New Toyota FT-86 / Scion FR-S Sports Coupe Scooped on Video

By now, you have probably already seen our spy shots of the kitted-out Toyota FT-86 prototype with the Supra-like rear wing, which was snagged during testing in Germany, but one scoopster managed to film the sports car on the road as well.

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Poll: What’s Your Favourite Toyota FT-86 Concept?

Toyota’s FT-86 sports coupe has to be one of the most hotly anticipated cars of the last ten years. A sporty, lightweight, front-engined and rear-wheel-drive spiritual successor to the legendary AE86, brought to you by the same company that built the Celica, MR2 and Supra? Yes, please!

So far, we’ve had three iterations of the “AE86 Nouveau”. First, there’s the original, scene stealing Toyota FT-86 Concept from the2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Then there’s the much derided FT-86 II Concept from Geneva 2011. And lastly, there’s the Ferrari-emulating Scion FR-S that took the 2011 New York Auto Show by storm.

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VIDEO: Scion Walks us Around the New FR-S Sports Coupe Concept

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

2011 NYIAS: New Scion FR-S Concept Brings Sexy Back to the FT-86

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

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

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

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Scion FR-S Concept: First Photos of U.S. Market Toyota FT-86 Leak Online

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

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

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Breaking: Scion Teases FT-86 II Concept RWD Coupe Prior to NY Show Debut

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

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

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Toyota Reduces North American Production Due to Lack of Parts from Japan

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

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Price Increases for Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the U.S.

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

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Source Code: Toyota Fights to Limit ECU Code Viewing in Legal Battle

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

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

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

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2011 Scion xD RS 3.0 Price

Scion announced pricing today for its first limited-production vehicle of the 2011 model year, the xD Release Series 3.0 (xD RS 3.0). This exclusive five-door urban subcompact will begin arriving in dealerships this month.

Available in a xPRESSO color that is unique to the xD RS 3.0 model, the vehicle features a a four-piece body kit that comes with front and rear lower lips along with side skirts, in addition to a carbon-fiber trimmed B-pillar appliqués and an RS logo.

The xD RS 3.0 comes fitted with a four-piece body kit including front and rear lower lips along with side skirts. The body kit adds assertive styling and is exclusive to the xD RS 3.0. The xD comes painted in a distinctive color dubbed xPRESSO, which is not currently offered on any other Scion model.

The 2011 Scion xD RS 3.0 will be built in limited production of 1,500 units, with each car displaying a distinctive, individually numbered stainless-steel logo. And it is powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that produces 128 hp with fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon.

Price starts at 16,905 USD for the manual version, while the automatic costs 17,705 USD.
The 2011 Scion xD RS 3.0 price does not include the 720 USD fee for delivery and processing.




Press Release

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2010 – Scion announced pricing today for its first limited-production vehicle of the 2011 model year, the xD Release Series 3.0 (xD RS 3.0). This exclusive five-door urban subcompact will begin arriving in dealerships this month.

The xD RS 3.0 comes fitted with a four-piece body kit including front and rear lower lips along with side skirts. The body kit adds assertive styling and is exclusive to the xD RS 3.0. The xD comes painted in a distinctive color appropriately namedxPRESSO, which is not currently offered on any other Scion model.

To complete the stylish exterior, the xD RS 3.0 is equipped with B-pillar appliqués that are constructed from genuine carbon fiber material and feature the xD RS logo.

Only 1,500 units of the xD RS 3.0 will be built, and each vehicle comes with aunique, individually numbered stainless-steel badge. The xD RS 3.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $16,905 with a manual transmission, and $17,705 with an automatic transmission.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $720 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

LA Auto Show: 2010 Scion xB RS 7.0 Limited Edition

Scion is pulling the wraps off its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2010 xB Release Series 7.0 (xB RS 7.0), in the Scion booth at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2-13.
The pleasing purple xB RS 7.0 flosses a four-piece DAMD body kit that includes front and rear lower lips along with side skirts. The xB comes exclusively painted in a distinctive color, appropriately named Murasaki, which means "purple" in Japanese.


One of the most distinguishing features of the xB RS 7.0 is the TRD sport muffler that exits out the center of DAMD rear lip. The exhaust system features twin double-walled tips and is specifically designed in conjunction with the DAMD rear lip to give the xB a sporty appearance and a sound that can only be found on this particular Release Series.
To complete the stylish exterior, the xB RS 7.0 is equipped with TRD lowering springs that bring the ride height down over an inch and offer athletic handling. A color-keyed rear spoiler is available as an option.


The interior of the xB RS 7.0 features exclusive black fabric seats with color-tuned highlights that complement the car's exterior. The sides of the driver and front passenger lower seat cushions are embroidered with the "RS" logo. The driver is also treated to a leather-wrapped RAZO GT Formula Spec shift knob that delivers a robust feel.
Only 2,000 units of the xB RS 7.0 will be built, and the first ones will begin arriving in dealerships in December 2009. Each xB RS 7.0 comes with an individually numbered stainless-steel badge to announce its uniqueness.


The xB RS 7.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,320 with a manual transmission, and $19,270 with an automatic transmission. A limited supply of the available color-matched rear spoiler will be available to xB RS 7.0 owners and carries a MSRP of $320, not including installation.
The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.


The xB RS 7.0 will get face time as a showcased vehicle in Scion's booth at the LA Auto Show, and additionally on the Release Series page on the online social networking site Facebook, where the vehicle is featured in the Murasaki racing game.
For more information on Scion vehicles, please visit www.scion.com, and for the xB Release Series 7.0 Facebook page, direct your browser to www.facebook.com/scionreleaseseries.
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SEMA Show: Scion xB Tuner by Peter Colell breaks cover

Scion has given three of the most innovative and creative visionaries the opportunity to showcase their talents through three project vehicles shown at the SEMA Auto Show. The xB Tuner Challenge was participated in by Peter Colello of Mummbles Marketing, Bowls LA, and Eneri Abillar, who is working with Leigh Guarnieri from BRS Autodesign.


Peter Colello established a name for himself back in 2002 with his Toyota Celica GT of the same year and a 2001 Ford Focus ZTS. With this years xB Tuner Challenge car Colello sought to produce a "well-rounded show car with pure functionality, building and expanding from past projects." The project includes elements such as a wide-body kit, lots of carbon-fiber in the hood, hatch, wing and custom roof, and a color motif of teal to tie the exterior together. Other elements include a turbo kit, air-ride suspension, TRD exhaust, and an over-the-top in-car entertainment system, one of Colello's signatures.




HIGHLIGHTS:

• Descendant turbocharger system

• Shaved engine bay, doors and interior

• Universal Air Kit suspension

• BASF Custom "Teal Blue Pearl" Paint

• BRS Autodesign 9-piece wide-body kit (modified)

• Seibon carbon-fiber body parts

• NRG seats, harnesses, steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake lever

• Custom 6-point roll cage and dashboard

• Mobile Spec ICE

via:4wheelsnews

Video: Bowls LA Scion xB Project Truck by SEMA

The Bowls project truck is part of this year’s ‘Scion xB Tuner Challenge’ that pits three designers, including Leung, against each other to build the best customized xB for SEMA. Each was given a car to modify, with $10,000 cash awarded for the best vehicle.





The Bowls ScionB is inspired by the 1970 Toyota Crown pickup - a kind of Japanese El Camino - which wasn't released in the US. It features TRD parts like the clutch, a limited-slip differential, a rear stabiliser bar and brakes. For added safety a roll cage is installed. Expect a cool ICE kit courtesy of Pioneer.





Bowls LA partnered with Advanced Design Fabrication to convert the xB from humble city people mover into a pickup. First, they lengthened its wheelbase to accommodate a matching bike that will sit in its cargo box.





There’s a reason for the go fast kit inside the cabin. The xB’s engine has been tweaked with an AEM cold air intake, performance parts from Brian Crower and a Nitrous Oxide injection system. The five-speed manual transmission has been strengthened with a Toyota Racing Development heavy-duty clutch and to help lay all that power to the road, there's a TRD limited-slip diff. TRD has also donated a front strut tower brace and rear sway bar that work with a digital air ride kit from Air Lift.





Bowls also created a custom bike which will fit snugly on the truck bed. Overall a 1970s Southern California feel has been achieved.

via:pickuptrucks

SEMA Show: Scion xD by 0-60 Magazine and Sparco Rally

Sparco

• Pro-ADV Race Seats

• Safari Race Steering Wheel

• Navigators Footrest

• 6 Point Harnesses

• Mud Flaps

• Communications Unit

• Helmet / Information Storage Box

• Piuma Shift Knob

• Race Pedals

• Quick Hub Adapter/Release

Seibon

• Front Carbon Hood

• Rear Carbon Hatch

• APR / Design Craft

• GTC Carbon Wing (Fabricated by DC)

• Carbon Panels/Sheets

PIAA

• 80 Pro XT Lights

Wheels

• Volks TE-37 15 x 6.5

Tires

• BFG Rally Tires

B&G

• Custom RS2 Coilovers and Springs

Performance Friction Brakes

• Custom Calipers / Pads / Rotors

Design Craft

• FIA Spec Rally Cage

• Universal Light Pod

• Front Aluminum Skid Plate

• Spoiler

• Front Bumper Pod Mounts

• Installed All Products

Greddy

• Gauges and Exhaust System

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SEMA: EPIC Cartel Scion tC

"The inspiration of project Epic came from a mix of builds I have been involved in over the last 18 months. Each time I begin a project from start to finish no one major factor ever lets me down. Design changes on a daily basis. With that said what one envisions in his or her mind sometimes just doesn't look right and you have to move onto plan B. So, what I do is take all these crazy ideas and apply them to what I like to call the DB (Design Bank) waiting to cash out on it with the next project.
Major Highlights that make this build unique is that it's a new twist of technology and insane flowing body lines. It's been chooped 3" with B-Pillars & center glass roof section removed and reinforced completely."


Chassis/Suspension

• Master Image Air Bag Kit

• Factory Suspension Points Re-engineered & Relocated

• 22×8 Cartel Designed Billet 3-Piece Forged Vellano Rims

• TOYO Proxes 4 235/30/ZR22

PowerTrain

• TRD Supercharger Kit

• TRD LSD Unit

• Cartel Side Exit Exhaust

• DME Sport Header

Interior

• Red Embossed Logo Pattern Leather Alongside Clean Flowing White and Black Accents on Front White and Black Accents on Front & Rear Seats, Door Panels, Audio and Misc. Trim Panels

• Cartel Customs Low Rise Buckets

• Custom Flowing Center Console. Arm Rest & Door Panels

• TRD Shift Knob

Audio

• Alpine IVA-W505 Head Unit

• 12″ In-Dash Monitor

• SWR-1042D 10″ Sub Woofer (4)

• PDX 1. 600 Amplifiers (3)

• PDX 4. 150 Amplifiers (2)

• SPX-13 51/4Component 2-Way Speakers

• SPX-17 61/2 Component 2-Way Speakers

Exterior

• 3″ Roof Line Chop

• Center Glass Top and B-Pillars Removed

• Custom Metal Fabrication Interior & Exterior Panels

• Pearl White Base Paint with Two-Tone Graphics & Ghosted Logos Throughout

• Custom ED Front & Rear Bumpers

• Custom Rear Hatch Formed & Vacuum Seal Molded

via:worldcarfans

SEMA: Scion Kogi xD Mobile Kitchen Designs

Exterior

• MV Designz Front Fascia

• MV Designz Rear Fascia

• MV Designz Side Skirts

• MV Designz Hood

Motorized

• Left Rear Door (Fridge and Cutting Board)

• Right Rear Door (Ice chest and sink w/ Reverse Osmosis System)

• Tailgate (BBQ Grill / Griddle)

• Hatch Glass (Dual Alpine 10" LCD Monitors)

• Left Tail Light (Cooking Utensils)

• Right Tail Light (Condiments)

Wheels

• DPE S7 3-Piece 19" Wheels

Tires

• Nitto Invos

• Front 235/35-19

• Rear 245/35-19

Brakes

• Rotora Big Brake Kit

Suspension

• TEIN Coilover Kit

Interior

• Two Tone Leather / Suede Seats

• Suede Headliner

• Custom Interior Panels

Audio

• Alpine Premium Scion xD Head Unit

• SPR-175S Type-R Component System

• SPR-175S Type-R Coaxial Speakers

• SWR-1042D Type-R 10" Subwoofer

• PDX-5 5 Channel Amplifier

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New York Auto Show: Scion IQ Concept

With stylish, youthful vehicles like the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul hitting the U.S. market, is Scion is still on the cutting edge? The xD and tC are getting rather long in the tooth after all, and even the iconic xB's edginess has been blunted.

Scion fired back at the doubters with the unveiling of its iQ concept at the New York Auto Show today. Based on the Toyota iQ microcompact, Scion's version turns a wild tuner's eye to the urban transportation pod with results that make the Brabus smart fortwo look restrained.
more detail. ...










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