AutoblogGreen

Toyota says five most recent U.S. models average 44 mpg

Danny King — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, MPG, Scion, Toyota

Toyota says the five models it recently introduced to the U.S. market have an average EPA fuel-economy rating of 44 miles per gallon, giving the Japanese automaker an opportunity to gain market share as gas prices rise. All told, Toyota has increased its fleetwide fuel economy by about 12 percent over the past five years.

The Scion iQ, Camry Hybrid and Prius V wagon, all of which debuted late last year, get between 37 miles per gallon and 42 miles per gallon, while the even-more-efficient Prius C and Prius Plug-in are about to launch. The Prius C gets a combined 50 miles per gallon, while the Prius Plug-in gets 50 miles per gallon in gas mode and 95 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe in electric mode).

Toyota is hoping specifically to increase Prius sales this year after supply issues stemming from last March's earthquake and tsunami in Japan hurt sales of the world's best-selling hybrid. Through February, U.S. Prius sales are up 33 percent from a year earlier. Toyota is looking to sell about 220,000 Prius vehicles this year, up from about 136,000 units in 2011.

Continue reading Toyota says five most recent U.S. models average 44 mpg

Toyota says five most recent U.S. models average 44 mpg originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota patent hints at sportier iQ

Autoblog Staff — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Scion

Toyota may be hard at work on a new version of the company's iQ microcar. The sleuths at Carscoop have managed to uncover a patent rendering of the fuel-sipping sub-compact wearing some considerably more aggressive bodywork. It's unclear whether these designs are meant for the U.S.-market iQ or its Toyota-badged twin, but we're more than a little intrigued by the vehicle's widebody treatment.

The kit looks to include a reworked front fascia and wheel arches along with a new rear valance that includes a diffuser and space for dual exhaust outlets. A massive rear spoiler looks to be part of the package, as well, along with side skirts to match the rest of the bodywork. What does Toyota have planned with this pint-sized bruiser? Your guess is as good as ours, but here's hoping we hear something concrete from the company soon. Head over to Carscoop for additional renderings.

Toyota patent hints at sportier iQ originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion sets 2012 iQ sales target at up to 2,000/month

John Neff — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG, Scion, Lightweight, USA

According to Ward's Auto, Scion is confident enough in its upcoming iQ minicar that a U.S. sales target of 1,000 to 2,000 units per month has been set. While that may not sound like much, remember that the iQ will have a staggered rollout across the U.S., beginning with the West Coast this Fall, moving to the southern states in January and then the East Coast and Midwest after that. Following the full national roll-out, an all-electric iQ will arrive in late 2012, though will only be available to fleets and car sharing services.

Also keep in the mind that the bar for minicars has been set low by the slow-selling and not-very-well-received Smart fortwo, which sold only 5,927 units in 2010. Even if it only hit its low end target of 1,000 units per month, the iQ would still be crushing the fortwo.

These targets come from Scion vice president Jack Hollis, who Ward's reports as saying that Scion will be relying on the iQ's premium equipment list to do in the U.S. what the fortwo hasn't: sell. Hollis cites the iQ's 11 airbags, including an industry-first rear-window airbag, and infotainment tech like standard Bluetooth and HD Radio, as the big draws.

With a base price of $15,995 including destination, the iQ can hardly be called inexpensive for its size, but its combination of being more fun to drive than a fortwo, decent fuel economy (37 miles per gallon combined) and a funky look means that urbanites who value the smallest footprint possible may finally have a choice they can live with.

Scion sets 2012 iQ sales target at up to 2,000/month originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Only 600 electric Scion iQs to be produced in 2012; 100 coming to U.S.

Eric Loveday — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Scion, Toyota

Back in July, Toyota officially confirmed that the electric Scion iQ will hit U.S. dealerships in 2012. A few weeks later, the Japanese automaker revealed that the electrified Scion iQ will be a fleet-only vehicle.

Now, there's word that Toyota will only ship 100 electric iQs from Japan to the U.S. in 2012. According to Integrity Exports, 2012 production for the electric iQ is going to be a mere 600 units, with 400 of the battery-powered minicars staying in Japan, leaving just 200 for the rest of the world.

Why only 100 for the U.S.? Well, Toyota's electrified minicar, with its estimated range of 50 miles, will face fierce competition from vehicles like the 73-mile rated Nissan Leaf and the 62-mile rated Mitsubishi i. Of course, the battery-powered Scion iQ's MSRP has not been announced, but we'd assume the vehicle's price and its limited range played some sort of role in Toyota's decision to severely limit U.S. deliveries.

Only 600 electric Scion iQs to be produced in 2012; 100 coming to U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota officially confirms 2012 launch of electric Scion iQ

Eric Loveday — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Scion, Toyota, Lightweight

Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

During a recent dealer meeting held by Toyota in Las Vegas, the Japanese automaker reconfirmed that the launch of the Prius V is still on track for this fall, that the Prius C will be headed our way in early 2012 and that the electric RAV4, along with the plug-in Prius, are coming sometime next year, as well.

But it was Toyota's confirmation that the electric Scion iQ will hit U.S. dealerships in 2012 that caught us by surprise. Why's that? Prior to this announcement, Toyota had not officially committed to a launch date for the electrified iQ. Now, it seems, the all-electric Scion iQ will be America-bound in less than 18 month's time.

Toyota's electrified minicar, with its estimated range of 50 miles, will face fierce competition from vehicles like the 73-mile rated Nissan Leaf, 85-mile "best case range scenario" Mitsubishi i, and, if Think Global survives bankruptcy, its 100-mile rated City electric. With electric vehicles already having been condemned for not hitting advertised range ratings, one has to wonder if Scion's electric will be a success in the States. Of course, the battery-powered Scion iQ's MSRP has yet to be announced and the vehicle's price is sure to influence potential buyers one way or the other.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota officially confirms 2012 launch of electric Scion iQ

Toyota officially confirms 2012 launch of electric Scion iQ originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Scion iQ launch in U.S. delayed again

Eric Loveday — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Scion, Lightweight

Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in January, word on The Internets was that the launch of the Scion iQ - a pint-sized hatchback that was originally scheduled to hit the U.S. in March - would be pushed back until sometime this summer. Toyota spokesman Greg Thome stated that the iQ's delay was necessary to "space out the new product launches, giving more time for the all-new tC, which went on sale in October, to be in the spotlight."

Well, it looks like the iQ's U.S. launch may be pushed back again. This time around, it's the general parts shortage due to the earthquake tragedy that's causing the delay, Reuters reports. Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion, says that the automaker expects to have more info on the urban city car's launch schedule after the "Golden Week" holidays in Japan, which end May 9. Hollis told Reuters that, "Until we get confirmation from Japan on production, what we might end up having to forgo is the early launch of the new iQ."

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Scion iQ launch in U.S. delayed again originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota confirms Scion iQ delayed until summer

Eric Loveday — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Scion, Toyota, Lightweight

Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Late last week, the interwebs lit up with rumors that Toyota was delaying the launch of the Scion iQ. Word was that the iQ's U.S. debut, which had been set for March of this year, was going to be pushed back until sometime this summer. Well, it's official. Toyota has confirmed the iQ's is going to be a bit late to the urban car party.

Toyota spokesman Greg Thome stated that the iQ's delay is necessary to "space out the new product launches, giving more time for the all-new tC, which went on sale in October, to be in the spotlight." Thome added that the iQ's late launch has nothing to do with the fact that the first batch of Scion's city car prototypes arrived from Japan a couple of months behind schedule. Look for the iQ to hit dealerships, either as a 2011 or 2012 model, by the end of summer.

[Source: Toyota, GreenCarReports]

Toyota confirms Scion iQ delayed until summer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Scion iQ delayed until Summer

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Scion

Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Word on The Internets is that the Scion iQ won't be hitting our shores anytime soon. The pint-sized hatch was originally supposed to arrive here in the United States by March of this year, but GreenCarReports.com has indicated that the city car may not arrive until sometime this summer. The move is thought to be as much about production delays as marketing. Scion has said that it wanted to give the 2011 tC enough time to have the company's stage all to itself without having the limelight stolen away by its newest sibling.

At the same time, the company said that the first prototypes from Japan were a few months late in arriving and that the delay pushed back the production schedule. Whatever the hold up, buyers clamoring for a competitor to the Smart ForTwo will have to wait a few more months for the pleasure of grabbing the keys to a Scion iQ. As of this writing, there's no telling whether the car will show up as a 2011 model as first thought or whether it will be labeled a 2012 when it finally shows up.

[Source: GreenCarReports.com]

Report: Scion iQ delayed until Summer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion iQ to hit dealerships in March 2011

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Scion

2011 Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've all heard the rhetoric about how small cars are primed to be big sellers over the next few years, and nobody seems to be responding to that direction sooner than Toyota. The Japanese automaker is getting ready to challenge the diminutive Smart Fortwo here in the United States with the Scion iQ, and we've just been told by Toyota representatives to expect it to hit dealer showrooms around March of next year.

Unlike its main competitor, the iQ sports a unique 3+1 seating arrangement that will allow three real-sized human beings to fit in the car with an extra spot for a munchkin or car seat. Scion also promises that its micro car will boast real storage capacity, which is an important factor if people have any inkling to use their urban runabout as a second car. Expect a price somewhere in the vicinity of the Fortwo when the iQ hits the streets early next year.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Scion iQ to hit dealerships in March 2011 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2010: 2011 Scion iQ is a little intriguing

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Scion, New York Auto Show

2011 Scion iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, well, well - it looks like Toyota's iQ is coming to the U.S. after all, only it will be (as reported) sporting a Scion badge. Makes sense. Especially as according to Scion, the world's smallest four-seater is aimed squarely at a very young demographic. Not just young, but hip and urban, too. In fact, we were told that the iQ represents a "new urbanism," and is a vehicle for a "progressive buyer." We can hear Glenn Beck's aneurysm from here.

As for details, the "mini-er, smart-er" iQ sports a 1.3-liter engine delivering its not-yet-divulged power through a CVT. Mileage should be in the high 30s, which is reasonable but far from overwhelming for such a small package. The iQ will also ship with stability control, traction control and ABS, as well as ten - count 'em - ten airbags, as well as the industry's first-ever rear window bag. As for now, that's the whole story. We'll update you on price, performance specs, and on-sale date when we know more. Press release after the jump.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Scion iQ is a little intriguing

New York 2010: 2011 Scion iQ is a little intriguing originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota exec. thinks hybrids are too expensive for Scion, AWD possible

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Scion, Toyota

"Scion (is an) innovation laboratory and a chance to try new things," says Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. What comes to mind when people think of Toyota and innovation? Hybrids, right? And, moving another step towards some sort of logical conclusion here, since Scion is Toyota's youth-oriented brand and the younger generation is supposed to be more in tune with the environment, hybrids would seemingly be a lock for the Scion brand. Not so, it seems, and the main stumbling block is a familiar one: cost.

Hybrids - particularly ones that use Toyota's complicated Hybrid Synergy Drive - feature two distinct sets of drivetrain components that are each capable of powering the vehicle. As such, they are more expensive to produce than typical internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. Add in an expensive battery pack and the expected cost for a hybridized Scion shoots past the self-imposed $20,000 ceiling that Toyota has set on its entry-level marque.

So, if a hybrid Scion isn't on the horizon (at least not in the near-term), what innovative technology is Toyota considering for Scion? For starters, all-wheel drive, likely cribbed from Subaru, of which Toyota owns a 16.5-percent stake. Apparently, Toyota believes it can manage an all-wheel drive Scion that doesn't break the $20,000 barrier more easily than it can a hybrid version. Where that falls into the Japanese automaker's stated goal to produce ever more fuel efficient vehicles, we don't yet know.

[Source: Wards Auto]

Report: Toyota exec. thinks hybrids are too expensive for Scion, AWD possible originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Scion considering entering compact pickup market

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Scion

Scion Hako concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We know that Scion will launch a new tC coupe and a tiny little iQ minicar before the end of the year, but what comes after that? Yoshi Inaba, president of Toyota Motor North America, has admitted that the Japanese automaker hasn't yet decided what future products make the most sense for the youth-oriented Scion brand, but Scion General Manager Jack Hollis tells Wards Auto that a truck is being considered as a possibility.

Take a look at the current pickup truck market and you'll see that the only currently available machine that even kinda fits into the compact role is the Ford Ranger, which hasn't been updated in eons and sees its sales dwindle every single year (55,600 in 2009). This being the case, there may be room for a small urban pickup from Scion, though the automaker indicates it would need to be careful not to infringe on the class-leading Toyota Tacoma.

If Scion did indeed build a true compact pickup with a view toward reasonable fuel efficiency, what would it look like? Perhaps an xB with a small bed? Or might it look something like the Hako concept from the 2008 New York Auto Show (perhaps in modified form)? Refresh your memory of that odd-looking concept by perusing our high-res image gallery below.

[Source: Wards Auto]

Report: Scion considering entering compact pickup market originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to offer hybrid Scion iQ in sedan, five-door

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Scion, Toyota, Detroit Auto Show

Scion iQ Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

You know that Toyota iQ your cousin's seen running around Europe and Japan? It's making its way Stateside, first to next week's Detroit Auto Show, then to a Scion dealer near you as a hybrid. This is according to a scoop by Inside line. We've known for a while now that the iQ will be showing up as a Scion, just not for certain as a hybrid. Also, according to IL, the fate of the brand hangs in the balance. Also-also, they might (yay!) drop the name iQ.

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.

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Toyota to offer hybrid Scion iQ in sedan, five-door originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pulled Ahead? Scion dealers saying iQ headed for U.S. in 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Scion, Lightweight, USA

Scion iQ Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last we heard, Toyota was planning to bring the diminutive iQ to the American market badged as a Scion in either late 2010 or early 2011 as a 2012 model. According to AutoWeek, that date may have been moved up a few months as a major Scion dealership (which declined to be named) has confirmed the car for next September or October. If true, that could mean that the car will carry a 2011 designation, and might also pull the iQ ahead of the replacement for the tC coupe, which was previously said to be the next Scion in waiting.

It's no secret that the Scion brand has been hit harder than most in the face of the worst economic downturn in recent memory (down 57.8 percent for the year through July), and it's apparently thought the 66-mpg Smart-killing iQ is just what the doctor ordered to spruce up the automaker's lineup.

Speaking at the iQ's debut in Scion drag at the New York Auto Show, company Veep Jack Hollis said that "the interest was so high that it would be silly for us not to fight for [the iQ], but the next-generation tC is our top priority now." That next-gen tC is rumored to drop sometime in mid-to-late-2010 with more aggressive styling and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower. Armchair quarterback time: which new model is more important for the Scion brand, the iQ or the tC? Click past the break to take part in our poll.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Continue reading Pulled Ahead? Scion dealers saying iQ headed for U.S. in 2010

Pulled Ahead? Scion dealers saying iQ headed for U.S. in 2010 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Scion iQ headed for America by early 2011 with a few changes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG, Scion, Toyota

Scion iQ Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

As expected, Toyota's youthful Scion division will indeed get a version of the diminutive iQ for the North American market, possibly by either the end of 2010 as an '11 model or in early 2011 as a '12 model. According to Motor Trend, the car will cost about the same as the Yaris and get the usual modifications for the American market, such as slightly extended bumpers and recalibrated airbags to meet U.S. safety regulations.

Fortunately, the Big-Wheels-esque body kit and rims that the Japanese automaker fitted to the conceptual Scion iQ that was shown off at the New York Auto Show earlier this year won't come to the States as standard equipment. We're not entirely sure what powerplants Toyota plans to use in the American iQ, but in other markets it's available with three engines displacing between 1.0 and 1.4 liters. No hybrid iQ is currently planned due to cost and packaging considerations.

Interestingly, MT also reports that the Toyota FT-EV electric car concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show, which was based on the iQ minicar, will hit the market by 2012. At this time, the Japanese automaker may still be deciding between tried-and-true nickel metal hydride batteries or more powerful but unproven lithium ion units. Regardless, Toyota's aiming for a 50-mile range and an eight-hour recharge from a standard wall outlet.

Gallery: New York 2009: Scion iQ concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Scion iQ headed for America by early 2011 with a few changes originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2009: The Scion iQ goes Big Wheels!

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:43:00 EST

Filed under: Scion, New York Auto Show

Scion iQ Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

To no one's surprise, Toyota unveiled the Scion iQ concept today at the New York Auto Show. Ever since the iQ debuted in Europe last year, the expectation has been that Toyota would sell the micro compact car as a Scion here in the U.S. to compete against the Smart ForTwo. What surprised us were the modifications made to the iQ for its debut in the States. In keeping with the customization culture that is rampant among Scion owners, the concept features widely flared fenders and super-size 18-inch wheels.

Like the current production model, the concept iQ features 3+1 seating with a very compact air conditioning unit that facilitates 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.

Gallery: New York 2009: Scion iQ concept

Continue reading New York 2009: The Scion iQ goes Big Wheels!

New York 2009: The Scion iQ goes Big Wheels! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shot: Scion iQ already in New York?

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:42:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Scion, Toyota, New York Auto Show

In mid-March, Scion confirmed that a new concept car would be headed our way during the New York Auto Show. This "micro-subcompact" sounded like a Scion-badged iQ to us, and now we think we have the first spy shots of the car being unloaded in New York. Of course, this being April Fool's and all, we're not sure how much credence to give this picture. It looks like there's been some digital manipulation going on, but that could be just to bring out the highlights a bit. From the image, this looks like a very slightly tweaked version of the Toyota iQ we've seen so much of. Here's a front-on shot of that car to compare to the spy shot. The front bumper is a bit different, with a row of LED lights replacing the round lights from the Toyota. The grinning vent is also a bit wider. For more details, we won't have to wait much more than a week. The New York show kicks off April 8th.

Gallery: Toyota iQ on the Road

[Source: Autoweek via Autoblog]

Spy shot: Scion iQ already in New York? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scion confirms new concept car headed for New York, iQ on the way?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Scion, New York Auto Show, Green Daily, USA

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Toyota iQ

Scion has decided to end speculation about whether a new concept vehicle will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show by issuing a press release confirming our suspicions. In the process, though, the automaker has stirred the pot back up regarding what type of vehicle will be on display. According to the super short blurb (pasted after the break), the new concept will be a "micro-subcompact" and will represent "a new segment for the brand aimed toward the growing urbanization trend."

Sounds like a U.S. version of the diminutive Toyota iQ to us. The new model may wear the tD moniker that's been seen floating around the U.S. Patent and Trademark offices and would not displace the aging tC in the automaker's line. Come back around noon EDT on April 8th to find out for sure.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading Scion confirms new concept car headed for New York, iQ on the way?

Scion confirms new concept car headed for New York, iQ on the way? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popular Mechanics compares fuel efficiency of Nissan Cube, Kia Soul and Scion xB

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Kia, Nissan, Scion

Click above for high-res galleries of the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube

The latest generation of the Scion xB - the car that kicked off the currently popular "box-it-came-in" styling trend - may be a perfectly fine vehicle with a few welcome improvements over the first edition, but we still miss the size, shape and fuel economy that the old model was able to deliver. Now that the 2009 Nissan Cube and 2010 Kia Soul are on their way to U.S. shores, drivers may finally get to choose what size they want their brick-like vehicles to come in.

Popular Mechanics managed to snag one of each of these triplets and they took the opportunity to drive them back-to-back through city slogs, canyon curves and the highway superslabs in between. Not surprisingly, all three vehicles seem to have offered something to recommend them over their competitors, but only one machine could come out on top, and it was the one that also managed to post the best fuel efficiency. We won't steal their thunder, though, click here for the full story.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Popular Mechanics compares fuel efficiency of Nissan Cube, Kia Soul and Scion xB originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric vehicle-to-grid network arrives in Newark, DE

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Scion, USA

Newark, DE has gotten the green light for one of the first two-way Vehicle to Grid infrastructure. Sponsored by a $730,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the project helps the state and the University of Delaware to purchase specially-equipped cars (retrofitted versions of the Scion xB) which would get electricity from the local utility and give back some of it when the car is parked and plugged in. Of course, a handful of cars aren't enough to make any dramatic impact on the grid, but regional grid manager believes that a thousand will make a noticeable difference. The demonstration vehicles, plugged into a single 208-volt, 50-amp outlet, can each use or send onto the grid 10.4 kWh of electricity. What Delaware needs now, besides the EV cars, is a complete network of garages, apartment parking lots and city streets outfitted with the right size plugs, as the grid is actually ready to go. Thanks to GoodCheer for the tip.

[Source: Delaware Online]

Continue reading Electric vehicle-to-grid network arrives in Newark, DE

Electric vehicle-to-grid network arrives in Newark, DE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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