2012 Scion iQ

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The 2012 Scion iQ—or Toyota iQ as it's known in other markets—was conceived for a part of the world where vehicle choice is largely governed by engine-based taxes, compact-only parking spaces, and six-dollar-a-gallon gas.

What is it doing in the U.S., you ask? Well, the Smart Fortwo carved out a very narrow niche of enthusiasm among those who don't necessarily equip bigger with better—as well as those few Americans who live in tight spaces—but Scion hopes to attract a wider range of fashion-conscious urban-dwellers with the iQ. Essentially, the iQ was designed from the start to be a premium minicar, with better materials, better noise isolation, and a more sophisticated feel than you'll find in other budget small cars—and even in the U.S., the stubby little Scion iQ somehow manages to truly buck the econocar feel.

There's still its size, which borders on toylike. In its 120 inches of length, Toyota has somehow managed to pull off some packaging magic and fit seating for four in the iQ; actually, the arrangement is termed 3+1 seating, as an asymmetrical dash and more space on the passenger side allow a little more space in the right rear position than on the left.

The iQ makes do just fine in the city with its 94-horsepower, 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, but the combination doesn't deal as well with quick demands of the right foot, or with highway driving. But the iQ's driving dynamics go well beyond the comfort zone of city blocks, roundabouts, and stoplights—it feels solid and secure on the highway, even at 80 mph.

Of course, few if any Americans will actually choose the iQ mainly because of its dimensions, or for its performance. Fuel economy and price are big factors, and we bet Scion will be placing its bets on rising fuel peices—as well as a full roster of aftermarket accessories, which are already in the works. In the first respect, the iQ gets pretty impressive figures of 36 mpg city, 37 highway; in price, the iQ starts at around $16k—which slots well below the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper.

Besides being very small, and very space-efficient, the iQ stands out as evidence of what Toyota can do but isn't necessarily hitting with its other U.S. small cars. While it's hardly quick, cheap, or a mileage champ, it might just get you thinking a little differently about 'bigger is better.'

View the original article here

2012 Scion iQ

See What the
Rest of the Web Says We've gathered reviews from Edmunds.com, Cars.com plus live Tweets on this car. See What We Found »

The 2012 Scion iQ—or Toyota iQ as it's known in other markets—was conceived for a part of the world where vehicle choice is largely governed by engine-based taxes, compact-only parking spaces, and six-dollar-a-gallon gas.

What is it doing in the U.S., you ask? Well, the Smart Fortwo carved out a very narrow niche of enthusiasm among those who don't necessarily equip bigger with better—as well as those few Americans who live in tight spaces—but Scion hopes to attract a wider range of fashion-conscious urban-dwellers with the iQ. Essentially, the iQ was designed from the start to be a premium minicar, with better materials, better noise isolation, and a more sophisticated feel than you'll find in other budget small cars—and even in the U.S., the stubby little Scion iQ somehow manages to truly buck the econocar feel.

There's still its size, which borders on toylike. In its 120 inches of length, Toyota has somehow managed to pull off some packaging magic and fit seating for four in the iQ; actually, the arrangement is termed 3+1 seating, as an asymmetrical dash and more space on the passenger side allow a little more space in the right rear position than on the left.

The iQ makes do just fine in the city with its 94-horsepower, 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, but the combination doesn't deal as well with quick demands of the right foot, or with highway driving. But the iQ's driving dynamics go well beyond the comfort zone of city blocks, roundabouts, and stoplights—it feels solid and secure on the highway, even at 80 mph.

Of course, few if any Americans will actually choose the iQ mainly because of its dimensions, or for its performance. Fuel economy and price are big factors, and we bet Scion will be placing its bets on rising fuel peices—as well as a full roster of aftermarket accessories, which are already in the works. In the first respect, the iQ gets pretty impressive figures of 36 mpg city, 37 highway; in price, the iQ starts at around $16k—which slots well below the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper.

Besides being very small, and very space-efficient, the iQ stands out as evidence of what Toyota can do but isn't necessarily hitting with its other U.S. small cars. While it's hardly quick, cheap, or a mileage champ, it might just get you thinking a little differently about 'bigger is better.'

View the original article here

Scion FR-S Concept Car

The Scion FR-S Concept Car from Toyota

Toyota launched the newest Scion FR-S Concept car during the International Auto Show in New York last April of this year. The FR-S, which stands for “front engine, rear wheel drive sport,” combines sporty, sophisticated good looks, comfort, durability, and optimum performance, in one excellent package.

Engine and other Mechanical Features

This latest concept car from Toyota is surprisingly compact, with a wheelbase of 101.2, a height of 47.4 inches, and a total length of 168.2 inches from front to rear. Incorporating the D4-S direct and port injection system, the FR-S comes equipped with a 6 speed, 2.0 liter engine that promises to produce cleaner emissions and increased HP and torque. The Scion FR-S boasts of an impressive MPG rating that is almost totally unheard of among sports car models of its class.

The FR-S has a lower center of gravity enhanced by a compact engine, rear located power train and balanced distribution of front to rear weight. Incorporated into the FR-S are other essential mechanical details like four piston caliper brakes with carbon ceramic rotors, and limited slip differential gear arrangement. The FR-S comes in manual or paddle-shifted automatic transmission. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price will be announced soon.

Exterior and Interior Features

The Scion FR-S is inspired by the AE 86 Corolla or the Hachi-Roku, a powerful lightweight coupe introduced by Toyota in 1983; and the 2000GT, a limited edition, two-seater, hardtop coupe first introduced in 1967. The FR-S incorporates the 2000GT’s sleek, angular curves and the AE86’s lightweight design and excellent balanced performance.

This concept sports car will roll over the competition with its Five Axis 20 x 8.5 inch front wheels and 20 x 10.5 inch rear wheels accented by massive rear fenders. The roofline features an aerodynamic shape that facilitates smoother flow of air. The wide angular headlights and taillights are trimmed with LED lighting, emphasizing the car’s protruding fenders and other visually arresting features.

The car will be marketed in the US with prominently displayed Scion logo. To further highlight its sporty and bold design, the FR-S will be available in Code Red, a customized color blend of candy and Mearlite SSQ.

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NY LIVE: Toyota FT-86-based Scion FR-S Concept [Video update]

Thursday, Apr 21st, 2011 @ 11:45 a.m.

There has been much speculation that Toyota’s FT-86 (and later FT-86 II) concept car might be a better fit for the somewhat struggling Scion youth brand, and now it appears that the rumors may have been true.

UPDATE: Executives from Scion have now confirmed that the FR-S Concept just revealed will in fact lead to a new production vehicle that will come to market next year. The FR-S will mark the brand’s first rear-wheel drive vehicle, and will instantly become a halo vehicle for the brand, topping the current brand leading tC.

Scion says that the FR-S was inspired by Toyota’s AE86 Corolla, and will be a front-engine, RWD performance coupe that they say will be lightweight and well balanced. The power will come from a 2.0-liter Boxer engine, sourced from Subaru, but upgraded to feature Toyota’s D4-S injection system. Said 2.0-liter Boxer will come with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, as well as a limited-slip differential.

(More after video)

Scion has yet to reveal any power or fuel economy figures, despite giving a strong indication of what the production powertrain will consist of. As for the concept car, you will find a very low ride height, LED lighting, Five Axis 20×8.5 inch wheels up front, and 20×10.5 inch wheels out back. The concept car also features four-piston calipers in the front and 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matic brake rotors, fixed to the wheels in the same way as on a motorcycle.

(More after video)

Expect changes to the radical suspension, wheel-tire combo and braking system by the time the FR-S is tamed for production.

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Scion teases concept car ahead of NY debut [Video]

Wednesday, Apr 13th, 2011 @ 5:01 p.m.

Although Toyota recently displayed an updated version of its FT-86 sports car concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Scion has released a new teaser video indicating the rear-wheel drive coupe could be headed to Scion dealers.

The teaser video doesn’t give away any details, but the car pictured clearly has visual ties to the FT-86. Given Scion just updated the tC coupe, it seems likely that the New York-bound concept will be based on the FT-86.

It remains to be seen, however, how Toyota will handle the FT-86 between to the two brands. One possibility is that Toyota will offer the Toyota-badged version of the car with a more expensive turbocharged engine, leaving the cheaper naturally aspirated engine for Scion. Another scenario would see the FT-86 sold as a Scion in the United States and as a Toyota is other world markets.

Whatever the case we won’t have long to wait as the 2011 New York International Auto Show kicks off next week.

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