2014 Scion Xb Base on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2016 Scion iM is the return of the Corolla Wagon

If you were expecting the Scion iM Concept to magically leap into production unchanged, well, you're a lot more optimistic than most. Predictably, Scion has toned down the production iM, revealing a vehicle at the 2015 New York Auto Show that's is only slightly spicier than the Toyota Auris on which it's based. Gone are the swollen wheel arches and center-exit exhaust of the concept, but the production version is still a handsome five-door hatchback. Compared the Euro-market Auris, first seen in 2012, the iM gets a more aggressive front end treatment. The angular grille and larger lower intakes and grilles are home to hexagonal inserts and gloss-black accents. Fitting with Scion's single-spec single-price sales model, 17-inch wheels come standard. The alloys are are wrapped in low-profile tires, which Scion describes as "fat." Flared side skirts run into the rear bumper, which sits well below a prominent set of taillights and a smallish rear window. The iM's sole engine is a 1.8-liter gas-powered four-cylinder. If that sounds familiar, it's because it's the same 2ZR-FAE engine found in the Corolla Eco model, and features continuously-variable valve timing and lift. With 137 horsepower, the iM cedes 3 ponies to its Toyota sibling, although we don't know if the torque figures are the same. Fuel economy, estimated at 37 mpg highway, is actually 2 mpg better than the Corolla Eco. Again, like the Corolla, the iM can be had with a continuously variable transmission. But fans of fun can enjoy a good ole' six-speed manual, something not available in the Corolla's hotter engine. As for the CVT, Scion claims it's been "sport-tuned for driving." The so-called CVTi-S features both a Sport mode – more aggressive transmission behavior and a more sporting steering sensation – and a manual setting with seven stepped shift points. The 2016 iM is expected to start at around $20,000, making it a potential challenger for the likes of the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. Deliveries should start this fall. Check back tomorrow for more details, as well as a full set of live photos. Until then, scroll down for the official press release.

2015 Scion FR-S gets suspension, appearance enhancements

A couple of weeks ago, we told you about some suspension and appearance changes for the European-market Toyota GT86 - a car that's better known as the Scion FR-S (and Subaru BRZ) here in the United States. At the time, our US contacts at Scion told us we'd have final confirmation "soon" as to whether or not these upgrades would make their way to our FR-S, and now, we have those official details.
For 2015, the FR-S features a more rigid front suspension setup, and the rear shock absorbers have been retuned, all of which has been done to reduce body roll and improve feedback. Other upgrades include a new shark-fin antenna and larger exhaust pipes that are now flush with the rear bodywork. Inside, buyers will be treated to an updated interior panel with a carbon fiber look, the addition of automatic on/off headlights, and a new key design. All of this comes at very little additional cost, with the manual transmission-equipped 2015 FR-S starting at $24,900 (not including $755 for destination) - an increase of $400.
Elsewhere in the Scion range, the tC coupe has been updated slightly for 2015. The not-as-sporty coupe now features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on automatic transmission-equipped models, and a couple of new colors are offered: Cosmic Gray and Blizzard Pearl. The 2015 tC starts at $19,210 - the same as the 2014 model.

Toyota Pro/Celebrity race switching from Scion tC to FR-S [w/video]

Toyota has announced that the rear-wheel-drive Scion FR-S will replace the front-wheel-drive Scion tC as the racecar used by actors, singers and celebrities of all grades in its annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. It's the first time a rear-drive vehicle has been used for the event in 27 years, with the tC having been in use since 2005, and the FWD Celica before that. This year's race takes place on April 20th amidst the festivities of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend.
The racing FR-S, which debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show, won't be left stock either, but rather outfitted with a range of official Toyota Racing Development parts and equipment, such as a stainless steel exhaust, new coil overs and springs, upgraded brakes, a bigger air intake and 18-inch wheels, not to mention all of the safety equipment required to keep the celebrities and pro drivers safe. The company says the performance mods have lifted horsepower to 210 from the standard car's 200. Check out the build process for the cars in the video below to see just how much work's been done.
The Toyota Pro/Celebrity race is also about more than just letting celebrities and pros do battle on a road course. The spectacle helps raise money for "Racing for Kids," a non-profit charity that supports children's hospitals in the US.