I love coming to New York… And this show has a special place in Scion’s history.

In addition to introducing the brand here in 2002… we’ve revealed a number of significant vehicles in New York… and last year was no exception.

When I saw you a year ago… we revealed the all-new… second-generation tC.

BETTER in every possible way… it features aggressive styling and enhanced performance.

It’s a premium compact sports coupe that redefines its segment to meet the desires of an evolving buyer.

When the critically acclaimed tC reached Scion dealerships last September… it was well received by Scion owners… both new and existing.

Since its original launch seven years ago… it’s had the youngest median-age buyer in the industry… and the all-new tC continues that trend.

It enables Scion to have the youngest drivers on the road today.

The second-generation tC’s successful launch last fall continued to bring new buyers into the Toyota family… which has been a key goal for Scion since inception.

The tC immediately drove traffic to Scion dealerships… contributing heavily to sales increases for all three Scion models in the last quarter of the year.

Last year… we also showed you an exciting new vehicle that will help usher in a “New Urbanism”… the Scion iQ. When it goes on sale later this year… the iQ will appeal to a more progressive buyer whose transportation needs and desires are changing.

The iQ will be about big ideas… Concentrated. It will take a unique approach to urban mobility… beyond convenient transportation… with a blend of style and innovation.

The iQ will define a new… premium… micro-subcompact segment… attracting new urbanites who appreciate inventive transportation without sacrifice in design or features.

It will also have an emotional appeal that screams… “it’s time to have fun.”

The iQ will have all the safety and security drivers want. Vehicle Stability Control… Anti-lock Brakes… and Traction Control are among the standard-active safety features.

It’s amazing that a car this small not only has a segment best… but an INDUSTRY-best 11 standard airbags… including the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag.

Like all Scions… the iQ will represent a great value with a strong mix of standard features and benefits. I’m looking forward to seeing it navigate the streets of Manhattan… with a HUGE advantage in finding a parking spot… as well as other cities around the country.

To get them in the hands of urban owners as soon as possible… we will launch the iQ in waves… just like when we originally launched the brand. We’ll start with the West Coast… New York and the rest of the East Coast will follow. The iQ will then reach the Midwest.

While the iQ’s launch is later than we originally planned… most of you can understand why.

But you know what… our company is always about people first… and our top priority these days is to support our colleagues in Japan… their families… and the Japanese people.

It’s a tribute to their hard work and dedication… and their ability to come together under the most difficult circumstances… that impresses each and every one of us.

It’s truly an honor to be teammates with them.

The iQ and tC are more than just two new products. Together… they’re helping us usher in the “New Dimension” of Scion. While tC stretched Scion in a new direction… and iQ will too… in a BIG way… we’re NOT stopping there.

You know… Scion has always been Toyota’s lab for trying new ideas. At its core is a DNA of authenticity… community… and personalization that we’ll be expanding even further. While Scion’s been iconic with the xB… and adrenalized by the tC… and groundbreaking with the iQ.

Now… we’ll be going in a New Dimension that I know Scion is truly destined for.

It’s no secret…Toyota President Akio Toyoda loves to express his passion for driving. Whether he’s behind the wheel of the LF A at the 24-hours of Nurburgring… or just cruising around on the weekend in his IS F… it’s obvious that he knows what it means to have fun in a car.

In countless interviews and presentations… Akio has made it clear that he wants to bring that Fun-to-Drive spirit… BACK to TOYOTA.

And you know what… THIS is what he has in mind.

Ladies and gentlemen…passionate drivers… canyon carvers… auto-crossers and weekend track warriors…it is my pleasure to introduce YOU to the New Dimension of “Fun to Drive”…no scratch that…”Awesome to Drive”… also known as…the Scion FR-S Concept.

Every time I see this car…I just can’t help but smile.

You know… I’ve been having a lot of fun watching the forums and reading the comments about this car.

I’m truly impressed by the amount of passion that the enthusiasts already have for it and the volume of buzz that it’s generating. It proves that they are absolutely READY for a car just like THIS!

One of the common rumors about this car is its name. We’ve seen people call it FR-86… FT-S… and of course Scion FT-86. All were pretty close!

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.

You may be asking yourself… why did Scion stray away from the traditional naming convention?
Well… why not?! Scion’s never been about convention… We’re always looking to be different.

And this car is SO MUCH DIFFERENT than anything Scion has in its lineup…it deserves to stand out.

Now before I get too far into where the FR-S Concept COULD go… it’s important to know where it comes FROM.

The definition of the word scion… as you already know… means to be a descendant of… or an heir to. Well… the FR-S is an excellent example of that definition. Toyota’s lengthy history of performance cars and racing heritage trickles down into the overall design of the FR-S…just one of the benefits of being in such a great family.

You’re probably already pretty familiar with cars like the Toyota 2000GT… the MR-2… the Celica All Trac Turbo… and my personal favorite…the Supra Turbo.

The FR-S Concept… however… is most closely related to… and really inspired by… the AE86 Corolla…known by its true fans as the “hachi-roku…” which means 8-6 in Japanese.

The AE86 didn’t rely on brute horsepower… but instead a remarkable combination of a lightweight design… manageable power and great balance. It made its way into almost every genre of racing from grip to drift… and from the circuit to mountain roads.

Although this concept arrives here more than 25 years later… and doesn’t share a single common part… the spirit and the heritage of the AE86 has trickled down into every single detail of this FR-S Concept. The goal was to create an authentic rear-wheel drive sports car… with compelling style… exceptionally balanced performance and handling… flexible utility… and surprising MPG. I know the FR-S Concept will achieve all of that.

How did we do it? Well… we started with an overall focus for the car…PURE BALANCE.

The balance begins with the strategic use of a flat boxer engine in a front-engine… rear-wheel drive configuration. The combination allows the FR-S’s engine and transmission package to be mounted lower… and further back toward the rear… giving the car a lower center of gravity and a favorable front-to-rear weight ratio.

The naturally aspirated two-liter engine features Toyota’s D4-S injection system… which utilizes both direct and port injection… resulting in increased horsepower and torque throughout the entire powerband. We all know that it’s not hard to make horsepower and torque…but it IS hard to do all that AND get great MPG. The FR-S Concept tackles all three.

The flat-four mates with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick and precise shifts with a short-throw… while the automatic transmission features aggressive… sporty shifts… initiated by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is put to the pavement via a limited-slip differential.

The idea of PURE BALANCE is further realized by the FR-S’s lightweight design and short wheel base. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of any corner.

Every single angle of this car bleeds performance… and it starts with this awesome red paint that I like to call… “Code Red.” The profile of the FR-S was inspired by the 2000GT… making it extremely low to the ground with a long and sleek hood.

The front bumper is aggressive… with fierce… edgy headlights. The roof has a gull-wing shape… channeling air-flow smoothly over the car. While the rear features a trapezoidal shape with unique tail lamps and center-positioned back-up light.

The FR-S Concept connects to the road via 20-inch wheels that are staggered… 8-inches wide up front and a ridiculous 10-inches wide in the rear. The wheels have a unique motorcycle-style braking system with huge 18-inch rotors that are attached to the wheels. Four-piston calipers bite down hard when the car needs to be brought to a halt.

While the FR-S you see today is a concept vehicle… we envision that the sports car physique wouldn’t stop with the aggressive exterior. The interior would share the same DNA… designed with both form and function in mind. I envision it would be the perfect daily driver AND weekend warrior. How about a 2+2 seating configuration… with a fold-flat cargo area large enough to transport a full set of race-spec tires… a floor jack and the necessary pit tools for a fun day at the track? Because you and I know that not all enthusiasts have a truck and trailer.

As you can tell… the FR-S Concept is a serious sports coupe… offering performance that hard-core driving fanatics can only find in a rear-wheel drive.

While the tC appeals strongly to a young… aspirational owner who is just starting to achieve early success… I see the FR-S Concept taking us into yet another Dimension.

It will be a sports car for someone who knows exactly what he wants… where he wants to go… and desires a car to take him there. It will have that Pure Balance to reach the braking zone… hit the apex… and accelerate on to the next conquest.

While only a concept… the FR-S shows what is possible with Scion owners’ creativity and easy ability to personalize. It’s a vehicle that will inspire a new model coming to market next year.

I look forward to showing you more… very soon.

Thanks again for joining us today.

Come on up and take a look at the FR-S Concept.

Related posts:

1. New Scion Concept Vehicle: Scion FR-S Scion unveiled the rear-wheel drive FR-S Concept sports coupe today...

The FR-S Concept, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with compelling style, exceptionally balanced performance and handling, flexible utility and surprising MPG.

“Scion is always experimenting with new things,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “The brand is iconic with the xB, adrenalized by the tC, and groundbreaking with the iQ. The FR-S will expand the brand into yet another new dimension that I know it is truly destined for.”

The FR-S is a true “scion,” born into a lengthy history of Toyota performance cars and motorsports. The sports coupe is most inspired by the AE86 generation of the Corolla, better known as the Hachi-Roku, meaning “8-6” in Japanese. The front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe was lightweight and well balanced, making it a solid choice for driving enthusiasts.

Inspired by the AE86, the FR-S is built around the core goal of achieving “pure balance,” which begins with the strategic placement of a flat 2.0-liter boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. The engine’s compact size and shape Scion FR-S Concept/2-2-2-2

allows the FR-S’ powertrain to be mounted lower and further back towards the rear, giving the car a lower center of gravity and a dynamically favorable front-to-rear weight ratio.

The FR-S’ naturally-aspirated engine is innovative, being the first boxer to incorporate Toyota’s D4-S injection system, which utilizes both direct and port injection, resulting in increased horsepower and torque throughout the entire powerband, without sacrificing MPG.

The flat-four can mate with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual offers quick and precise shifts with a short-throw, while the automatic transmission features aggressive, sporty shifts that are initiated by steering- wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Power is distributed effectively via a limited-slip differential.

The idea of “pure balance” is further realized by the FR-S’ lightweight design and short wheelbase. The combination allows the car to be quick and nimble into and out of any corner, with dynamic maneuverability and confident stability.

“Akio Toyoda has mentioned that he is going to bring the fun-to-drive spirit back to Toyota,” Hollis said. “I know that the Scion FR-S Concept is one of the ways that he plans to accomplish that.”

The fierce exterior of the FR-S is a good reflection of its inner power. The intimidating proportions of the concept give it a dominant stance that bleeds performance. The profile, inspired by the Toyota 2000GT, reveals a hood-line that is remarkably sleek and low, made possible by the boxer’s architecture.

The low stance continues to exaggerate the FR-S’ menacing face, which is made up of sharp lines, a wide mouth and angular headlights that include bright LED clusters.

The solid panel roofline is sleek, lightweight and rigid, slotted with an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top.

The front fenders protrude upward, making space for the massive monoblock Five Axis 20×8.5-inch wheels, while the muscular rear fenders are widened to house the 20×10.5-inch wheels, emphasizing the FR-S’ staggered stance and rear-wheel-drive setup.

The rear fascia sits low and wide, with extensive lower treatments that surround the dual exhaust exits and contribute to excellent aerodynamics. LEDs illuminate both the edgy taillights and the bold “SCION” logo.

The concept features four-piston-caliper front brakes that clamp down on monstrous 18-inch annular carbon ceramic matrix rotors that are fixed to the wheels in a motorcycle-fashion.

The FR-S Concept is layered in rich coats of Code Red, the appropriately named color that consists of a custom blend of candy and a developmental additive from BASF called Mearlite SSQ.

Concept Dimensions:
Length – 168.2
Width – 71.5
Height – 47.4
Front Track – 61.8
Rear Track – 59.9
Wheelbase – 101.2

FR-S Concept Site: www.ScionDimension.com

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The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a consumer information program created by NHTSA, rates vehicles to determine crash and rollover safety. The test ratings are gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests conducted at the NHTSA research facilities. The announcement was released on the NHTSA website www.safercar.gov.

All Scion models meet or exceed the safety requirements of the federal government and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The tC comes standard with a total of eight supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags including driver and front passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front-passenger knee airbag, and side curtain airbags.

All 2011 tCs come standard with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Smart Stop Technology (SST).

Additional safety features include a tire pressure monitoring system and newly adopted active front headrests.

The all-new Scion tC, which went on sale in October 2010, has an impressive list of standard features including, 180 horsepower, 6-speed transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 300-watt 8-speaker audio system.

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2011 Toyota Price Adjustments

The price increases on Toyota models range from $200 for the Yaris Liftback to $900 for both the Land Cruiser and Sequoia large sport utility vehicles (SUV). The model-by-model adjustments reflect individual percentage increases ranging from 1.2 to 2.2 percent. A complete list of model-by-model price adjustments is attached below.

The new prices for North American-produced vehicles will become effective with May 2011 production. For models sourced from Japan, updated pricing will be effective for vehicles with scheduled May arrivals. Japan-sourced vehicles include 4Runner, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Yaris Liftback and Scion xD.

Toyota MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $760 for Toyota passenger cars, $810 for Toyota small/medium trucks, and $975 for large trucks (Sequoia and Tundra only). The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

2011 Scion Price Adjustments

The 2011 Scion xD five-door urban sub-compact receives an MSRP increase of $65 or 0.4 percent.

Scion MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $720. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

2011 Lexus Price Adjustments

The Lexus price adjustments range from $600 for the GX 460 luxury utility vehicle to $900 for the IS F high-performance sedan, LS flagship luxury sedans, GS 450h hybrid luxury sport sedan and LX 570 premium luxury utility vehicle. The model-by-model adjustment reflects individual percentage increases ranging from 0.8 to 2.1 percent.

The new prices will become effective for vehicles with scheduled May arrivals for all Lexus vehicles except North American-built RX units which will have its pricing change effective with May production. A complete list of model-by-model price adjustments is below.

Lexus MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.

Related posts:

1. Behind the Design Story of the 2011 Scion tC As you know, the 2011 Scion tC hit showroom floors...

Click here to view the embedded video.

Related posts:

1. Behind the Design Story of the 2011 Scion tC As you know, the 2011 Scion tC hit showroom floors...

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Maintain your Scion and stay connected to Scion Owners on the go.

01.18.2011– Scion is making it easier than ever for Owners to maintain their vehicle on the go with the all-new Scion Owners iPhone application. Now Owners can connect and show unity virtually anywhere!

Scion’s latest application is your one-stop shop for keeping track of the Scion ownership experience on your smartphone. Just download this handy iPhone app for free and you’ll be able to track your service history, get roadside assistance, and access cool components like the new Car Locator feature that ensures you never lose track of your Scion again! Owners who register on the application will also be automatically registered on the Scion Owners website too!

With the Scion Owners iPhone app, you’ll have the power at your fingertips with these cool key features:

• Find and set a preferred dealer
• Track your vehicle service history
• Shop for new genuine Scion accessories
• Downloadable maintenance manuals and warranty guides
• Mileage and Lease Tracker
• Scion How To Videos Tailored to your Scion
• Find customer service and roadside assistance contacts
• Find Scion Insider info and Events near you
• Customized Alerts
• Car Locator

Take control of your Scion Ownership experience today! Check out the trailer for a special video sneak peek, then head over to http://scion.com/scionownersapp for your free download – or download it directly on iTunes at http://ax.itunes.apple.com/app/id408113157.

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Only 2,000 of this limited edition will ever exist in Voodoo Blue, each featuring:

• Kenstyle Body Kit: Designed by leading JDM body kit manufacturer Kenstyle. The kit consists of a front, rear lower valance, and side skirts. It also features the Kenstyle logo.
• Sunroof: Slide and tilt power sunroof
• Color-Tuned Seat Fabric: Unique black fabric with blue highlights
• Illuminated Numbered Badging: New Illuminated design featuring a Scion RS Logo and sequentially numbered badge
• RS Logo Floor and Cargo Mats: Mats sporting the Scion RS Logo
• Optional Rear Spoiler: Color matched in Voodoo Blue to compliment the xB RS 8.0*

(*Limited Production, in limited quantities at additional cost while supplies last.)

Starting at $19,125* for manual transmission and $20,075* for automatic, the Scion xB RS 8.0 is available for purchase November 2010! Every vehicle comes well-equipped with A/C, AM/FM/CD system, power windows, door locks and mirrors, chrome exhaust tip, and anti-lock brakes.

Furthermore, Scion is inviting everyone to take a closer look at the latest xB RS. YouDo VooDoo is a unique YouTube experience that provides multiple views of the xB while giving users the power to put the car under a spell. By interacting with a menu that accompanies video of the car, fans can watch the xB growl, grow, levitate and spin! Haven’t had enough? Be sure to check out the official Scion website for more info on all-things xB!

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Click to enlarge

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EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: Unlock the tC Grand Finale
WHEN: August 14th, 2010 | 3pm-7pm
WHERE: Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA

Save the date and RSVP today @ http://www.scion.com/unlockthetc.

Note: Entry is free with RSVP, though entry not guaranteed. Early arrival suggested as space is limited. Lineup and event activities subject to change.

COMPETITION
The eight-week online competition empowers players to create their own quest in the casual game as they traverse cross country from New York to Los Angeles. At the finale, Scion VP and general manager Jack Hollis will challenge the top four (4) contestants in a real-world competition where one winner will receive their very own 2011 tC. It’s not too late to join the adventure, visit www.UnlockthetC.com and play now.

tC CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Scope out some serious customized tC mods – from interior, to engine, to best of show – judged by the experts at Global Judging. If you’d like to enter your vehicle for consideration, please visit and register at www.Scion.com/UnlockCarShow.

SCION RACING WITH KEN GUSHI
Check out Scion Racing’s drift vehicles and chat with Ken Gushi of the Scion Drift Team at Scion Racing’s new urban utility vehicle. For all things racing go to www.ScionRacing.com.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & SCION AUDIO/VISUAL
Watch a thrilling live performance from garage punk veterans, The Spits, and explosive DJ sets from dubstep and electronic music kings 12th Planet and Rob Wonder. Then head over to the Scion A/V truck for free downloads and merchandise. For all things lifestyle, check out www.ScionAV.com.

INSTALLATION ART GALLERY
Experience video pieces from the Scion Installation Art Tour featuring Dust La Rock, Sage Vaughn and Mark Mothersbaugh. For all things art go to www.ScionAV.com/art.

GOOD EATS
Food will be supplied by some of LA’s most popular pop-up, mobile food trucks –

• Asiadog
• Get Shaved
• Grill ‘Em All
• The Grilled Cheese Truck

FEELING SHAGGY?
Get your haircut at the pop up hair studio by Barracuda Hair.

ABOUT ALL-NEW 2011 tC
The first re-design of Scion’s most-popular model since it hit the market in 2004, the next-generation 2011 tC builds on its strong history of personal expression and has everything it needs to take the leadership position in both performance and sophistication. It’s fearless and driven – by offering more horsepower, more torque and a quicker 0-to-60 over the current generation tC. It’s sexy and refined – by setting the standard for premium among the compact class with top-of-the-line features such as a panoramic moonroof, Pioneer audio system with premium 8-speaker configuration, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Its refined aggression is deliberate and demands a reaction. All press info and images of the new tC can be viewed at www.ScionDimension.com or downloaded directly by clicking here.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Join us on Facebook and Twitter for all things Scion – including news, events, music, trivia and more!
- Click here for Facebook
- Click here for Twitter

HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact gipson@americanpopdigital.com if you would like to be a VIP guest to the finale event, have any direct questions or would like to be a part of our online efforts.

UNLOCK THE tC ROAD TRIP GAME DISCLAIMER
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER, PLAY OR WIN the UNLOCK THE tC INSTANT WIN GAME OR THE UNLOCK THE tC ROAD TRIP GAME (EACH, A “PROMOTION” AND COLLECTIVELY, THE “PROMOTIONS”). Both Promotions are open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous US & DC, 18 or older and not a minor in their primary state of residence at the time of entry. Game Period for both Promotions begins 12:00 a.m. PT 6/1/10, ends 11:59 p.m. PT 7/26/10. Promotions are void in AK & HI & where prohibited by law. Subject to Official Rules, which are available separately for each Promotion at www.unlockthetc.com. Sponsor: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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