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Scion reveals SEMA concepts, Tuner Challenge finalists

Scion has become something of a tuner favorite, so it's only fitting that Toyota's youth-oriented brand have an array of show cars ready for SEMA each year. And this year will be no exception.
Scion itself is bringing five cars to SEMA this year, and as you might expect, they're mostly based on the FR-S. There's a black one done in partnership with DJ Steve Aoki with an onboard mixing station, another (in white and black) done with Bulletproof Automotive with a 500-horsepower engine and fresh bodywork, a grey one done up with GReddy with a 750-horsepower turbocharged engine and, the slickest of the group, the Style J concept (pictured above) with matte grey bodywork, a Scirocco-style nose and a full leather interior. There's also a stretched xB done up by Cartel Customs and laden with tech.
Aside from Scion's own show cars, the automaker has also released the details on three entries for its Tuner Challenge: one each from the East Coast, Pacific Northwest and Southern California. Scion gave each builder a stock tC, 90 days and $15,000 to build their concepts that will be judged by an expert panel at the SEMA show, with the winner taking home a $10,000 prize.

Scion announces FR-S Release Series 1.0 in New York

In the market for a Scion FR-S (or Subaru BRZ), but don't want the same one your neighbor's got? Scion has good news for you. At the New York Auto Show today, the Japanese automaker has announced the availability of this FR-S Release Series 1.0.
As the first Release Series FR-S (the aging xB is debuting its tenth alongside it), this special edition has been spruced up by Toyota Racing Development with a series of visual and aerodynamic enhancements to give the FR-S a bit of extra edge. Included in the Release Series 1.0 is an upgraded aero kit, an exhaust tip for every cylinder in the engine (that makes four, folks), and a lowered suspension with TRD springs and HID headlamps. Did we mention it's all capped by Yuzu yellow paint?
Inside, you'll find black seats with T-pattern upholstery, a TRD steering wheel, shifter and cargo mat, dual-zone climate control and push-button ignition with smart key. Scion isn't saying exactly what this model will cost, but it is saying it will come in under $30,000 (before the $755 delivery charge).

Ford tumbles to second worst in Consumer Reports reliability survey, list dominated by Japanese [w/video]

It's no secret that MyFord Touch has had its share of problems since being introduced, but the most recent reliability survey from Consumer Reports shows just how much this infotainment system has affected Ford. Just two years ago, the automaker was in the top 10 for the institute's reliability rankings, but since then, it has tumbled to the second-lowest rung just above dead-last Jaguar. In addition to MyFord Touch, CR also attributes a handful of new products that have had issues right out of the gate.
Compiled from 1.2 million subscriber surveys, this year's auto reliability survey heavily favors Japanese automakers, with eight of the 10 spots hailing from Japan. Toyota brands grabbed the top three spots (Scion, Toyota and Lexus - in that order) with Mazda, Subaru, Honda and Acura filling the next four spots. The only non-Asian automaker cracking the top 10 was Audi at number eight.
Audi climbed a total of 18 spots from last year, and Cadillac and GMC round out this year's top gainers breaking into the top 15. Helping Cadillac's upward movement, the CTS Coupe was named the most reliable domestic car. Lincoln, Volvo and Chrysler join Ford on this year's biggest loser list.