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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

03/11/2010 | By: Colum Wood

Scion TC

It’s not often you see a car at the SEMA Show that’s more than just a pipe dream. And we’ll admit that building a car to resemble this Greddy-tuned Scion tC might not be cheap, but it is possible. While it’s obvious from the official press release that Greddy is planning to offer the turbocharger kit found under the hood of the new 2011 tC, we’ve also just received word that Scion will offer the Five Axis aero kit at select dealers as a part of the Scion Optimize program. No official pricing has been announced, but we have been told that it will come in at under $1,200.

After that, you just need to shell out for a lowering kit, the Scion Optimize rear spoiler, the TRD big brake upgrade and some Volk G2 wheels. Oh, and don’t forget the decals.

And if you’re still wondering if you should buy a new 2011 tC, read our review here to find out.

GALLERY: Greddy Scion tC

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GALLERY: Greddy Scion tC Official

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29/10/2010 | By: Colum Wood

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Scion has just released a selection of official pictures of its 2010 SEMA Show cars and while there’s the usual selection of over-the-top creations, were also pleased to see a few cars we’d actually like to drive.

Topping the list is the GReddy modified 2011 Scion tC, sporting a turbocharger that the company even refers to as a “prototype,” hinting that it will come to market in the near future. That means owners will be able to strap on 340-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque with one “simple” modification. Of course, there’s a lot more done under the hood than just that. Other mods include coilovers, a Five-Axis aero kit, TRD brakes, Volk Racing G2 wheels and even a nice set of Sparco seats.

Up next has to be the tC Tuner Challenger car by John Pangilinan, which also comes with a turbo under the hood. The biggest feature of this car, however, has to be the Jon Sibal custom carbon fiber widebody kit and the tC even gets a Seibon carbon fiber trunk and hood. Of course, there’s the obligatory Rays wheels, measuring 10.5-inches wide, with a Brembo big brake upgrade.

Crawford Performance also built a custom tC designed for Time Attack racing. There’s no mention of exactly what engine modifications have been made, but we’re certain Crawford won’t disappoint. Along with a racing livery, it gets custom 18-inch Advan wheels, Tein Coilovers and a TRD big brake kit.

Other highlights include a stretch xB by Cartel, a rally-themed xD by 0-60 Magazine and Sparco and a very original xB by The Salty Dogs.

Each year Scion hosts a Tuner Challenger at SEMA, where shops compete for recognition and prize money by building an ultra-wild SEMA show car. This year’s competition involves the 2011 tC and includes entries by James Lin, John Pangilinan and Shawn Baker. The winner will be picked at SEMA and we’ll be sure to report back on who that is.

AutoGuide’s coverage of the 2010 SEMA Show starts Tuesday, November 2nd. Until then, check out our complete SEMA Preview here.

GALLERY: Scion SEMA Show 2010 Lineup

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For a complete rundown on all of Scion’s 2011 SEMA Show cars, see after the jump:

Continue Reading…

02/08/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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As a brand, Scion has marketed its cars to a younger demographic that is interested in modifying/personalizing their vehicles. And with a new, second-generation tC model due out for 2011, it will be interesting to see if tuners continue to be drawn to Scions.

In a definite sign of interest Gurnade (which specializes in high-quality car renders for builders within the sport compact market) has teamed up with Tjin Edition for this Scion tC render.

The bright yellow paint is probably the first thing you’ll notice in this customized tC, but if not, then it’s probably the widebody fenders or chopped roof. The gigantic DPE wheels look a little overwhelming, but is a good fit to the wider tC. A more aggressive front bumper and side skirts naturally go with the package along with the Status Racing seats, Air Lift suspension and custom cage.

For those that have never seen Tjin Edition’s previous Scion tC, it follows a similar idea minus the chopped roof and bright yellow paint. Originally red, Tjin Edition’s widebody tC turned bright blue and was campaigned all across the nation for several years.

Gurnade says that this Scion tC project isn’t planed for SEMA (although we’re still tempted to think it is). The design house will, however, have several other models to show off and AutoGuide will be sure to bring you extensive coverage of the world’s largest aftermarket expo in November.

Plus, say tuned for our review of the all-new 2011 Scion tC in just a few days.

Official press release after the break.

Continue Reading…

25/07/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Back in May, we caught wind of Rogue Status’ Drift xB that they built. Initially we were a little skeptical that it would be more of a show car and street performer, rather than a competition-ready drift machine. Would it ever go sideways on a track? No one knew or could tell, so needless to say we’re surprised and pleasantly happy when this video surfaced.

Professional Formula Drift driver Patrick Morduant headed to Willow Springs in the RWD 2JZ-Powered Scion xB to really put it to the test. The car actually does pretty well and looks wicked going sideways around Horse Thief Mile and we’re loving every second of the video. What’s also interesting is that Patrick Morduant was the one putting it to the test and not one of the Scion-sponsored drivers such as Ken Gushi or Tanner Foust. Regardless, we’re sure it was just for fun and isn’t a sign of things to come. But hey, it would be interesting to see how it would hold up in real competition wouldn’t it?

[Source: WreckedMagazine]

Check out the Rogue Status Scion xB drift video after the jump:

Continue Reading…

08/05/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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Rogue Status are huge sponsors of Ken Gushi and Tanner Foust, both pilots of RWD Scion tCs in the Formula Drift series. So leave it to them to come up with the idea to build yet another RWD Scion, this time a Toyota Supra 2JZ-powered xB.

Someone has to believe that not even the top executives at Scion planned for this level of personalization and customization when they first came out with the xB. By all accounts the Scion xB is a utility vehicle, something to commute from point A to point B, slowly, safely and penny-pinching on gas. It’s got unique styling and has definitely stuck in the import world, but who would have thought just a few years since its debut that RWD projects would be completed and driving smoothly on the freeways of Southern California?

From the photos it’s clear that Rogue Status enlisted the help of motorsports genius and fabricator, Stephan Papadakis, who’s resume with building, racing and tuning cars is one-of-a-kind. It looks like they headed to RCH Designs in Huntington Beach, CA for a studio photoshoot of the lightly-colored xB sporting a rad set of dark blue Advan wheels. We already know the power potential of the Toyota 2JZ that lies under the hood, so it will be interesting to see when and if this car really does get sideways out on the track.

One thing is for sure, the car is very nicely built and everything flows together on it. From the widebody arches to the massive intercooler and even the contrasting-colored decals, we’re a huge fan. Hopefully an entertaining video surfaces soon of this xB but in the meantime we’ll have to keep our eyes out on it cruising the streets!

[Source: SmogCheck]

GALLERY: Rogue Status Drift RWD 2JZ-Powered Scion xB

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03/11/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Having already been privy to all the info on Scion’s SEMA Show cars, we can now bring you full photos of each custom vehicle ahead of their debut at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Let’s start with the Tuner Challenge cars, which are once again all xB models for 2009. First up is the Bowls entry that will take its design cues from the Japanese El Camino – a 1970 Toyota Crown pickup. Along with a custom trunk conversion, roll cage and special ADF 20-inch wheels, under the hood there are Crower cams, a TRD clutch and limited slip differential, as well as TRD brakes, a front strut tower bar and rear stabilizer bar. Also included is an Air Lift Company digital air ride kit.

As for the Mummbles Marketing car, this xB is getting a 9-piece widebody kit from BRS Autodesign with  shaved door handles and a custom Teal Blue Pearl paint job. Seibon will provide plenty of carbon fiber bits outside, while NRG has outfitted the interior with new seats, harnesses, a steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake lever. Also look for a powerful Descendant turbocharger system.

The final Tuner Challenge car is from designer Eneri Abillar. It also gets a BRS widebody kit but will get added motivation from a Greddy turbocharger. Added goodies include TRD strut tower bars and illuminated door sills, while the interior will feature a hard wood floor.

At the SEMA Show Scion will announce the winner of the Tuner Car Challenge. We have to think the Bowls entry is the most creative, but we’d rather be driving the Eneri Abillar xB.

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The additional three vehicles are from Epic Cartel, 0-60 Magazine and Kogi – a Korean/Mexican fusion food truck in LA. Five Axis will also do a modernized version of the DJxB, using the second generation xB. It will come with 3-inch fender flares, a four-piece lip kit, a custom dual exhaust setup and 18-inch Five Axis wheels.  The exterior of the car will be coated in Molten Lava Red paint. Inside, there will be plenty of audio from Pioneer, plus a DJM mixer. But we’ll have to wait for the car’s reveal to see how it all plays out.

Epic Cartel is also looking to play off its past successes. Having already built an xD and xB, this year the company will take on the tC, which will get similar design cues. The car will get a 3-inch chopped top, along with an air bag suspension setup and 22-inch Vellano wheels. Added power will be delivered by a TRD supercharger and a Cartel side exit exhaust setup.

As for the Kogi car, it will be an xD with an MV Designz aero kit. Built with inspiration from the Kogi truck, it will have a BBQ grille, fridge, sink, ice chest, cooking utensils and even condiments.

See AutoGuide’s Live SEMA Coverage Here

GALLERY: Eneri Abillar xB Tuner Challenge Car

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GALLERY: Mummbles Marketing xB Tuner Challenge Car

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GALLERY: Bowls xB Tuner Challenge Car

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GALLERY: Kogi xD

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GALLERY: 0-60 Magazine Rally xD

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GALLERY: Epic Cartel tC

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02/10/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Along with three xB Tuner Challenge Cars, Scion will be bringing a trio of additional custom creations to the 2009 SEMA Show. The three cars include a tC, xB and xD, created by Cartel Customs, Five Axis Design and 0-60 Magazine.

First up is the Cartel Customs tC,which promises to follow in the tread patterns of the open-top 2007 Ruthless Cartel xD and 2008 Drag Cartel Rockstar xB. Cartel Customs (aka Drag Cartel) owner Jeremy Lookofsky says the tC will complete his company’s Cartel Open Air Collection.

Next up is Troy Sumitomo and his Five Axis crew, which aim to recreate the xB DJ with this second generation of the Scion box. The last xB DJ used a first generation with speakers and a DJ booth that emerged from the back of the car. We’ll have to wait for SEMA to see what Five Axis has in store for 2009.

Completing the trio is an xD by 0-60 Magazine, which built a Lexus IS-F for SEMA in 2008. Working with Sparco, this xD will get a rally car makeover that is sure to impress.

We’ll be sure to bring you photos of all three cars with our live coverage of the 2009 SEMA Show staring November 3rd.

See AutoGuide’s live SEMA Coverage here!

GALLERY: SEMA Show 2009 Scion Cars

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[Source: HelloScion]

02/10/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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At this year’s SEMA Show Scion will once again be showcasing the creative energies of three companies in its Tuner Car Challenge. Like last year, the Scion xB is the canvas of choice, for the tuners, artists and marketing experts to express themselves.

This year, the list of those involved includes Bowls LA (an upscale lifestyle boutique), Peter Colello and Mummbles Marketing, and Eneri Abillar with Leigh Guarnieri from BRS Autodesign.

Each team was given the keys to a new Scion xB, with the winner being awarded $10,000 at the SEMA Show.

First up is the Bowls entry, which takes cues from the Japanese El Camino - a 1970 Toyota Crown pickup. It is intended to give a feeling of 1970s California and will come with a matching bike in the back.

The Mummbles Marketing car is a more conventional tuner car with a widebody kit, carbon fiber components, a turbo kit and.. of course… a big stereo kit. Collelo has already produced several show cars including a 2002 Toyota Celica GT, a 2001 Ford Focus ZTS and helped with a Scion xA for the 2006 Tuner Challenge.

The third entry is the bright orange xB from Eneri Abillar. He didn’t give any hints on what the finished product will be like (other than the rendering) but we might be able to take some cues from his career as a designer who merges street culture and high style.

All three cars will be on display at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV from Tuesday November 3rd to Friday November 6th.

GALLERY: 2009 Scion xB Tuner Challenge

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[Source: HelloScion]

11/06/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Scion has added yet another product to its already extensive list of dealer-offered accessories – a Kenstyle aero kit for the xB model.

The kit includes a new front bumper, side skirts and a rear bumper, all for a reasonable $1,299.99 plus installation. The kit is a part of Scion’s Optomize accessory program and is currently available at dealers thought the United States and Puerto Rico.

Made to high-quality standards the Kenstyle kit is designed to fit perfectly. It is made of urethane for light weight, an OEM-look and overall durability.

The Kenstyle aero kit gives U.S.-tuners a genuine JDM look with the convenience and quality service of a local Scion dealer.

For more on the aero kit and Scion’s Optimize accessory program visit:

http://www.optomizescion.com/

GALLERY: Kenstyle Scion xB

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[Source: HelloScion]