Toyota youth brand celebrates its tenth anniversary with five special models and a refreshed 2014 Scion tC at the 2013 New York Auto Show
Ten years after
It was at the 2002 New York International Auto Show that Toyota both announced its youth brand and unveiled the first concept vehicle that was destined to wear a Scion badge.
That vehicle, the bbX, was to become the xB. The production xB, along with the xA, was introduced at the LA Auto Show in 2003 and were launched in June of that year. A second concept vehicle unveiled in the Big Apple, the ccX, was brought to market as the tC, a year after the xB's launch in 2003, in June of 2004 – a move that coincided with the national launch of the brand (it was initially only offered in California).
2013 Scion 10 Series
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the brand Toyota again chose New York to introduce a limited edition version of all five vehicles in the Scion lineup, calling them the Scion 10 Series.
Here's how they shake out:
• All Scion 10 Series models will be painted in an exclusive Silver Ignition color
• Each will feature an LED Scion locator badge that lights up when the vehicle is unlocked
• All five will also come with silver seat belts, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob, sequentially numbered interior badge, and a Scion 10 Series logo on the dash
According to Scion wags "When you first enter the car, the Scion name illuminates before fading to reveal the number 10. xB, iQ, and xD also feature unique alloy wheels in a graphite finish, while FR-S adds HID headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights, dual automatic climate control, and a smart key with push-button-start ignition."
Toyota plans on building "about" 10,000 total units (model mix unknown at this time) with dealership availability beginning in June.
But wait, there's more
In addition to the 10 Series models, Toyota also unveiled a mildly refreshed version of its volume model, the tC.
Changes on the 2014 Scion tC include:
• Angular headlamps à la the FR-S
• A new hood that extends lower
• A more aggressive front bumper with new upper and lower grilles and new LED accent lighting
• New 18-inch alloy wheels painted dark gray with machined-spoke surfaces
• More aggressive rear bumper with an expanded black-out section and "FR-S style" lower center trim
• New look LED tail lamps
• Two new paint colors: Absolutely Red and Blue Streak Metallic
• Interior changes include upgraded materials, brighter accents, auto-off headlamps and an auto-up and down driver's window
The newest tC will also boast an all-new "Standard Display Audio" system with a 6.1 inch LCD touchscreen along with Bluetooth, HD Radio, USB, and steering-wheel audio controls (this system will also come with all Scion 10 Series models).
The engine will be a carryover from the current model but the transmission will be an "FR-S inspired" 6-speed manumatic which "up and downshifts nearly twice as fast as today." Another bonus is Toyota's Dynamic Rev Management technology matching engine revs with gear ratios, limiting driveline shock.
Finally, body rigidity has been enhanced with additional spot welding, the electronic power steering has been retuned, shock damping has been retuned and the mounting hardware for the suspension and stabilizer bars has been modified.
