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]

Recently, I posted a Myspace video of Tom Hank driving his eBox, a Scion xB converted to run on electricity. That video is no longer working but I found Tom Hanks' MySpace page with the video, so now you can watch it below the fold. Tom also has a video introducing his MySpace page and a trailer for his newest movie, Charlie Wilson's War, which opens December.

While I have the chance, I totally think the new Scion xB's less-boxy look is a step in the wrong direction. I liked the early, boxier version that everyone hated. A video review of the new Scion xB is also below the fold.

[Source: MySpace]

We mentioned Tom Hanks was the first person to get an eBox, a Scion xB converted to run on electric power. Above is a video of Tom driving in the eBox and explaining what it's all about, even showing a picture of it. The video's page says the video was deleted, it looks like a bad take and I can't find part 2; so the video may not work very soon. Anywho, Tom is a great supporter of electric cars, famously promoting the EV1 on Letterman, and we are really glad to see him enjoying his eBox.

UPDATE: You can find the video here now.

[Source: ???]

I took a test drive in the eBox yesterday at an event for electric cars in Washington. The eBox is a Scion xB (you either love it or hate it) converted to run on electricity. I write about electric cars every day but I have to admit, it shocked me how quiet it was. I know it's cliché but it's really quiet! There is no sound at all and when it starts to move, I assumed it was rolling down hill or someone was pushing it. It's that quiet. AC Propulsion, the people behind the eBox conversion, is talking to seven companies to give them gliders (car without the engine and junk) so the conversions can be a lot cheaper.

BTW, I think the Scion xB is a great looking car.

Related:

• Alt Car Expo: eBox makes public debut
• First eBox from AC Propulsion delivered to Tom Hanks

The funny spelling of the word "expression" isn't the oddest thing that Scion has in store for their consumers. This year, the annual Scion Exprescion event will take place on "The Rock", or Alcatraz if you prefer. The inescapable prison's showers will be used for a fashion show, the event, described as blending "performance, interactive environments, art installations, cutting-edge music and fashion for owners and enthusiasts", is set to take place on June 16th. I would expect a pretty big event here, since Scion has one brand new model in the XD and one totally revised model in the XB. Oh yeah, and because they promise an "array of beautiful circus freaks" in the prison hospital too. That should be interesting.

Related:

• The Truth About Cars judges the Scion XB. Verdict: Guilty!
• Chicago Auto Show: Scion to unveil two new models
• Chicago Auto Show: Scion's xB gets bigger and less boxy (w/ VIDEO!)
• Chicago Auto Show: Toyota unveils the all-new 2008 Scion xD (w/ VIDEO!)

[Source: Inside Line]

I have read some scathing reviews from The Truth About Cars before, but I think I just may have read one that takes the cake. I mean, I'm talkin' Guinness Book of World Records "Worst Review Ever" territory here. The review I am referring to is that of the new Scion XB. Let's just put it this way: they hated it. I had a chance to see the vehicle in person at the Chicago Auto Show, and while I liked the last XB, I decided to reserve judgment on this one until I could get a feel for it in real life. The things that I liked about the old one seemed diminished in the redesign, like the fuel mileage and clever use of space. Well, if TTAC's review of the new XB is anything to go by, I guess my reservations were dead on. But, I won't take their word for it, and neither should you. I am going to go and take a look-see myself. I have a feeling that the new XD might just make more sense as the true replacement for the old XB, which appears to have been "American-ized" in its latest incarnation.

So, will we be losing one of the bright spots of fuel efficiency for the consumer that needs more space than something like the Smart Fourtwo? Like I said, I will have to check it out myself. If you like the old one, better get shopping now and try to find one left. Or, check out the XD, which, like I mentioned earlier, may be the true spiritual successor the the good old "box on wheels".

Related:

• Chicago Auto Show: Scion to unveil two new models
• Chicago Auto Show: Scion's xB gets bigger and less boxy (w/ VIDEO!)
• Chicago Auto Show: Toyota unveils the all-new 2008 Scion xD (w/ VIDEO!)

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

We gave you a first look at the AC Propulsion eBox from the Alt-Car Expo in Santa Monica last December, now we just got news that the first one has been picked up by Tom Hanks. As a refresher, the eBox is a conversion by AC Propulsion costing $55,000 not including tax or the Scion XB that is required. The vehicle uses an AC motor driving the front wheels, and uses 625 pounds of lithium-ion batteries that enable the vehicle to run for 140-180 miles between charges. The top speed of the vehicle is 95 mph, and charging the 355 volt pack takes between 2 and 5 hours depending on the mode you choose and the available voltage to charge from. The vehicle also supports vehicle-to-grid power sharing.

Tom Hanks was quoted as saying, "There are three electric cars sitting on the moon, and now another one in my garage. The eBox makes even more sense in Los Angeles than in the Taurus-Littrow Valley of the moon. I can drive all weekend, hauling dogs and helping my friends move, and the only reason I'll need to stop at a gas station is for beef jerky and lottery tickets." Mr. Hanks sounds very pleased with his new vehicle. Thanks for the tip, Henry!

Related:

• Alt Car Expo: eBox makes public debut

[Source: AC Propulsion]