Toyota is considering a hybrid for Scion
Filed under: Hybrid, Scion, Toyota, New York Auto Show
Click above for high-res gallery of the Scion Hako Concept
First, the quote: "Will we have a truck in our lineup? Does it make sense to have a hybrid powertrain? Is a subcompact roadster the answer? Or will an SUV ever be viable for us. We don't know the answers but we're very open-minded." That quote comes courtesy of Jack Hollis, vice president for Scion. So, Scion is considering a hybrid, huh? That's an interesting thought, considering the low price-point that Scion operates in. Surely, a hybrid Scion would be pushing into Prius territory price-wise, which might be inconsistent with Scion's image. Whatever the case, we sure hope that the hybrid wouldn't be anything like their new Hako concept. Wow, is that sucker ug... eh, interesting looking.
In other related news, Hollis mentioned a Scion pickup. That's something worth considering, we think, and it's an idea that's been thrown around before. Ideally, we'd like to see Scion axe the Hako, make a real coupe to replace the aging tC and consider a hybrid drivetrain for that machine; test the waters for a compact unibody pickup and reduce the weight of the xB, making it more in line with the original model. Alas, nobody asked us.
[Source: The Detroit News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-20-2008 @ 6:35PM
Benjamin Jones said...
The hako concept makes sense to me, seeing as how hako prolly means box and it looks just like a box. :p
Reply
3-20-2008 @ 9:35PM
Chris M said...
Only two things are delaying the intro of Scion hybrids - battery availability, and cost.
Toyota has had to delay some hybrid intros due to lack of supply, but Panasonic is ramping up battery production, so we should see more hybrid models soon.
Since Scion is designed for a young market without a lot of cash, it is important to keep costs reasonable. One way might be to substitute lead acid for NiMH, that would add nearly 140 lbs but would cut costs. Lead acid wouldn't last as long, either.
The price of LiIon is dropping as production ramps up and improvements are made to production methods. Currently, LiIon is slightly more expensive per stored Kwh, but soon they may actually become cheaper than NiMH! When that happens, Toyota will start switching over, and when LiIon gets cheap enough we will see hybrid Scions.
Hybrids, a two seater, a pickup - all sound like good additions to the Scion lineup.
Reply
3-21-2008 @ 5:53AM
Niralisherni said...
That is a very strange looking car for sure, i do not know how it is supposed to be icon in any way or reflect the youth culture of Japan or the Us or whatever it is supposed to have been inspired by. A lot of electric vehicles are pretty compared to that. -http://www.zapworld.com
Reply
3-21-2008 @ 9:21AM
D. See said...
Forget a Scion hybrid. Bring over the 2009 Toyota iQ either as an entry just below the new xD, or an xD replacement (I know, I know...the xD is brand new).
The iQ is smaller, has a VERY high "coolness factor", and a great price point for Scion's target demographic. It would also get great fuel economy (eliminating the need for an expensive hybrid) and get Scion back to it's roots of providing funky, economical cars for young people.
Voice your iQ opinion @ http://www.iqcolony.com
Thank you!
Reply
3-21-2008 @ 6:16PM
Rick said...
Toyota needs to consider better DESIGNERS for Scion...
Reply
4-27-2008 @ 1:05PM
SHANE said...
Scion needs to bring back the original xB and call it xB classic or something and call the current xB something else. The designers manages somehow to extract every ounce of coolness from the current xB when they redesigned it. This has to beone of thw worst redesigns ever! The new xB is too bigand looks like a boxy minivan.
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