Build by Toyota motorsports partner Gazoo Racing, the GRMN iQ Supercharger is just the sort of concept car that’s too wild to ever become a reality. Right? Wrong!

To the surprise of, well, everyone, Toyota has announced it will offer a limited production of the car, which was unveiled in its second-generation prototype stage today at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Based on the 1.3-liter version of the iQ (it’s largest engine option), GRMN engineers have strapped on a supercharger to increase power output from a factory 94 hp, up to 130 hp, while torque increases from 89 lb-ft to 133.

Additional upgrades include the widebody seen here, an upgraded suspension and brake setup, larger 16-inch wheels with 195/55R16 tires and a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission – much unlike the CVT offered on the North American Scion iQ (read our review here).

Inside the car gets custom sports seats and new gauges that go all the way up to 200 km/h (124 mph), a speed the standard car most certainly cannot achieve.

Set to go on sale this summer, the GRMN iQ Supercharger will be built in extremely limited quantities with just 100 cars being made.

GALLERY: GRMN iQ Supercharger

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon Coverage Here

Jon Sibal’s Scion iQ won this year’s edition of the Scion Tuner Challenge, beating out a mid-engined iQ as well as a race prepped example to take home the prize.

Sibal claimed the $10,000 reward for his iQ, which featured a 32″ flat-screen TV in the trunk, complete with a Wi-Fi hotspot and a motorized system to allow for flush mounting inside the tiny iQ. In second place was Michael Chang’s iQ-RS, which was fashioned after what an iQ race car would look like, while the iQ-MR, which featured a mid-engine conversion, came in third.

Check out AutoGuide’s SEMA coverage here

Gallery: Scion iQ Tuner Challenge

The Scion iQ has still yet to go on sale, but Scion came out in full force with their new subcompact, presenting a multitude of concepts aimed at all corners of the aftermarket segment.

The Pit Boss iQ by Cartel is the wildest interpretation of the iQ we’ve seen so far, with the roof completely chopped off and an electric blue paint scheme applied. Massive 18″ wheels and an iPad with an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot are also included, though it adds an extra element of danger in the event of rain.

At the other end of the spectrum is the iQ-RS, designed to look like a full-blown race car. With a classic white paint scheme, red wheels, a front splitter, rear wing and fender flares, the iQ-RS looks the part, and a roll cage, racing seats and a stripped out interior re-enforce the iQ-RS’ mission.

Finally, the Scion iQ-MR blends race car style with the ever popular “stance” movement, with both a roll cage, fender flares and Axis Sakura wheels fitting flush to the iQ’s body. A mid-engine conversion has been carried out to make the iQ rear-wheel drive while the engine itself features a thorough re-build and new internals. KW Variant 3 coilovers let the car sit low to the ground while offering excellent damping.

Check out more SEMA coverage here

Gallery: Scion iQ

While reviewing the SCCA B-Spec rules, we came across a list of entries for the upcoming class and stumbled upon a few interesting candidates – namely the Volkswagen Polo, which the rule sheet claims may be imported for 2012.

Other entries, like the Hyundai Accent, Scion iQ and xD and Fiat 500 are interesting in their own right (especially since the Accent will face off against the Kia Rio, while the Scions will go against the Toyota Yaris B-Spec), but the Polo has long been rumored for a U.S. debut, and VW is said to be debuting a couple new products at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Could this be the introduction for a Volkswagen subcompact in America. Check back November 16th when coverage of the L.A. Auto Show begins.

[Source: Daytona Prototype]

Toyota is setting targets of between 1,000 and 2,000 units per month for the rollout of its Scion iQ city car, and the new vehicle will see a tiered launch that involves an initial rollout on the West Coast this winter with a Midwest and East Coast launch this spring.

The Japanese-built iQ will also have to work around Toyota supplier schedules, which have yet to fully come back online following March’s earthquake and tsunami. While the iQ starts at under $16,000, Scion VP Jack Hollis said that a continued economic downturn would be bad for the car, as it would leave the youth demographic without the funds to purchase the car.

Every year at the SEMA Show, Scion always impresses with a fleet of customized models from the world’s top builders. This year will be no different, as a trio of customized iQs will face off in this year’s Tuner Challenge, while Scion will also show off a custom iQ from Cartel, a tC from Gruppe S/Dynamic Autosports, an xB from 686, and the xB from the Scion Canada Tuner Challenge.

Starting with the Tuner Challenge iQs, the three projects were built by individual tuners Michael Chang, Jon Sibal and Tatsu. Starting with Chang’s iQ creation, he opted for a widebody, race-inspired look thanks to a plethora of products from Evasive Motorsports. The entire exterior was overhauled with a custom widebody kit, full with plenty of carbon fiber components. It’ll be dropped to the ground thanks to Air Runner suspension while Wilwood big brakes and Advan Racing RT wheels will be shown off on all four corners. Inside the race theme continues with a custom 6-point roll cage, Sparco EVO seats, fuel cell and more.

Sibal’s iQ RX (pictured above) sports a matte Metallic Grey with Bronze Pearl paint further accented by a modified Veilside Premier4509 body kit. Nitrous Express gives the iQ a little more punch to help spin the 18-inch HRE 567C three-piece wheels. Once again, Air Runner Suspension gives the iQ the stance it needs to be a real attention grabber while the interior packs plenty of electronics thanks to Orion. For brakes, Sibal opted for a setup from Stop Tech while the interior gets a custom job from MVDesignz.

Last but not least, competing against Sibal and Chang will be the iQ-MR by Tatsu. The first thing to catch your eye is the unique exterior paneling from Specialty Cars that truly makes this iQ different than the rest. The MR clearly hints that this iQ isn’t what you would expect from Scion – it sports a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup. A fully rebuilt, high compression motor by Mavrik Motorsports has been paired to an AEM EMS and probably packs quite the naturally aspirated punch. Axis’ Sakura wheels are seen on all four corners, sitting perfectly thanks to a set of coilovers from KW Suspension. Inside, Specialty Cars continues their expertise with a custom cage, interior paneling and a ton of Sparco goods.

The pair of xBs that will be shown off are from SR Auto Group and 686 in collaboration with Spin Imaging. The unique Numeric xB by 686 features a waterproof fabric wrap with laser welded and stitched seams. The custom body kit further accents the xB’s radical styling while a set of 18-inch Motegi wheels match the exterior color scheme. Plenty of customization continues on the interior, something we expect that we’ll have to see to believe.

The Project Anarchy xB is the 2011 Scion Canadian Tuner Challenge Champion, sporting a VIP theme thanks to modified AIT Racing body parts. Seibon lends a hand with plenty of carbon fiber goods while a set of 19-inch Modulare Bespoke M23 wheels clearly sets the xB off. BC Racing coilovers gives it the perfect stance while the interior gets Reventon-inspired upholstery.

The lone tC of the show comes from Dynamic Autosports, representing Gruppe-S. Overall it’s a simple and clean project, representing something any one of their customers could replicate. A GReddy turbo kit gives the tC extra power while a set of Weds SA55 adorn each corner. A TRD big brake kit combined with KW’s 3-way coilovers gives the tC enhanced braking and handling performance. On the exterior, Seibon and APR pitch in plenty of styling upgrades while Papadakis Racing comes in with a one-piece roof – clearly a result of their drifting program.

Last but not least is the Pit Boss Cartel iQ, which is clearly influenced by Jeremy Lookofsky’s years of drag racing. The exterior has become a chop-top model with the doors chopped and capped, custom metal fabricated interior and exterior panels and a House of Colors Electric Blue paint to set it all off. Wheels are Lorenzo’s WL028 model with a staggered 18/19-inch setup. AccuAir suspension gives it plenty of adjustability while a Wilwood brake upgrade ensures it has plenty of stopping power.

AutoGuide can’t wait to check out all these crazy creations in person, as Scion never disappoints year after year.

GALLERY: Scion 2011 SEMA Lineup

GALLERY: Pit Boss Cartel iQ

GALLERY: Jon Sibal iQ RX

GALLERY: Michael Chang iQ

GALLERY: Tatsu iQ-MR

Some say that imitation is the best form of flattery, but this time around we don’t think the guys at Five Axis are flattered. Back in 2009, the creative team of designers at Five Axis produced one of the coolest concept cars yet, the widebody Scion iQ.

Obviously the final production model wasn’t quite as sporty or aggressive, but Five Axis’ concept showed just how cool the micro-subcompact car can be. What’s not so cool however is the imitation iQ that was done by a company in China called Weifang Guangsheng New Energy Co.

It seems that this company was creative enough to not copy any actual production model of a vehicle, but rather what Five Axis creatively designed for Scion to show off to the rest of the world. One quick glance at the photos though shows that none of the precision that Five Axis is known for can be seen in the Chinese knock-off. And even sillier is that this imitation iQ Concept is being billed as a solar-powered car (as the company specializes in solar systems) with a 5.4-hp electric motor. Weifang Guangsheng New Energy Co., states that the car weighs in at around 771-lbs and through the solar panels on the roof it’ll be able to travel 74-93 miles. We have our doubts.

GALLERY: Fake Chinese Five Axis Scion iQ Concept

[Source: Car Scoop]

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2012 Scion iQ Review

When the Scion iQ city car goes on sale this October it will be offered exclusively with a CVT transmission. That, however, is likely to change admits brand boss Jack Hollis

“We already have it,” he told AutoGuide, referring to the 6-speed manual currently offered on the Toyota-branded iQ in Europe. Now it’s just a question of getting it certified for use on U.S. roads.

“We can do it,” he said with enthusiasm, commenting that he’d like to see it introduced in the iQ as part of a limited edition Release Series model. Until then, find out why we don’t hate the CVT transmission here.

GALLERY: 2012 Scion iQ

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2012 Scion iQ review and discuss this story at iQ-forums.com

Plus, watch the video review after the jump:

Continue Reading…

Hey brah, Scion‘s launching a new car called the iQ, and it’s like, wicked small, dude. How many kegs can you fit in it, anyway?

For the launch of the diminuitive iQ, Scion will hit the airwaves with a barrage of TV commercials illustrating the advantages of its small size. The ads will show off its ability to jam two cars in one parking space, or its 11 standard airbags. Pretty conventional stuff.

But online  is where Scion will let its freak flag fly: one spot shows muscular Jersey-Shore-types crammed into an iQ (with some creative shoehorning, presumably), being driven around by a bikini model while they eat donuts and drink milk. Another ad spoofs Caddyshack with the Scion as Bill Murray’s gopher, while yet another ad shows an Obama impersonator leaving an iQ with three Secret Service agents, using the iQ as a clown car.

Remember, Gen Yers love this stuff.

Scion needs a splash if they want to regain market share, and maybe their own rapping hamsters. The xB has lost ground to the Kia Soul, but those within Scion believe that the cutesy iQ could be their brand’s Fiat 500. After all, targeting young people is Scion’s MO. And with the massive amounts of marketing dollars sunk into this campaign, the iQ will hopefully target those looking to stand out in small cars—despite the lack of Bud Light 30-rack space in the back, brah.

[Source: Automotive News]

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2012 Scion iQ Review

There’s currently an embargo on the long-awaited Scion iQ, forcing us to wait just a little bit longer on official information, but this much has snuck out: the 2012 Scion city car will start at a not-insubstantial $15,995.

That’s a bit more than the Fiat 500 and the Mazda2, which are $15,500 and $14,730, respectively. The 500 and 2 also offer more than 3 seats, in cars that are slightly bigger than a phone booth.

But in the Scion’s defense it will start well-equipped, including Pandora Internet radio, and other models will get available navigation as well as Scion’s assortment of look-like-you’re-going-fast bits. The rollout will start in October with the West Coast, then the southern states in January, the East Coast, and then the Midwest.

Still, that price tag won’t do a good job of convincing Americans that small cars are the wave of the future! With the twice-as-big Nissan Versa starting a whole $5,000 cheaper, maybe this thing will only make sense to New Yorkers or San Franciscans who still find the idea of jamming three cars into one parking space to be a zany idea.

But hey, compared to the Aston Martin Cygnet, it’s a downright steal!

Discuss this story at iq-forums.com