Scion Vice President Doug Murtha stands with the Scion iM concept at the Los Angeles Auto show.
Toyota confirms that the production version of the Scion iM concept and its first sedan will be introduced in April at the New York International Auto Show. The Japanese automaker says that the two vehicles represent two of the three new models Scion will bring to market in the next three years aimed at 18-34 year olds.
Beyond the name, Scion says drivers can expect the production iM to carry forward some of the sporty looks of the concept version.
More details on both the production iM and sedan will be available in coming months. Scion currently offers the xB urban utility vehicle, the tC sports coupe, the FR-S rear-wheel drive sports car, the premium micro-subcompact iQ and the xD urban subcompact 5-door.
iM has:
• a wider stance and lower ride height for a grounded appearance
• front and rear bumper overhangs that create dynamic edgy geometric grille inserts, deep air intakes and fog lights
• large 19-inch forged alloy wheels positioned flush to the body.
• vented rotors with 4-piston front calipers that work with the adjustable-height racing suspension.
The paint, which Scion dubs call “Incredi-blue,” combines with matte silver and gunmetal accents to complement the car’s racing inspiration. Now all it needs is outstanding fuel economy and a price under $20,000. Scions say it’s too soon for final numbers.
Scion currently offers the xB urban utility vehicle, the tC sports coupe, the FR-S rear-wheel drive sports car, the premium micro-subcompact iQ and the xD urban subcompact 5-door.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
