly not a stripper model... there’s standard power windows and locks, air conditioning, a good Pioneer stereo, expensive side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, split-folding and reclining rear seats, and a full load of safety systems like ABS, traction and stability control, six airbags, and active front headrests. Everything from a rear spoiler and carbon-fiber B-pillar appliqués, to TRD-branded brake pads, shift-knobs, sway bars and exhausts can be had. There are too many smart, sharp, satisfying vehicles now on sale in the xD’s backyard to recommend it without serious consideration. Unlike the xB – or even the sexy 2011 tC coupe – the xD is not the emotional choice in the Scion showroom.

Scion designed the xD with a young audience in mind. It’s a hip box car that’s easily customized. The xD does falter in a few areas. First, its fuel economy ratings are some of the lowest in the class. Less expensive affordable small cars like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit have much better estimated fuel economy and are priced below the Scion xD’s $15,045 base price. Second, the xD’s seats are uncomfortable for the driver and passengers. This car really isn’t about performance or cargo capacities. If you’re looking for a car with unique exterior styling and don’t mind sacrificing fuel economy or space, you should consider the xD.

Still want a box car? The Kia Soul, Nissan Cube and Scion xB are your only options, but you’ll be stuck with some of the worst fuel economy ratings in the class and mediocre performance. As insurance industry “Top Safety Picks,” the Cube and the Soul are also the safest box cars. The xD starts at $15,045 for the manual transmission and $15,845 for the automatic transmission.
The Scion xD receives a few updates for 2011.

Just your regular subcompact car
The xD is sized like a Mazda2, give or take a few millimetres. This comparison stands until pricing enters the mix. The xD is even a few hundred dollars more expensive than the Fiesta, a supermini known for its high base price (which Ford justifies by its longer list of equipment).

In this regard, the xD and Fiesta are indeed alike. Both have inherited air conditioning, power windows, remote access, a rear windshield wiper, traction control and ABS right off the bat, as well as a full suite of airbags. The difference? The xD gets a tilting steering wheel, while the Fiesta’s is also telescopic.

Could Toyota's source code hold the answer to its sudden acceleration problems? Possibly, and it's currently working with attorneys to smooth out how this code will be analyzed in its ongoing unintended acceleration legal woes.

For those of you too fried to remember, Toyota had a bit of a flub a couple years ago regarding unintended acceleration in some of its vehicles; the problems were originally blamed on floor mats, poorly designed pedals, and driver error.

Currently, plaintiffs and their attorneys are still fighting for a proper explanation and compensation even though "the [U.S.] government's comprehensive review of Toyota's source code found no electronic causes of [unintended acceleration] in Toyota vehicles."

2011 scion xb
Interested in buying a Scion xB? Don’t, however, expect any revolutionary changes. Cars.com says: “The most notable change is the jutting front bumper, which is similar to the original model’s chinlike protrusion. The headlights, taillights and front and rear bumpers also get restyled. Inside, the changes are also slight. “The cabin also receives a small amount of freshening, beginning with new front seats with larger bolsters,” reports Car and Driver. The 2011 Scion xB will feature the same 158-horspower, 2.4-liter four cylinder engine as this year’s model. If you're in the market for a new car, this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.

When a press release titled “Scion Announces Pricing for Restyled 2011 Scion xB hit our inbox, we thought to ourselves, what restyled Scion xB? Scion has revised the front and rear bumpers, headlights and taillights, and the grille. The front of the xB now sports a newly shrunken grille and larger mouth-like lower opening, as well as different—and better integrated–headlights. The 2011 xB will also be available in two new paint colors: Army Rock Metallic and Elusive Blue Metallic.

Scion changed some of the exterior features on the xB, but it’s still retaining its iconic boxy feel--The standard engine is a 158-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder--Transmission: Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic--This four-door, wagon-style vehicle seats five.

Ease of entry and exit, alert close-quarters maneuvering capabilities, distinct looks, and loads of passenger and cargo space continue to characterize the 2011 Scion xB.
The 2011 xB's distinct looks aren’t for everyone, nor are its tepid mileage, poor rear visibility, bargain-basement interior materials, or still-confounding controls and gauges.

Still a refrigerator box on wheels, the 2011 Scion xB has, nonetheless, undergone a bit of modification inside and out. Only one trim level is available for the 2011 xB, with, therefore, the traditional single engine choice. Standing pat with its sprightly 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and standard five-speed manual transmission, the 2011 Scion xB puts out 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. A four-speed auto-manual transmission is also available for an extra grand. To add insult to injury, one review claims only a 20 mpg average with the auto-manual transmission.

The 2011 Scion xB is noted as reasonably quick off the line, with one performance test claiming 0-60 in 8.6 seconds in an auto-manual-equipped version.

Additionally, 17-, 18-, or 19-inch alloy wheels are available for the xB, though data on ride improvement with the larger tires is scarce.

At highway speeds, the xB feels tolerably stable and controlled, according to most reviews, with its MacPherson front struts often mitigating what several reviewers claim is a somewhat vague steering feel.

Unusually well equipped for its appealing base price, the "2011 Scion xB" boasts such standard cabin amenities as cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, split-folding rear seats, remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, new-for-2011 telescoping tilt-wheel steering with mounted audio and cruise controls, manual air conditioning, USB connection, and simulated alloy dash and steering-wheel accents. The focus of the updated xB’s cabin is, according to nearly all reviewers, its standard 160-watt Pioneer audio system with six premium speakers.

Not to be overlooked is the xB’s list of options, which includes the Scion touch-screen navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment. Furthermore, oversized rear roof pillars continue to plague drivers with visibility problems.

The 2011 Scion xB is no exception, and comes through with such standard passenger protection equipment as four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assist, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and turn-signal-integrated mirrors.

While no test data is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2011 Scion xB its highest rating of Good across the board.

Apparently, the xB’s looks will always be subjective. Controversial looks aside, owners laud the xB’s passenger and cargo room, safety, and driving kick, with the improved cabin ambiance, including somewhat more comfy seats and armrests, also coming in for a share of guarded owner optimism.

One of the xB’s biggest draws is its amazingly customizable interior, which seats five and has plenty of cargo room. Among the included safety features on the "Scion xB" are antilock brakes, stability control, traction control and airbags.

It’s hard to pin down the "Scion xB", which is part crossover, part wagon, part hatchback--If you want a car that helps you express your individuality, the Scion xB might be the car for you. With its excellent interior space, the Scion xB gives you the flexibility you need for both passengers and cargo.

2011 Scion tC Reviews
An affordable sports coupe? No, not if the coupe in question is Scion's tC. Length, wheelbase, and height are unchanged, but the new car is 1.6 inches wider, allowing a wider track and larger wheels tires, and brakes.

The new Scion tC is designed around the driver, but passengers, even rear-seat passengers, are also given lots to like. -- The 2011 Scion tC uses Toyota's Star Safety System, a combination of antilock brakes (four-wheel disc in this case), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), traction control, and vehicle stability control (VSC). VSC can be switched off for high-performance driving. Win-win! Thanks to the engine's lovely torque, it works very well, and showcases the "Scion tC" gentler side.

Toyota’s youth-oriented Scion brand is growing up, ever so slightly, refining its popular flagship Scion tC model for 2011. Currently the Scion tC boasts the youngest buyer in the industry with an average age of just 26 years old, and while Scion wants to maintain that core group of younger buyers, they’re also looking to bring in some slightly older customers (including second-time buyers) with a long list of small but important improvements.
Closer inspection, however, reveals the new model’s design appears longer with more of a true coupe profile. Surprisingly, the new Scion tC is actually identical in length to the old model, and it shares the same overall height.

Along with the power-bump, the sporty driving experience has been enhanced thanks to the wider track, an upgraded suspension and larger 18-inch wheels with wider 225 tires. One pleasant surprise is the electric power steering system. In the performance (and safety) category, Scion also upgraded the brakes on the "2011 Scion tC " . A final performance note is the mostly irrelevant traction control system.

The setup reminds us of the Volkswagen GTI and speaks to the slightly higher demographic Scion is after with the second-gen Scion tC .

Features include eight airbags, the aforementioned traction control and vehicle stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system as well as a brake override system--In all ways the 2011 Scion tC is a fitting sequel to a car that put Scion on the map.
No, you don’t have to love discordant music played at ear splitting levels to love the new Scion tC .

Scion has improved a sound package in every way, from engine, to suspension, to appearance. Part of the improvement is attributable to the fact that both the manual and automatic gearboxes now contain 6 speeds, instead of 5 for the stick and 4 for the automatic in the earlier version Scion tC
.
2011 Scion tC show with option TRD package
First trip, in a Black coupe equipped with automatic gearbox (Base Price $19,275) and uprated Alpine stereo, proved the new engine’s torque characteristics are well mated to the sequential shift transmission. The automatic Scion tC is a lively combo, with decent handling, comfortable ride, low wind noise, and excellent cockpit ergonomics. The new flat-bottom, fat-rimmed steering wheel is a pleasure to use, the driver-angled center instrument stack is easy to read and operate, thanks to 3 large, knurled knobs for the HVAC system. If sporting inclinations are foremost, you’ll love the Scion tC we drove next. This manual transmission model (Base Price $18,275), finished in a newly available shade called Magnetic Gray Metallic, had optional TRD sway bars front and rear, plus a TRD “performance” muffler. Whereas the black tC was shod with very noisy Toyo Proxes A20 tires, the Granite coupe rode on vastly quieter Yokohama Avid S34 tires. There’s no reason why Release 2 of the Scion tC won’t handily outsell Release 1.

If there's one thing we can be sure to see at U.S. motor shows it's a limited production version of a Scion model. For the 2010 LA Show, Toyota's small car division has readied the 2011 xB Release Series 8.0 that will begin arriving in dealerships later this month.
Read more »

Highlighting Scion's presence at next week's SEMA Show will be five customized examples of the Japanese firm's all-new 2011 tC Coupe. When it leaves the factory, the tC is motivated by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine pushing out 185-horsepower.

As you'd expect, most tuners chose the turbocharging route to increase the tC's performance under the hood, with GReddy being the only company to announce output figures (340hp and 325 lb-ft of peak torque). Scroll down for photos and full details (in the spec sheets) for all five tCs.

With the annual SEMA Show near the world's most famous Strip almost upon us (November 2 to 5), automakers and tuners alike are rushing in to give us an early preview of their custom proposals. The most recent case-in-point: the "All Stretched Out Cartel xB".

The name says it all, but just to clarify, Cartel [King] is the nickname of one of the tuners involved in the creation of the VIP themed, super-long Scion xB, Jeremy Lookofsky. Though, we could see this customized xB being a hit with certain other cartels... Gallery after the jump.

Toyota's Scion division has revealed its first [of many more to come] limited edition vehicle for the 2011 model year, the xD Release Series 3.0, which will begin arriving in showrooms later this month.