<![CDATA[Jalopnik: fuse]]> http://tags.jalopnik.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: fuse]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/fuse http://jalopnik.com/tag/fuse <![CDATA[Scion Hako Concept, Replacement For TC Coupe To Drop In New York]]> Scion just released this teaser image of the Hako Coupe Concept, which will debut at the New York Auto Show later this month. It's expected that the Hako will represent a near-production version of 2006's Fuse concept and could replace the TC coupe. Judging by the picture, Scion are looking to bring their coupe styling more in line with their popular XB hatchback. The press release follows the jump.



Scion To Reveal All-New Coupe Concept At 2008 New York International Auto Show

March 5, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Scion will unveil an all-new concept vehicle, the Hako Coupe, at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The sporty interpretation of the box concept was developed by Tokyo Design Division which studied global, youth-inspired trends.

The Scion press conference will take place on Wednesday, March 19 at 3:15 PM ET in the Special Events Hall in Javits Convention Center. For those unable to attend, the event will be streamed live to the Scion.com website. Following the event, a video clip of the press conference will also be available for viewing at Scion.com.

]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=364255&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[New York Auto Show: Scion to Reveal New Concept at New York]]> The bargain-basement badge from the super number one best automaker from the land of the rising sun confirmed to the Line on the Inside they'll be debuting a new concept vehicle for Scion come the New York Auto Show in April. The last concept we saw from the budget brand was the Scion Fuse (pictured above) from the 2006 New York Auto Show. How'd that one end up faring? Well, the pooping trunk luckily hasn't made it into any new designs from Toyota's below-the-budget levy line. But Edmunds Ed Hellwig-run shop also got the scoop that Toyota hates the Chicago Auto Show, and they're not going to do jack squat there for any of their three brands come next month. Sorry Chicago, guess it's just going to be all-Challenger, all-the-time next month.

]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=346754&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Scion Wants To Poop On You]]>
The first thing we said when we saw the rear-action shot of the Scion Fuse was, "is the Fuse pinchin' a loaf?" One normally wouldn't think of poop when thinking of the Scion brand, although one of us believes he has created a poop about as big as the small vehicles populating Toyota's entry-level brand. As for this concept, which features some pretty neat ideas, we're kinda hoping they shelve the whole "poop" thing from the rear end. (To be fair, Scion/Toyota claims it's a "multi-functioning rear cargo" area) But we don't really know for sure as Scion (Toyota) is saying very little about the prospects for the entry-level concept. The one thing we do know is the Fuse has definetly been lit under the collective butts of legions of loyal Scion fans. I hope somebody remembers to light a match. The press release from the reveal today is after the jump:

SCION UNVEILS FUSE SPORTS COUPE CONCEPT
AT 2006 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
NEW YORK, APRIL 12, 2006 - - Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the 2006 New York Auto International Show.

Developed by Calty Design Research, Toyota's North American design studio located in Newport Beach, Calif. and Scion's Advanced Product Strategy Team, and built by Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif., the all-new FUSE was designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon. Its goal was to push the limits of a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one sinister looking package. Most importantly, its styling makes a visual statement about its intention to expand the performance envelope among affordable, entry-level sport coupes.

"The idea of the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe is a reflection of the boundless limits and creative envelope that embodies all the vital personalization components of a Scion product," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "Since the launch of Scion three years ago, designers have learned a great deal about what inspires and motivates Scion buyers through its unique vehicle lineup and instilled them into the FUSE."
The exterior of the FUSE was the conception of Calty designers Alex Shen and Bob Mochizuki, who were determined to create a strong performance statement. Inspiration came from the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan, commonly known as the JGTC series. From the side, the FUSE has a low, aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like wraparound windshield is balanced by a strong C-pillar, adding a sense of security and protection.

At first glance, the menacing presence and dark undertones of the FUSE subtly hint there is more than meets the eye. The front of the FUSE glares at you with slim, high-mounted, deep-set headlamps communicating a serious and aggressive attitude. A massive rectangular air intake hints at potential for a large intercooler.

From the back, wide-body rear flares span the entire rear mass, encasing deep-set vertical taillamps. The dual exhaust also serves as fog and reverse lamps as lighting encircles each exhaust tip. Wheels are 20-inch custom-machined with LED's on the end of each spoke, which illuminate as turn indicators.

On top, two horizontal glass panels run the length of the roof, and slide open in both directions offering all occupants access to a personal sunroof. The rear window tapers down to a speed-activated spoiler.

True to the Scion tradition, the FUSE is equipped with extreme levels of personalization accessories. Headlights and fog lamps can be programmed to illuminate in various colors. Videos or images can be downloaded and viewed on a concealed LCD screen behind the front badge. And then there is the interior.

Calty interior designers Alan Schneider and Ichirou Mukai used the long wheelbase and high beltline of the FUSE to help create the interior theme, which revolves around providing the driver with an intense driving environment and occupants an intimate atmosphere. The activation of a small key-shaped sensor unhinges butterfly doors that open to reveal an interior that merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the surround.

The influence of the "racing tub" in the overall design is obvious. It provides a unique contrast that highlights the floating technical elements of the interior. A drive-by-wire steering interface combines influences from race cars and video game controllers in one innovative driver module. A media station that runs the length of the dash is the focal point of the cabin. Passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual display 10.5-inch monitors.

The FUSE interior concept is referred to as "one plus stuff." The design focuses on the driver by offering surprising versatility in the form of three interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations. In its video mode, the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table, or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or take advantage of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connectivity and instant message their friends. In driving mode, the video screens turn off and a multi-informational display is used for driver information.

Utility is maximized in a cargo mode where the front passenger seat and rear seats fold down to form a flat surface. And, multi-functioning rear cargo access allows stowage of larger items. The FUSE cabin seats four comfortably, however when the car is parked, additional room is available with a tailgate that converts to provide outdoor seating. A sweep of the foot over an infrared sensor located on the lip of the rear bumper opens the rear tailgate and sliding hatch, allowing the tailgate to drop down into a curb-high bench. This surprising seating arrangement is paired with rear foldout speakers for an unexpected social environment. Enhancing the social scene is a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, which is integrated into the rear center console.

Additional features include subtle accent lighting on the seats, doors and overhead lining. Deeply contoured seats are upholstered with soft-to-the-touch "Mythos" fabric that wraps around passengers for maximum comfort. Finally, audio, video and HVAC systems are easily controlled by a "vehicle system/communication interface" touch control board that is similar in appearance to a telephone keypad.

"The FUSE is a styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Scion owners and other Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe," said Templin. "Like previous Scion concepts, the FUSE delivers a unique statement about what the Scion brand is all about and where it is headed."

Related:
Spy Photos: Scion FUSE Concept [internal]

]]> http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=166876&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Spy Photos: Scion FUSE Concept]]>
ScionLife has an exclusive quick over-the-nose shot of the Scion FUSE concept car. The Fuse will sport a chop top and a mad short snout as you can almost tell from the one teaser pic ScionLife is throwin' down. The entry-level Toyota brand plans on introducing the concept at the New York Auto Show this upcoming week. Make sure to check back throughout the week beginning tomorrow at midnight for our exclusive coverage as the Big Apple becomes Motor City East.

ScionLife Exclusive: FUSE Teaser Preview [ScionLife]

Related:
More Spy Photos; New York [internal]

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