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.

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

It’s great to see you all again. The New York Auto Show has always been a special place for Scion… from the time we launched the brand in 2002 with the bbX… to the 2003 reveal of the first xA and xB… to last year when we showed you an exciting new concept.

New York is a Scion-like city… a vibrant place where young trendsetters stretch the bounds of what is possible. Like New York… Scion has always been about expanding in new dimensions… taking risks, setting trends, and definitely creating our own path.

It’s this vision that has appealed to a new generation of automotive enthusiasts… making Scion the youngest brand in the entire industry. As an innovation lab for our company… to try new products and new ways of building relationships with our owners… it has succeeded beyond our expectations.

Building these relationships has brought new opportunities to our company. In just seven years time… we’ve put nearly 800,000 Scions on the road… with almost 73 percent being new to the Toyota family.

And in doing so… we’re proud that Scion is the most ethnically diverse non-luxury brand.

Our dealers… who are among the most ground-breaking in the industry… have been a huge part of the relationship we have built with the Scion enthusiast. I want to thank all of our dealers… especially the 12 member Scion dealer council… who have been outstanding partners in building our brand.

While it’s been three years since we’ve brought new product to the market… we have by no means been idle. From the Fuse concept… to the Hako coupe concept… to multiple SEMA concept vehicles created by our innovative owners… these vehicles have inspired us to go in new directions.

We’ve also kept our products fresh with exclusive Release Series models for our entire line up. Our latest iteration… the tC Release Series 6.0… launched just last month.

And… the restyled 2011 xB… with an aggressive new look… makes its public debut at our space right here at New York. Make sure you go check it out.

Today… we take you along with us as we enter the New Dimension of Scion. A dimension where transportation anticipates the future needs of young drivers… and together we’ll create a whole new segment in the industry.

Last year we showed you an exciting new concept vehicle… and today it’s my pleasure to make it a reality.

(iQ 30-sec. reveal video)
That’s right… today I present to you the North American debut of the 2011 Scion iQ.

The new iQ is about big ideas… Concentrated.

When we debuted the xB seven years ago… it created an iconic vehicle that has been imitated… but never duplicated. And the new iQ will do the same as it ushers in a “New Urbanism”… a vehicle for a more progressive buyer whose transportation needs and desires are changing.

The iQ will be moving Scion into this New Dimension with these young metropolitan owners… taking a unique approach to urban mobility… beyond just convenient transportation… with a blend of style, innovation and entertainment… Concentrated.

It’s an intelligent choice for these new urbanites who appreciate clever transportation without sacrifice in design or features, but it will also have an emotional appeal that exudes a fun personality.

The iQ will define a new… premium… micro-subcompact segment… a minier and smarter vehicle… with a style unlike any other. It will appeal to the youthful trendsetters who desire innovation above all else… and actively share their thoughts and ideas with close friends and digital acquaintances.

For iQ… yeah…size matters… but its small stature is balanced by a strong stance and greater capability. The new urbanites tell us that the iQ is the future… a small footprint that appeals to their sense that a car should not be any bigger than it really has to be… and one that is easy to drive in the city and find a place to park.

Top to bottom, the iQ is a revolutionary idea on the efficient use of space in a vehicle. Its small size contrasts with its large capability… the world’s smallest four-seater that gives people the flexibility they never thought possible… with the ability to take friends and gear where they need to go. While compact… iQ makes it easy to get in and out with a large door opening, and the front seats have a convenient long-slide feature with a side-mounted lever. The front seats also have a slim-back design … while the front passenger seat is mounted slightly forward of the driver seat… all of which provide even more legroom in the back.

And it does this while providing the safety and security all drivers want. Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-lock Brakes, and Traction Control are among the standard-active safety features. Can you believe that a car this small has 10 standard airbags… including the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag.

iQ’s interior design is a fusion of modern style and efficient ergonomics, with modern textures and soft-touch materials, adding a very premium feel. An efficient vertical center stack is equally convenient for both driver and front passenger. The asymmetrical instrument panel offers a look that is techno-organic, providing both style and clarity. And a front-mounted LED lamp creates a high-tech feel throughout the entire cabin.

While size, style and safety help define the iQ, they will be matched by a surprising fun-to-drive experience. Partnered with a smooth, responsive Continuously Variable Transmission… the 1.3-liter engine will provide surprising power and torque while still reaching fuel-economy in the upper 30s.

While the iQ is taking us into a New Dimension, we’re not stopping there. We’re also stretching the bounds of where we’ve already been… with a vehicle that sets trends that others have since followed.

Ladies and gentlemen… I present to you the worldwide debut of the all-new Scion tC.

(tC 30-40-sec. reveal video)
With a refined aggression… the all-new tC moves the compact sport coupe into a New Dimension with masculine styling, enhanced performance and convenient technologies. After the phenomenal success of the first-generation tC… it was only natural that an all-new premium version would redefine its segment and meet the desires of the evolving sports coupe buyer.

The tC is an aspirational vehicle for a young buyer who has achieved early success in their life and career. It’s a vehicle that makes a statement about who they are as they challenge the status quo and define their own world.

Since its launch six years ago… the tC has had the youngest buyer in the industry, and we expect that to continue. Predominantly male, the tC owner is inspired by its fearlessness and sense of freedom.

The tC will take Scion into a New Dimension in driving dynamics. A performance evolution that creates a fun-to-drive atmosphere… more aggressive and confident. A new sport-tuned suspension provides outstanding handling… and a feel that is steady and firmly planted on the road. A new Electric Power Steering system has allowed our engineers to tune the feel and performance well beyond the previous generation’s hydraulic system.

Under the hood… a 180-horsepower… 2.5-liter engine… which has 19-more horsepower and 11 foot-pounds of additional torque than its replacement…provides alert, agile acceleration. A free flowing exhaust system provides a throaty exhaust note. Performance hasn’t come at the sacrifice of efficiency, as the tC will also have better M-P-G than its predecessor.

Two 6-speed transmissions give the tC owner fun… flexibility and excellent fuel economy. The six-speed automatic with sequential shift offers quick acceleration … while the 6-speed manual’s improved shift feel provides an athletic on-road experience.

The tC’s performance and handling characteristics are transferred to the road via standard 18-inch alloy wheels and wider tires for more grip. The brakes are larger than the previous generation… both front and back… with 16-inch rotors all around.

A driver-inspired cockpit is one of the tC’s many interior design features. The steering wheel has a commanding look and substantial feel… with a modern center shape and race-inspired flat bottom.

The instrument panel and center stack focus on the driver’s sense of control and individuality… while the dual-dial combination meter reflects a precise look with metallic trim and deep-orange lighting. The driver-centric design also provides a more spacious area for the front passenger.

Front seats keep the driver and passenger firmly in place… with high seat backs and substantial bolsters… including additional shoulder support. The 60/40-split rear seats support passengers comfortably… while folding down for outstanding convenience.

An excellent sound system features eight powerful speakers… complete with a unique sound-wave ripple design… that are strategically mounted in the doors and rear quarter trim… and the system has been specifically tuned for the tC’s cabin to optimize performance.

A conveniently located USB and auxiliary jack allows for an iPod® to be easily plugged in and controlled through the sound system. Steering-wheel-mounted controls make it easy for the driver to access their personalized music needs.

And it wouldn’t be a tC if we didn’t include the panoramic moonroof.

Put it all together… and there you have the all-new 2011 tC.

The new iQ and tC are more than just two new products. Together… they’re helping us usher in the New Dimension of Scion.

(20-sec. video with footage of both vehicles)
iQ and tC aren’t just two halves of a whole… together, they’re changing the realm of youth-car culture.

It’s my pleasure to introduce two gentlemen who are helping us travel this new journey.

Please welcome the chief engineer for the iQ… Mr. Hiroki Nakajima.

And the chief engineer for the all-new tC… Mr. Masayuki Nagai.

Thank you both for creating these two great new additions to the Scion family. We know they will inspire and excite Scion enthusiasts as much as the do us.

We also invite you to visit the Scion display area on the show floor to see two customized versions of the iQ and tC. Styled by our friends at Five Axis… these two vehicles give you an idea of what is possible when you unleash the creativity of our Scion owners. They feature the Bloodshot tC and Titanium iQ, distinctive interior trim and Five Axis wheels with low-profile tires.

As I mentioned earlier, Scion has always been a lab for trying new ideas and methods. Scion has accomplished exactly what the company hoped for at inception… in most ways… way beyond expectations.

And we will now take that Scion DNA of authenticity, community and customization into a New Dimension.

I’m excited about the next 12 months as we launch these two new vehicles… the tC this fall… and the iQ early next year.

Back in 2003, we started with two unique vehicles… and not long after that we added an exciting third model… the tC. Now… with the iQ…we’ll add yet another authentic, segment-defining vehicle that will meet the needs of the near future rather than the present.

And to tell you the truth, we have absolutely no intention of stopping here.

I’ll see you right here next year.

Come on up and take a look at the new iQ and tC. I invite the photographers up first to get some pictures. I’ll be up here to answer any of your questions.

Thanks again for joining us today. Enjoy the show.

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That’s right, the diminutive Toyota with the silly name is going to greet us as a youth-branded Scion. In multiple flavors, too. First will come a five-door hatchback, followed next by a four-door sedan. The latter is almost a little puzzling – who on earth wants a four-door sedan version – but then we recall all the other cars PR types tell us the American market forces into four-door guise and we’re not surprised one bit. The Scion iQ will also come as a three-door hatch. Expect the five-door to show up first, towards the end of 2011.

The engine options are pretty interesting. If you so desire, a 1.3-liter four-banger will produce 93 horsepower. However, most folks will probably opt for the hybrid version. First of all, the gas and electric propulsion is so cheap that Toyota will be able to sell it for $15,000 or less. Second, expect a 1.5-liter four and some sort of electric motor to produce between 100 and 120 hp and return 60 mile per gallon. Not bad at all. Again, Inside Line ends their scoop explaining that if the iQ doesn’t get youngsters buying Scions, nothing will. Er, make that nothing will have a chance to, as Toyota is likely to fold the brand.

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First shown as a concept (above) at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Scion will reportedly bring the iQ to market by the Fall of 2010.

After receiving an excellent reception at the show, Scion’s VP, Jack Hollis has said he is fighting to get the car to market. One large Toyota dealer has however, spilled the beans, telling the folks at AutoWeek that an agreement has been reached to bring the diminutive car to the U.S.

At a length of just 117.5-inches, the iQ is only slightly larger than a SMART fortwo. Unlike the SMART, however, the iQ can fit three adults and a child… at least that’s what Scion says. Taking a look at the car, however, it appears as though seating for two is about all there’s room for.

While several engine options are available in Europe the iQ will most likely get the largest (1.3-liter four-cylinder) when it debuts in the U.S. That engine makes 99hp and gets 66 mpg.

Scion is a company desperate to reinvent itself, as its popularity is based as much on fresh product as it is on customizing that product. “Scion is a good business mode that will be valuable and viable in the future, but for the business model to be successful, product freshness is key,” said Toyota North America president and COO Yoshi Inaba. And fresh-product isn’t something Scion has much of. Currently the company is working on a replacement to the tC coupe while the iconic Scion, the xB, is already starting to lose out to new models like the Kia Soul.

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But with only three vehicles in the Scion range, the 6-year-old brand already is losing its freshness.

The solution, says Toyota’s new U.S. sales chief, is to expand the lineup so that there’s always something new and exciting.

“For the Scion business model, product freshness is key,” said Yoshimi Inaba, chairman and CEO of Toyota Motor Sales USA as well as president of Toyota Motor America, on a recent visit to Detroit. With its no-haggle pricing policy, Scion has few other levers to increase sales, which are down 60 percent this year, more than Toyota’s overall 38 percent drop.

“One of my jobs is to revive the Scion spirit in the United States,” said Inaba, who was the driving force behind the brand during his last stint in the nation. One likely addition to the Scion lineup is the iQ, a minicar that Toyota sells in Europe and Japan under the Toyota brand.

Scion exists only in the United States. Earlier this year, Toyota displayed a Scion-badged iQ in New York, but the company has not confirmed plans to market such a car in the United States.

Speculation is rife that Toyota might add a gas-electric hybrid car to the Scion lineup. But company spokesman Irv Miller said Toyota would have to consider the cost of fitting a hybrid powertrain into an inexpensive and already fuel-efficient car. Starting prices for Scion models range from $14,800 to $17,000, although buyers tend to spend more to customize their vehicles.

Toyota is now reviewing all of its vehicle lines in the United States, as well as its operations, after losing money in the region. As it assesses Scion, Toyota must decide whether it is content to sell cars to young people by offering inexpensive models, or whether the brand retains its original mandate, to attract young trendsetters who will dial up Toyota’s coolness factor. If the goal is to attract young, leading-edge buyers, then “you have to, like Inaba’s saying, keep everything fresh,” said Wesley Brown at Los Angeles-based consulting firm Iceology. “But keeping things fresh isn’t as easy as we all think on the outside that it should be,” he said.

It’s particularly tough in the auto industry “because of the gestation period, and the money and risk involved with a new product.” Scion hit the mark in 2003 when it rolled out the first xB, a boxy model from its Japanese lineup that didn’t resemble anything on American roads. But the xB’s success led Toyota to take the safe route when it came time to replace the vehicle.

Toyota produced a bigger, more conservative version of the xB. Brown says Toyota was right to produce that vehicle — but it should have marketed it under the Toyota brand, where it would have attracted more customers. Meanwhile, the space once occupied by the first xB is being filled by edgy new offerings such as the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul. Toyota has many models in its Japanese and European model ranges that could be turned into Scion vehicles at little cost, Brown said. In his view, the hatchback version of the Yaris should have gone into the Scion lineup, with only the staid sedan going to the Toyota range where people expect something solidly

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Like the current production model, the concept iQ features 3+1 seating with a very compact air conditioning unit that fascilitates an asymmetrical dashboard. This allows the front passenger seat to slide forward so that one adult can fit in the back. The seat behind the driver, however, is strictly for the legless. One new innovation in the iQ is a rear window airbag that provides protection to rear seat passengers whose heads are butted up against the rear glass. The concept also features lots of special lighting and a pop-up 10-inch LCD embedded in the dash.

Scion is just evaluating the iQ for U.S. introduction, but we would be shocked not to see it sold here soon.

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• 71.4 without side mirrors
• 79.3 including side mirrors

• 56.9 without antenna
• 62.5 including antenna

• Five:AD S6:F custom wheels with nickel finish prototyped by MetalFX
• 18×8.5 ET03

• Yokohama S.drive
• 2.5/40R18

• Five Axis widebody conversion
• Burnt nickel accents
• Custom accented headlights and taillights

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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 centers 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 centers. 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 Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “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 126.9-inches, overall width of 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 Hollis. “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 center-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 colorful 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 center 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 center 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 center 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.

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2009 New York International Auto Show

Javits Convention Center, Galleria

Wednesday, April 8, 2009, 12:05 PM ET

Jack Hollis – Vice President, Scion

________________________________________________________________

Good afternoon!

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since we were here to introduce the Scion Hako Coupe concept. New York has always been a great place for Scion to showcase new and exciting products because it’s a vibrant and inspirational city for youthful aspirations.

Many of you will remember that we officially launched the Scion line here in 2002 with the bbX concept. The past year has been incredibly busy at Scion. We celebrated Scion’s fifth anniversary with hundreds of our owners including many who drove thousands of miles just to be with us.

From this family gathering we created several advertising campaigns that focus on their passion for Scion. We created the ultimate project tC for Formula Drift competitions. We launched our first Release Series xD, as well as another Release Series for xB and tC.

We introduced Scion City, a social networking site that allows Scion owners to connect with each other. It’s only been up a few months and we already have more than 1,000 customized garages created, with more joining every day.

Our business model has stayed consistent. It’s based on surprisingly versatile, uniquely-styled, high-content products; focused, grassroots marketing and advertising which doesn’t try to be “all things to all people”; a commitment to the creative community; and a transparent and simple sales process.

And we know our business philosophy is working because we’re accomplishing our goals. We still have the youngest median age in the industry at 35 years old.

More than 72 percent of customers are new to the Toyota family. We’re retaining our customers within our family of brands with half replacing a Scion with a Toyota, Lexus or another Scion.

In nearly six years we have almost 700,000 units in operation. In addition, we are the most ethnically diverse brand in the industry, keeping pace with the diverse growth in U.S. population and building brand security for the future.

And looking to the future, let’s talk about what we’re going to reveal. We’ve studied the FUSE, t2B and Hako Coupe concept vehicles all introduced here at the New York Show. As a result, elements of the t2B concept can be seen on our second-generation xB.

Just as we did with those “what if” cars, we’re here today to gauge response to an all-new concept. If the feedback is positive, we could add something like it to our future line-up. We’re considering many segments and are especially open-minded about future urban vehicles. The concept you are about to see is designed for the young city dweller who embraces the country’s new urbanism.

It has the surprise, style, and flexibility for today’s youth market in a very efficient and fun-to-drive package.

As more and more urban centers are revitalized with a new sense of purpose and energy young people are moving in from the suburbs to be closer to the things they like. They want the convenience of having work, entertainment, and culture nearby. For them a micro-subcompact car is a perfect solution for their progressive lifestyles.

These consumers appreciate creativity and are style-driven. Not only do these urban youth want a small, maneuverable car that can navigate narrow streets with impressive fuel efficiency, they want it to have compelling design and function. The answer is a small car capable of leaving a small footprint on the environmental landscape.

At more than two feet shorter than the typical subcompact, our concept takes the idea of city transportation, combines it with fuel and volume efficiency, and shows how these elements can be exciting and highly personalized. What we have is a car that’s both emotional and rational. It’s all about what you need and what you want.

This is what we believe the future of personalized city transportation will be all about. And these values resonate with urban youth, especially when they come together in a stylish package that doesn’t compromise safety or technology.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to present the Scion iQ concept.

(reveal)

How’s that for a download? The Scion concept that just dropped in is innovative and intelligent, but this “i” in iQ stands for individuality. We’re all about customization, so Five Axis of Huntington Beach, California helped us “Scionize” this concept with aggressive modifications that show its potential for personalization.

It’s small, but fierce. If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB because of its polarizing style and accessibility for personal expression.

To increase our iQ, we added 18-inch custom wheels to a micro-subcompact vehicle that’s just over 10 feet long. Pushing the wheels towards the four corners of the car gives the iQ a confident stance. Its wide and low presence is accented by a front air dam with a custom lower grille, narrow upper grille opening, high-intensity LED driving lamps, side skirts, and bubble flares that house the wheels.

Darkened aero headlights stretch the length of the short hood, while side mirrors with integrated turn signals enhance the vehicle’s smooth lines. The iQ’s high beltline runs across the doors and wraps around to the rear of the vehicle. A roof spoiler and thick rear diffuser emphasize the iQ’s trapezoidal rear shape which is echoed in a single exhaust centered in the rear.

The final piece of eye candy is a bright paint job. Depending on the light and angle it can take on a sci-fi yellow or green hue that really highlights the car’s unique features. That’s why we call it Radioactive.

Since Scions are social vehicles, we always like to include interactive entertainment features and the iQ is no exception. We’ve installed a retractable 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console. It also serves as the navigation system interface. With a few quick strokes, the audio system can shuffle through your music library to customize your listening experience. When not in use, the screen lays flat on the dash with a translucent cover that emits a colorful display of light patterns which give it that club-like vibe.

The screen opens with the push of a button so the driver or passenger can control the entertainment hub. If you just want to catch up on a movie while waiting for your friends you can watch it on the touch screen while parked.

The interior also features illuminated door handles; iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery that covers the seats and door panels; a swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash; and an illuminated iQ logo on the passenger-side dash.

Under all this customization our concept reflects the real-world engineering genius of the production iQ, a finalist for tomorrow’s “World Car of the Year” award.

The front-mounted differential and repositioned steering rack decrease front-end length. The iQ’s intelligent packaging provides a smarter interior that offers more than what you might think when looking at the exterior. Engineers worked hard to create a vehicle that has space for “three plus one.” The front passenger’s legroom was increased with a newly engineered, compact air conditioning unit behind the center of the front console.

The center cluster features controls and displays for dual front heating and air conditioning settings. It’s equipped with active and passive safety systems that you are familiar with along with some new innovations like a nine-airbag SRS system which includes the world’s first rear window curtain airbag.

We believe the Scion iQ micro-concept is the future of transportation. It blends function and style. Its size is perfect for maneuvering in heavy traffic and squeezing into tight parking places. The interior is large enough for a trip across town for you, a couple of friends, and a few belongings. Its styling will attract attention, and if it’s a Scion you know it’ll be easy to personalize.

We look forward to your feedback today and are eager to hear thoughts from our Scion owners. The iQ concept will be moved to the Scion exhibit on the main show floor on Level three later this afternoon. In the meantime, please visit our space where you’ll find a few of our vehicles that debuted at SEMA last year, including – the chop top Ruthless Cartel xD, Mike Vu xBt, and three highly modified Tuner Challenge tCs. The Scion team and I are here to answer any questions you may have. I hope you enjoy the rest of the show. Thank you for joining us today.

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