Linda Deming
Scion Launches All-New 2008 xB.
The xB was first introduced in early 2003 for the 2004 model year and its boxy shape became iconic to the Scion brand.
"No one in the automotive industry is as hard-wire-connected to its owners as is Scion, and the 2008 xB is a perfect example," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "We've stated in the past that we'll probably always have a box in the Scion lineup, but our owners told us they wanted a bigger box. They talk, we listen and we responded with a bigger and better xB."
Like the previous generation xB, the all-new 2008 model was styled with distinctiveness in mind. This aggressive new compact applies design elements from the t2B concept vehicle that was shown at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. These exterior styling cues include the soft angles between its wide and flat paneling, high beltline, elongated headlamps that wrap around the side of the vehicle, inset taillights, rectangular grille, pronounced fenders, and single rear backup light on the left bumper. The xB also features tinted rear windows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.
Scion customers love to drive, so with that in mind, the overall size was enlarged, helping to create a more exciting driving experience. Engineers increased the wheelbase by four inches, the overall length by a foot, the overall width by almost three inches and decreased overall height more than an inch to give the xB a more comfortable ride.
The xB also receives 16-inch steel wheels, an inch larger than the previous generation. Customers will be able to choose from three all-new standard wheel covers which, will also be shared with the all-new xD. The xB also stops with larger brakes thanks to the 10.83-inch ventilated discs in the front and 10.98-inch disc brakes in the rear which are more than two inches bigger than the previous generation.
In addition to the wider wheelbase, the xB's smooth ride can be attributed to its McPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension.
The xB's design team aimed for a lounge-like interior that met the comfort and lifestyle needs of the customer. The versatile interior provides 21.7 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats. For added convenience, the 60/40 split rear seats fold flat, providing a spacious and flat cargo floor, allowing the driver to haul larger loads more easily. In addition, the front seats fully recline for increased cargo space or relaxation.
Interior storage is abundant with a driver's convenience tray, a glove box, a console box and front door storage. A fixed tray is located beneath the rear seats for hidden storage and can accommodate small items like magazines, cameras, laptops, cell phone chargers and CDs.
A series of sleek circular gauges, including a combination meter, are centered on the dash. The combination meter allows drivers to toggle through the clock, outside temperature, instantaneous MPG, average MPG, distance to empty, or the average speed. Upon starting the engine, "xB" flashes on the combination meter before information is displayed. The deep orange display gauges allow for better visibility day and night. Metal-tone trim accents the dash and surrounds the shifter which is mounted on the lower dash. A driver's right armrest was added for comfort.
The xB's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is focused on youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xB's Pioneer speakers.
Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the xB now comes standard with rear head unit outputs, allowing for additional external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers, and subwoofers.
The xB's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit.
Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems feature six speakers: two tweeters and speakers in each door panel.
More powerful than its predecessor, the all-new xB is equipped with a 2.4 L dual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the same engine found on the tC. The engine produces 158 horsepower, 55 more than the previous generation. Customers will have a choice of either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting, a first for automatic four-speeds in the Scion or Toyota line-up.
Like all Scion vehicles, the xB is mono spec. Customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type. The xB comes with generous and upscale standard features including power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio controls. All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.
The exterior color palette for the new xB includes Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Nautical Blue Metallic, Blackberry Crush Metallic and Hypnotic Teal Mica. All xBs will feature high-quality dark charcoal interior fabric.
All Scion models feature a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall length: 167.3
Overall width: 69.3
Overall height: 62.6
Wheelbase: 102.4
ENGINE
Type: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve EFI with VVT-i
Bore and Stroke: 3.48 x 3.78 inches
Displacement: 2,362 cc
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Horsepower: 158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 162 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
TIRES AND WHEELS
Wheel Size: 16 x 6.5 inches
Tire Size: P205/55 R16
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., revealed the all-new 2008 xD five-door subcompact .
"The xD is a clever new take on the five-door urban subcompact, with style and flair to match its efficiency and utility," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "The xD's aggressive styling is wrapped in a small, agile package, while its interior offers impressive details and a spacious cabin."
The xD's futuristic exterior characterizes it as a Scion with its simple surfaces and sharp lines that flow from front to rear. Its urban personality is communicated by its wide stance, thick muscular body, accentuated wheel flares and large tires. Other styling cues that set the xD apart include a long and narrow back window, and the Scion family traits-horizontal headlamps, an integrated rectangular lower and upper grille, and turn signals built into the side mirrors.
Engineers designed the xD with a short, wide frame in mind for better handling and comfort. In addition, the xD features an L-arm type MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear for increased stability and a pleasing ride.
The xD's powerful stance sits on 16-inch steel wheels and 195/60 R16 tires. Customers will be able to choose from three all-new standard wheel covers which will also be shared with the all-new xB. The xD features front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes.
Designers focused on a clean, comfortable and futuristic interior style. The simple dash features an instrument panel located directly in front of the driver while the center cluster-digital clock and HVAC and audio controls-flows down the center. The xD's unique, radar-like speedometer and tachometer have been consolidated into one circular gauge centered on the instrument panel. Indicator lamps, LCD fuel gauge and odometer flank the centralized gauge.
The xD features front bucket seats and 60/40 fold flat rear seats for a level cargo space. The rear seats were designed for comfort and utility as they can slide forward and back up to six inches for additional leg room and cargo area. In addition, they can recline ten degrees and be adjusted into five different positions.
Storage and cargo space is aplenty in the xD. Up front, the xD has a storage tray located beneath the steering wheel, a small box in the front of the center console for holding portable music players or cell phones, an upper and lower glove box, and driver's side change box. A hidden storage space is located below the rear cargo area.
The xD's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is focused on youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port located beneath the HVAC controls for easy access. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the xD's Pioneer speakers.
Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the xD will come standard with rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers, and subwoofers. All head unit features remain unchanged if this feature is used.
The xD's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit.
Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems will also feature six speakers: two tweeters and speakers in each door panel.
The xD is powered by the lively 1.8 L four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that puts out 128 horsepower. Customers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. This 2ZR-FE engine features a roller rocker system and light weight piston for better fuel economy and a piston cooling oil jet for better efficiency.
The xD comes mono spec like all Scion vehicles. Customers need to choose exterior color and transmission type, while the only factory option is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC). The xD comes with generous and upscale standard features including power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; first-aid kit; a tire pressure monitor system and tilt steering wheel with audio controls.
All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.
The xD will have high-quality dark charcoal interior fabric and will be available in six exterior colors, Super White, Silver Streak Mica, Black Sand Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Barcelona Red Metallic and Nautical Blue Metallic.
All Scion models feature a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.
2008 SCION xD PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall length: 154.7
Overall width: 67.9
Overall height: 60.0
Wheelbase: 96.9
ENGINE
Type: 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve EFI with VVT-i
Bore and Stroke: 3.17 x 3.48 inches
Displacement: 1,798 cc
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Horsepower: 128 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 125 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
TIRES AND WHEELS
Wheel Size: 16 x 6 inches
Tire Size: 195/60 R16
Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., introduces the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe Concept.
Developed by Calty Design Research, Toyota's North American design studio located in Newport Beach, Calif. and Scion's Advanced Product Strategy Team, and built by Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif., the all-new FUSE was designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon. Its goal was to push the limits of a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one sinister looking package. Most importantly, its styling makes a visual statement about its intention to expand the performance envelope among affordable, entry-level sport coupes.
"The idea of the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe is a reflection of the boundless limits and creative envelope that embodies all the vital personalization components of a Scion product," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "Since the launch of Scion three years ago, designers have learned a great deal about what inspires and motivates Scion buyers through its unique vehicle lineup and instilled them into the FUSE."
The exterior of the FUSE was the conception of Calty designers Alex Shen and Bob Mochizuki, who were determined to create a strong performance statement. Inspiration came from the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan, commonly known as the JGTC series. From the side, the FUSE has a low, aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like wraparound windshield is balanced by a strong C-pillar, adding a sense of security and protection.
At first glance, the menacing presence and dark undertones of the FUSE subtly hint there is more than meets the eye. The front of the FUSE glares at you with slim, high-mounted, deep-set headlamps communicating a serious and aggressive attitude. A massive rectangular air intake hints at potential for a large intercooler.
From the back, wide-body rear flares span the entire rear mass, encasing deep-set vertical taillamps. The dual exhaust also serves as fog and reverse lamps as lighting encircles each exhaust tip. Wheels are 20-inch custom-machined with LED's on the end of each spoke, which illuminate as turn indicators.
On top, two horizontal glass panels run the length of the roof, and slide open in both directions offering all occupants access to a personal sunroof. The rear window tapers down to a speed-activated spoiler.
True to the Scion tradition, the FUSE is equipped with extreme levels of personalization accessories. Headlights and fog lamps can be programmed to illuminate in various colors. Videos or images can be downloaded and viewed on a concealed LCD screen behind the front badge. And then there is the interior.
Calty interior designers Alan Schneider and Ichirou Mukai used the long wheelbase and high beltline of the FUSE to help create the interior theme, which revolves around providing the driver with an intense driving environment and occupants an intimate atmosphere. The activation of a small key-shaped sensor unhinges butterfly doors that open to reveal an interior that merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the surround.
The influence of the "racing tub" in the overall design is obvious. It provides a unique contrast that highlights the floating technical elements of the interior. A drive-by-wire steering interface combines influences from race cars and video game controllers in one innovative driver module. A media station that runs the length of the dash is the focal point of the cabin. Passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual display 10.5-inch monitors.
The FUSE interior concept is referred to as "one plus stuff." The design focuses on the driver by offering surprising versatility in the form of three interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations. In its video mode, the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table, or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or take advantage of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connectivity and instant message their friends. In driving mode, the video screens turn off and a multi-informational display is used for driver information.
Utility is maximized in a cargo mode where 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. The FUSE cabin seats four comfortably, however when the car is parked, additional room is available with a tailgate that converts to provide outdoor seating. A sweep of the foot over an infrared sensor located 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. This surprising seating arrangement is paired with rear foldout speakers for an unexpected social environment. Enhancing the social scene is a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, which is integrated into the rear center console.
Additional features include subtle accent lighting on the seats, doors and overhead lining. Deeply contoured seats are upholstered with soft-to-the-touch "Mythos" fabric that wraps around passengers for maximum comfort. Finally, audio, video and HVAC systems are easily controlled by a "vehicle system/communication interface" touch control board that is similar in appearance to a telephone keypad.
"The FUSE is a styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Scion owners and other Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe," said Templin. "Like previous Scion concepts, the FUSE delivers a unique statement about what the Scion brand is all about and where it is headed."
POWERTRAIN
2.4-Liter four-cylinder engine
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 174.0
Overall Width: 70.7
Overall Height: 52.1
Wheelbase: 106.3
Wheels: 20-inch custom-machined
Tire Size: Goodyear P245/35-20