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

Toyota will bring its iQ city car to North America by 2012, badged as a Scion model. Scion debuted a concept of the iQ (shown above) at the New York Auto Show this year. When it does launch, however, expect it to look significantly more tame.

Currently the  mini car (about the size of a SMART fortwo) is sold in Europe and Asia and three engines are offered. Once it makes its way to North America we are likely to get the 1.33-liter four-cylinder with 99hp. Although according to Toyota a 1.6-liter engine will fit.

The iQ is technically a 3+1, meaning that it can seat three adults and one child. This is possible by locating the passenger seat ahead of the driver’s seat so that there is actual leg room for a rear passenger on the passenger’s side.

The iQ is also slated to be the base of an electric vehicle due out in 2012, and recently Aston Martin announced it was working on a concept, the Cygnet, that is based on the iQ.

The Scion iQ is expected in either 2010 or 2011 as a 2011 or 2012 model.

GALLERY: Scion iQ

[Source: Motor Trend]

Scion wowed the audience at the New York Auto Show with its radioactive iQ Concept. The micro-car, which is based on the Toyota iQ currently on sale in Japan and Europe, got some SEMA-style with 18-inch wheels and a widebody designed by Five Axis. 

We’d like to say this vehicle will make it to market but considerng Scion’s track record of continuously debuting concept cars while key models in the company’s product range (cough… tC… cough) grow old, it’s anyones guess.

The iQ Concept is designed for urban youth and is roughly the size of a SMART car, making it about two feet shorter in length than a Yaris.

Inside the iQ gets plenty of high-tech gadgetry with a 10-inch LCD screen that flips out of the center console. This screen is used to operate all of the vehicle’s entertainment functions and doubles as a DVD player when the vehicle is in park. And when not in use the screen folds flat to deliver a screen-saver-like light show.

Powered by a 93 hp 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, the iQ is already efficient, but to help driver’s get the most out of their micro-compact, the iQ comes equipped with an “eco lamp” that lights up under efficient driving.

In terms of safety, the iQ Concept has all the modern safety features you might expect as well as a few surprises. In total, the cabin has nine airbags, including a world’s first rear curtain airbag.  

“We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of  transportation,” said Jack Hollis, VP at Scion.  “If it should join our future line-up, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, you know it’ll be easy to personalize.” 

More on the Scion iQ Concept after the jump:

SCION REVEALS iQ CONCEPT  

AT THE 2009 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW 

 NEW YORK, April 8, 2009 — At the New York Auto Show today, Scion 

unveiled a special concept version of the iQ micro-subcompact car designed to 

meet the transportation needs of young urban trendsetters.   

Scion’s iQ concept is a new urban vehicle with a revolutionary package 

that is just over 10 feet in length and accommodates three plus luggage.  As 

more and more urban centers are revitalized with a new sense of purpose, 

energy, and creativity, young people are moving in from the suburbs to embrace 

new urbanism and are looking for a car that suits their needs and delivers high 

emotional value.     

Scion’s iQ concept is the intelligent answer to this need for highly 

emotional and efficient urban transportation.  The convenience of having work, 

entertainment and culture nearby for young city-dwellers is a significant draw to 

urban centers.  The vehicle must be able to navigate narrow, congested streets, 

park in tight places, have impressive fuel economy, and have compelling design 

and function.   

“Scion’s iQ concept turns traditional auto design upside down,” said Jack 

Hollis, Scion vice president.  “Traditionally small vehicles have been thought of 

as being basic.  The iQ concept is just the opposite with its innovative features 

and iconic urban design, and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand.  Our 

young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward thinkers, and we 

think they will appreciate what iQ has to offer.”   

The production iQ is currently sold in Japan and Europe. Five Axis of 

Huntington Beach, Calif., took the iQ to the next level with aggressive exterior 

and interior modifications that show the vehicle’s potential for personalization.  

With its 78.7-inch wheelbase, the three-door hatchback can deftly 

maneuver through city traffic.  At the same time, its overall length of 126.9- 

inches, overall width of 71.4-inches, and short front and rear overhangs allow the 

iQ to fit in virtually any city parking space.  The front-mounted differential and 

repositioned steering rack decrease front end length.  In addition, the iQ is 

equipped with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear 

overhang. 

Pushing the wheels of the small, bold concept towards the four corners of 

the body gives the iQ a confident stance.  The custom 18-inch wheels with a 

nickel finish and wide tires fill the wheel well, adding to its surefootedness.  The 

iQ’s custom front air dam, aero headlamps and high-intensity LED driving lamps 

signal urban road readiness.   

“We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of 

transportation,” said Hollis.  “If it should join our future line-up, I think it could 

reach iconic status like our xB. Its styling will attract attention and if it’s a Scion, 

you know it’ll be easy to personalize.” 

The iQ’s profile is defined by a strong and high beltline.  Smooth lines 

glide from the large, dark finish headlamps, up the A-pillar, across the roof and 

wrap around the rear emphasizing the concept’s geometric beauty.  Side mirrors 

with integrated turn signals accent the clean design.   

The rear emphasizes the vehicle’s modern style.  Trapezoidal lines run 

toward the wheels, from the hatch to the thick rear diffuser, creating a substantial 

presence.  A center-mounted trapezoid exhaust adds to the vehicle’s 

distinctiveness, while large, matte-finished rear taillights help keep the vehicle 

visible.  

The iQ’s interior fuses function, style and entertainment.  Attention to 

detail and modern accents can be seen in the illuminated door handle; the 

swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash; an illuminated iQ logo on the 

passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum toned interior panels.  

Iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery covering the door panels and 

seating areas, combined with the custom exterior paint, provides a balance of 

freshness and sophistication.  Black matte scuba-like polyurethane covers the 

seat bolsters and is also used on the headliner with a bright green topstitch for a 

contemporary finish, 

The iQ features a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster 

that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface.  

With the push of a button, the touch-screen articulates to reveal the 

entertainment hub.  The touch screen can also play movies while the vehicle is 

parked.  When not in use, the screen lays flat on the dash with a translucent 

cover that emits a colorful display of light patterns to make the interior even more 

unique. 

A few quick strokes to the black panel below the entertainment hub, or 

steering wheel controls, command the audio system to shuffle through a music 

library.  The center cluster also features three control knobs for dual front heating 

and air conditioning settings.  The driver and front passenger each have a knob 

that displays their desired temperature and controls their temperature and fan 

settings.  The center knob dictates zone control for both occupants. 

The instrument panel has a speedometer, warning lamps, and a multi- 

information display.  The multi-information display allows the driver to toggle 

through the odometer, average speed, temperature and eco lamp.  The eco lamp 

illuminates during efficient driving to help the driver achieve maximum fuel 

economy. 

Comfortable front passenger legroom was achieved with a newly- 

engineered, compact air conditioning unit located behind the center of the front 

console.  The iQ employs a glove bag, with the same textured, honeycomb fabric 

as the front and rear seats, that can be easily snapped on and off for storage or 

additional legroom.   

Rear seating can accommodate one adult behind the front passenger and 

a child, small package, or pet behind the driver.  Extra slim front seat backs 

provide rear passengers with legroom.  The rear seats are 50/50 and fold flat for 

increased utility.  In addition, the rear seat cushion lifts up to reveal a small flat 

storage space that can be used for pocket-sized portable music players, small 

books, digital cameras, or slim laptops.  

The iQ does not skimp on safety and is equipped with Vehicle Stability 

Control (VSC); an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force 

Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA); and nine SRS airbags, which includes the 

world’s first rear window curtain airbag.  Other airbags include driver and front 

passenger front airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags; 

side curtain airbags; a driver knee airbag; and a front passenger seat cushion 

airbag. 

# # #  

SCION iQ CONCEPT VEHICLE 

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS 

POWERTRAIN 

Engine:    1.3-liter, four-cylinder, VVT-i 

Horsepower:  93 hp  

Torque:  89 lb.-ft.  

Drivetrain:  Front wheel drive 

DIMENSIONS (inches) 

Overall Length: 126.9 

Overall Width:   71.4 without side mirrors 

  79.3 including side mirrors 

Overall Height:   56.9 without antenna 

     62.5 including antenna 

Wheelbase:    78.7 

Seating Capacity: 3+1 

MODIFICATIONS  

Exhaust:   Five Axis custom stainless exhaust 

Wheels:  Five:AD S6:F custom wheels with nickel finish prototyped by  

   MetalFX 

   18×8.5 ET03 

Tires:   Yokohama S.drive 

   2.5/40R18 

Suspension:  TEIN Super Street coilover suspension 

Body:   Five Axis widebody conversion 

   Burnt nickel accents 

   Custom accented headlights and taillights