Scion sketches SEMA spread starring Slayer, skateboarder

Sat, 20 Sep 2014

I was in Nashville last weekend for a friend's bachelor party. It's all rather fuzzy, but I do recall that my friends and I found it hilarious to request Slayer every time one of the country groups on the Broadway strip asked for a specific song to be played. While there were a few good sports, most didn't find it too funny, largely because country music and Slayer don't mix all that well. Actually, Slayer and a lot of things don't mix too well. Like Slayer and Scion, Toyota's slowly withering youth brand.

This mish-mash hasn't prevented the Japanese budget brand from teaming with the metal group for a concept vehicle based on the tC coupe (shown above). If the Slayer link is a bit too extreme, Scion has a more mainstream xB, styled by skateboarder Riley Hawk on the way. Both new vehicles will be shown at the upcoming SEMA show, but Scion has opted to release a pair of sketches of both aftermarket creations ahead of the Las Vegas expo.

It's hard to tell what kind of exterior changes have been made to the tC, although Scion says the cabin now boasts a 32-inch monitor, as well as a heavily revamped stereo. As you can see, it will say "Slayer" on the door, in the band's stylized script.

"Slayer's fans are going to be excited when we reveal what a metal-inspired Scion tC looks like," Slayer guitarist Kerry King said in a statement. "Working with Scion has given us another way to reach new audiences and inspire them to keep going down their own paths."

As for the xB, the biggest change is the higher roof, which provides accommodations for both an upgraded stereo and skateboards. The overall inspiration for the boxy five-door was the 1970s, and it's been equipped suitably, with an 8-track player, shag carpets and wood-grain paneling.

Check back for more on these Scions, as well as the rest of the lunacy from the 2014 SEMA Show when it kicks off on November 4 in Las Vegas. Until then, scroll down for the official press release.

Sketches Give Peek at Riley Hawk and Slayer-Inspired Scion Vehicles for SEMA Show

September 18, 2014
TORRANCE, Calif., (Sept. 18, 2014) – Metal, music and some serious skateboarding moves inspired two new Scion cars for the upcoming Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show. Scion will debut the "Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC" for heavy metal band Slayer and the "Scion x Riley Hawk Skate Tour xB" for pro skateboarder Riley Hawk at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 4-7, 2014.

Frequently cited for its deep influence on other metal bands, Slayer has a look, sound and approach all its own. The band's aggressive style carries into the tC sports coupe's exterior look and band-inspired details. Inside, the vehicle has been transformed into a multimedia machine with amps, towers of speakers, a custom mixer and a 32-inch monitor for media playback. Mike Vu of MV DESIGNZ is leading the build process.

"Slayer's fans are going to be excited when we reveal what a metal-inspired Scion tC looks like," Slayer guitarist Kerry King said. "Working with Scion has given us another way to reach new audiences and inspire them to keep going down their own paths."

Beyond his skateboarding career, Hawk is a rock 'n' roll aficionado with an appreciation for 70s style. His xB ride combines those three passions through its high-end sound system, space for skateboards and classic orange and yellow striped paint job. Details like bubble windows, interior wood grain paneling, an 8-track player and requisite shag carpet make it a rolling, retro hangout spot. The build is being led by Scott Kanemura of KMA Productions.

"Every element of this Scion xB represents some part of my life," Riley said. "I'm looking forward to showing it at SEMA and having people check it out!"

Both project vehicles will join a diverse collection of modified Scions at SEMA, including three FR-S sport coupes designed by media partners as part of the 10th annual Scion Tuner Challenge. While the SEMA Show is not open to the public, there will be opportunities to see the Slayer tC and Skate Tour xB at Scion events later in the year.

"SEMA is the ultimate opportunity to look at Scion vehicles through a new lens," said Doug Murtha, vice president of Scion. "We're looking forward to showing fans what Riley Hawk and the members of Slayer envisioned for the tC and xB and encourage fans to imagine for themselves."

To follow other Scion SEMA content, visit www.scion.com/blog as well as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

By Brandon Turkus