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Despite slow sales, no new Scion models in near-term pipeline [w/poll]

According to a top Toyota executive, the Japanese automaker will not be introducing any fresh Scion models in the near future, Reuters reports. As of August, Scion sales for this year were down 1.6 percent from 2012 and accounted for only 0.3 percent of Toyota's overall US sales. And last month, Toyota Motor Sales USA Senior Vice President Bob Carter informed the 1,000 dealers who carry Scion that they can drop the brand without penalty.
However, never fear - Carter has assured that, while nothing new is coming for at least six months, the company is still very committed to the quirky Scion brand. Toyota launched Scion, which targets the youth market, in 2003, and sales peaked in 2006. The brand currently has five models, with the 2013 best-sellers being the FR-S sports coupe followed by the tC sedan and xB hatchback.
What do you think about Toyota's decision to hold off on introducing new or refreshed Scion models? Are they heading in the right direction, or does this spell doom for the funky Gen Y brand?

Scion's SEMA show cars display tuner creativity [w/videos]

Scion brought four FR-S concepts to SEMA this year and one xB concept, while another three Scion tCs were brought to the show by three different shops that are competing in Scion's Tuner Challenge. The modified Scions range from mild to insane, and show how popular they are in the tuner world.
The Tuner Challenge teams brought unique creations to SEMA, after Scion gave each of them a tC, $15,000 and 90 days to modify it. At 11:00 AM on Wednesday, judges picked the Young Tea Scion Simpli-tC as the winner, the Walter Franco Scion L-DZ Concept got second, and third place went to the Josh Croll Scion WSD-tC. Check out the three videos below to watch the tC builds from start to finish.
Out of the FR-S concepts brought to the show, we're gravitating toward the GReddy Performance x Scion Racing Drift FR-S (top), which has the venerable 2JZ-GTE turbocharged straight-six engine in place of the flat-four that comes standard in the rear-wheel-drive coupe - ready to pump out 750 horsepower - and the Bulletproof FR-S Concept One, which features a striking, handmade wide body and a heavily modified, turbocharged flat-four that puts out 500 hp.

2016 Scion FR-S gets slight price increase, updates

Scion has bumped up the starting price of its rear-drive FR-S for the 2016 model year, although as the manufacturer tells it, an improved interior and more standard equipment makes the extra cost easier to bear. The FR-S with the six-speed manual has gone from $24,900 to $25,305, while the automatic's former $26,000 entry price has received an identical $405 bump. Those prices do not include a $770 destination charge. Offsetting the price increase is a new audio interface with a standard seven-inch touchscreen display and integrated rear-view camera. Scion's designers also touched up the cabin, adding bright silver accents throughout, while the customers can opt for two new exterior finishes. There's a blue named Oceanic, and a new red, called Ablaze, which you can see in the gallery. Check out the gallery up top, and then scroll down for the full press release. Related Video: New Style, Safety, Sounds and Sales Price For 2016 Scion FR-S April 30, 2015 TORRANCE, Calif. (April 30, 2015) – Scion's FR-S performance sports coupe is getting its style on for the 2016 model year. With interior improvements, two new colors, a new standard audio system and a rear-view back up camera, the next FR-S also sports a new price. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the six-speed manual transmission FR-S is $25,305 while the six-speed sequential automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology is $26,405. This price excludes the destination, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $770. The 2016 FR-S has a new premium feel with bright silver interior accents on the steering wheel bezel, shift bezel, door grip, and along the sides of the center console. Also inside the FR-S is a new standard audio system with a large 7-inch touch-screen display and voice recognition technology. For added safety, comfort and convenience, a rear-view backup camera has been integrated into the FR-S, as well. Adding to the new look, two new colors will be available with a new red called Ablaze and a new blue called Oceanic. The 2016 FR-S will be available in dealerships beginning in June.