2006 Scion Xa Base Hatchback 5-door 1.5l on 2040-cars

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Scion FR-S recalled for key interlock problem

The Basics: Scion will recall 26,000 examples of the 2013-2016 Scion FR-S. The Problem: Some models with the automatic transmission might not have the connection for the key interlock. On these vehicles, it would be possible for owners to remove the key, even if the gearshift isn't in Park. This condition puts the coupes out of compliance with federal rules. Injuries/Deaths: "We are not providing specifics at this time," Scion spokesperson Cindy Knight told Autoblog. The company's announcement makes no mention of injuries or deaths. The Fix: Scion dealers will inspect the vehicles and connect the key interlock if necessary. If You Own One: Owner notification will begin in early March, according to Knight. More Information: Autoblog reached out to Subaru to see if there would be a similar recall for the BRZ. "We've confirmed with our Quality Assurance dept. that the BRZ does not have that defect, as the issue is related to the work conducted during pre-delivery service prior to sale," company spokesperson Michael McHale said. Related Video: TOYOTA RECALLS CERTAIN SCION FR-S VEHICLES TORRANCE, Calif., February 9, 2016 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 26,000 Model Year 2013-2016 Scion FR-S vehicles. In the involved vehicles, connectors for the automatic transmission key interlock on some vehicles may not have been connected during pre-delivery service prior to sale. If the delivery mode connectors are not connected, it is possible to remove the key in gear positions other than "Park", causing the vehicles not to comply with a portion of Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114. This could increase the risk of vehicle rollaway and a crash. All known owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first class mail and instructed to return the vehicle to a Toyota dealer to have the ignition key interlock function confirmed, and if necessary, delivery mode connectors connected at no charge. Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle's status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin.

Lightweight Toyota GT86 spotted on Nordschleife with carbon panels, upgraded aero

We've seen (and frankly reported on) so many rumors of more powerful and performance-focused versions of the Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86 and Scion FR-S at this point that haven't materialized that, at this point, we're almost tired of them. Almost. But what we have here was enough to pique our jaded interests as only a carbon-bodied sports car on the Nürburgring could do.
What we're looking at is, well, we don't quite know, to tell you the truth. What we can tell is that it's a Toyota GT86 (Scion FR-S for us) wearing new wheels and a carbon-fiber hood, roof, racing-spec rear wing and subtle lip spoiler. The vents in the hood indicate that the prototype in question could be packing an upgraded engine to go with the lighter body panels and upgraded aero, and the interior (at least as far as we can see) looks pretty well stripped out.
The right-hand drive configuration tells us this is either destined for former territories of the British Empire or for the racetrack. Considering the ride height, full glass and apparent lack of roll cage, our money's on this prototype is being developed for the Japanese Domestic Market, where Toyota badges the sports car simply as the 86. We can always hope, though, that some version makes it into Scion showrooms in North America... we just won't get our hopes up too high.

Toyota GT86 turbo, convertible, sedan variants back on the table

Okay Toyota, make up your mind. Figure it out. Quit playing games with our heart. Either build a bunch of variations of the excellent GT86 (also known as the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ) or don't. At this point, we're just tired of the back and forth. After no shortage of denials, an Australian website is claiming that Toyota is reconsidering convertible, four-door, turbocharged and all-wheel-drive hybrid variants of the GT86. Kindly pass all the salt.
It's not that we don't want to believe the Aussies; we do. But when the story lists the same "sources in Japan" as a lot of the other denials and confirmations about GT86/BRZ/FR-S variants, well, there's a certain sense of the "Boy That Cried Wolf," here. Ignoring all that, then, what does Motoring.com.au claim to know?
Sources claim the GT86 Convertible will arrive in October 2014, while the turbocharged and hybrid sedans are slated for 2016.