2013 Scion Frs on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Scion pondering move upmarket?

Scion is simultaneously celebrating its ten-year anniversary with the 10 Series models and trying to figure out what to do with itself over the next ten years. Once a go-to consideration for young, first-time buyers who wanted something cool and different, in 2013 it has a model everyone is still talking about in the FR-S, a model few are still talking about in the iQ, and three models in between in the tC, xB and xD that make everyone wonder, "What happened?"
Automotive News spoke to Toyota's North American CEO, Jim Lentz - he was the VP in charge of Scion when it launched - about the options, and Lentz said one of them could be a move upmarket to challenge the established luxury brands that are moving downmarket. "There's going to be a big need in the $25,000 range for a fun-to-drive, nice-looking, value-oriented product," he said, and the FR-S, which starts at $25,255, could provide the platform for Scion to climb up a notch or two in price and perception. An idea like this could conceivably work in tandem with a proposal to move entry-level Scion products over to the Toyota brand - but remember, this is all just ideas on a whiteboard at the moment.
As opposed to an "entry-luxury fighter," the brand could swing back to the other option that was considered when it was formed, directly challenging the Korean makes that have usurped its cachet with first-time buyers. Lentz said Scion could go either way, and the tone of the piece seems to indicate that the final direction is still a ways away from being resolved.

Mazda CX-5 named Japan's Car of The Year, Subaru BR-Z wins "Special Award"

The Mazda CX-5 stamped its Kodo design and SkyActiv technology authority all over the Japan Car of the Year awards, taking the top prize ahead of the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT 86. It is Mazda's second victory in the last ten years, the 2005 MX-5 claiming the same trophy, and the fourth time the Hiroshima company has won.
The award is decided by 60 local "automotive experts and journalists," and open to any passenger car released in Japan from November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012 that has sold more than 500 units. Each judge gets 25 votes, his or her top vote getting 10 points, the rest of the points being spread among the judge's choice for the next best four cars.
The second-place getters were the Toyobaru twins with 318 votes, the surprise being they didn't beat or get any closer to the crossover. The Subaru BRZ did claw some mojo back, earning the Special Award given to cars that have made "an exceptional impact." The BMW 3 Series was third overall and won the Import Car of the Year award with plenty of room between it and the second place Range Rover Evoque.

Scion xB gets one more special edition

The Scion xB, which is apparently still a thing, has added a final special edition to its long-running list, with the new 686 Parklan Edition. It's limited to, you guessed it, 686 units. As is so often the case for these special editions, there's a unique paint color, decals, wheels, and nifty little trim bits. That's good news for the Brown Car Appreciation Society, as Scion has opted for a handsome Cocoa Bean Metallic paint that almost feels wasted on this aging box. The gloss black wheels, mirror caps, and tailgate handle all feature bright red accents, but it's the cabin where we really see big changes. The 686 has dictated an outdoorsy interior theme, with plenty of camo fabric and quilted finishing on the seat uppers. There are a couple of zippable pockets in the front seats, including a rather hefty storage area in the seatbacks, while the floor and cargo area are protected by 686-branded rubber floormats. The xB 686 Parklan Edition, which can only be had with an automatic transmission, will be priced at $20,480, with sales slated to begin today. Read on for the official press release from Scion. Scion Checks the Box With Final xB Special Edition Model September 28, 2015 TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2015) – As Scion's iconic box, the xB, ends its run, Scion is taking the road less traveled to a place where the mountains meet the streets. Scion has partnered with 686, the snowboard technical apparel company, to create the xB 686 Parklan Edition. Starting today, a total of 686 xB special edition models are available for buyers seeking a unique combination of fashion and function. It will be priced at $19,685, excluding a delivery, processing and handling fee of $795. The 2015 xB 686 Parklan Edition incorporates seats with the quilted patterning and modern cubist camo style reflecting 686's design influence. Gloss black 16-inch alloy wheels featuring the 686 stamped logo tie in with the black-out badges, side mirrors, rear license plate garnish and door handles. On the outside, the Cocoa Bean Metallic paint is accented with red lines in the front, rear and on the side mirrors to capture 686's brand. For added functionality on the slopes, there is an incognito driver's side zippered storage pocket and zippered seat back pockets. Each xB 686 Parklan Edition also comes with all-weather floor and cargo mats. Additionally, a custom INNO Cargo Box and Roof Rack system is available.