Jalopnik: Xb

Toyota Resorts To Building Taco Truck Scions Ahead Of Financiapocalypse

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:40:00 EST

It takes a certain kind of genius to combine two seemingly disparate products like tacos and paint into one business venture. It took Toyota to do 'em both in this Scion xB modified for duty as a taco and paint truck. See, now that you've seen it, the imaginary palm to forehead moment is inevitable. This particular ~~Scion Hako~~ xB was customized under the hand of Louie Contreras and painted by Kenton Parker and contains complete facilities for the cooking up of tacos and the selling of paint. We absolutely love the picture of the anthropomorphized taco and spray paint can. If SEMA was made up of cars like this, it would be a heck of a lot more fun.

[Source: Toyota, Carscoop]

Green Track Cars at the Ultimate Track Car Challenge!

Ray Wert — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:08:42 EDT

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

It took a bit of poking and prodding, but we managed to round up four "green" track cars for the Grassroots Motorsports Ultimate Track Car Challenge on Sunday. We have two Jetta TDIs—the Chili Pepper Racing TDI and the Kerma TDI. We'll also have the AC Propulsion eBox, which currently holds the 1/8th mile record with the National Electric Drag Racing Association for a street conversion. And finally, we have the Organic Racing Lotus 7 replica (an E85-powered WCM Ultralite S2K). These four will compete to see who's the fastest, and who's the greenest. Stay tuned for full coverage of Sunday's event at Buttonwillow.

Dealer Sets Scion xB On Fire, Destroys It

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:15:00 EDT

A forum member over at ScionLife took his Scion xB to the dealer for a technical service bulletin issue this past week and got a call no car owner ever wants to receive. Somehow, the dealer managed to set his car on fire. The customized xB was totaled in the blaze and the Scion dealer has promised to replace the xB. Although there's no word on the aftermarket parts destroyed in the fire, we're assuming they'll be replacing those as well. We knew the xB was a hot little car to Scion fan-boys, but this is ridiculous.

[ScionLife via MotiveMag via Autoblog]

Scion Gets Its Assy McGee On For Youth Marketing

Travis Hudson — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EDT

Scion sure does know its youth demographic. Is there anything a kid enjoys more than faux graffiti designs and a talking ass cartoon character? No, not really. Scion's latest outreach to the youth market comes with a mock commercial featuring Assy McGee as a Scion xB slinging salesman—Assy is the gun-welding main character of the same-named Adult Swim cartoon. The commercial is featured within the actual show, and not as its own entity. If you're still curious what this Assy McGee guy is all about, check out a video after the jump.

Personally, Assy McGee is a fantastic and hilarious show and I don't blame Scion going that way to reach out to the youth it desperately wants to appease. Not surprisingly, this is Scion's second cameo in Adult Swim programming. The Scion tC was featured in Frisky Dingo. [Winding Road]

The Chevy 350 V8-Powered Scion xB Defies Stereotypes, Logic

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST

As we become a more automotively diverse culture you're bound to see dozens of modded Scions and JDM Nissans with Fairlady badges on one side of town, and some good old boys in their Camaros and small-block powered Novas on the other. Rick, of Whitemarsh, Maryland, has found a way to roll with both crews by dropping a stroked 350 V8 good for 450 horsepower in his 2004 Scion xB.

Oh, and to make things better it's also been converted to RWD (so it's theoretically drivable). There's no telling how much money has been put into this car, but according to his estimates there's been at least 10 months worth of work done on the car to get it converted, painted and ready to drive. Wouldn't it have been easier to just use a Hayabusa? [CarDomain via CarScoop]

Tokyo Motor Show: Custom Toyota Corolla Rumion/Scion xB by Kanji

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:01:57 EDT

It's a color some call orange flake — a deep tangerine overlaid with metallic sparkles. Others call it Hysterical Blindness Chrome, though when applied to the JDM version of the new Scion xB, it looks rather fetching indeed. Japan's Kanto Auto Works decked out this model with all manner of SEMA-grade orangeness, and a folding roof of its own design. Understated it's not. And no, mom, those are Japanese maple leaves embossed on the side.

Chicago Auto Show: Scion's New Angry Washing Machine, the 2008 xB, Debuts

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 13:10:32 EST

Scion launched its latest angry washing machine (thanks, Bob Lutz), which the company's execs would prefer to call "sinister." It's the new Scion xB, and in addition to getting a complete redesign, it's gotten more power by way of the tC's 2.4-liter four — that's 158 horsepower, 55 more than the current model. Transmission choices are five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting, which as the press release reads is a first for automatic four-speeds in the Scion or Toyota line-up. It also gets full iPod connectivity via its Pioneer head unit. It also gets a new interior design, which we found out after elbowing a few elderly gents from midwestern dailies to get a seat inside. (See above) – Mike Spinelli

PRESS RELEASE:

Scion Launches All-New 2008 xB At 2007 Chicago Auto Show

February 8, 2007 - Chicago - Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 2008 xB urban utility vehicle at a press conference today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. The xB was first introduced in early 2003 for the 2004 model year and its boxy shape became iconic to the Scion brand.

"No one in the automotive industry is as hard-wire-connected to its owners as is Scion, and the 2008 xB is a perfect example," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "We've stated in the past that we'll
probably always have a box in the Scion lineup, but our owners told us they wanted a bigger box. They talk, we listen and we responded with a bigger and better xB."

Distinct Scion Style
Like the previous generation xB, the all-new 2008 model was styled with distinctiveness in mind. This aggressive new compact applies design elements from the t2B concept vehicle that was shown at the
2005 New York International Auto Show. These exterior styling cues include the soft angles between its wide and flat paneling, high beltline, elongated headlamps that wrap around the side of the
vehicle, inset taillights, rectangular grille, pronounced fenders, and single rear backup light on the left bumper. The xB also features tinted rear windows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.

Larger Chassis for a Smooth Ride
Scion customers love to drive, so with that in mind, the overall size was enlarged, helping to create a more exciting driving experience. Engineers increased the wheelbase by four inches, the overall length by a foot, the overall width by almost three inches and decreased overall height more than an inch to give the xB a more comfortable ride.

The xB also receives 16-inch steel wheels, an inch larger than the previous generation. Customers will be able to choose from three all-new standard wheel covers which, will also be shared with the all-new xD. The xB also stops with larger brakes thanks to the 10.83-inch ventilated discs in the front and 10.98-inch disc brakes in the rear which are more than two inches bigger than the previous generation.

In addition to the wider wheelbase, the xB's smooth ride can be attributed to its McPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension.

Interior Comfort and Design
The xB's design team aimed for a lounge-like interior that met the comfort and lifestyle needs of the customer. The versatile interior provides 29.1 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats, an
increase of nearly eight cubic feet from the previous generation xB. For added convenience, the 60/40 split rear seats fold flat, providing a spacious and flat cargo floor, allowing the driver to haul larger
loads more easily. In addition, the front seats fully recline for increased cargo space or relaxation.

Interior storage is abundant with a driver's convenience tray, a glove box, a console box and front door storage. A fixed tray is located beneath the rear seats for hidden storage and can accommodate small
items like magazines, cameras, laptops, cell phone chargers and CDs.

A series of sleek circular gauges, including a combination meter, are centered on the dash. The combination meter allows drivers to toggle through the clock, outside temperature, instantaneous MPG, average MPG, distance to empty, or the average speed. Upon starting the
engine, "xB" flashes on the combination meter before information is displayed. The deep orange display gauges allow for better visibility day and night. Metal-tone trim accents the dash and surrounds the
shifter which is mounted on the lower dash. A driver's right armrest was added for comfort.

Upgraded Audio System
The xB's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is focused on youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jack port. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and
album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio control buttons. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their
portable music collection through the xB's Pioneer speakers.

Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the xB now comes standard with rear head unit outputs, allowing for additional external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers, and subwoofers.

The xB's optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins" to play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio
compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems feature six speakers: two tweeters and speakers in each door panel.

More Performance
More powerful than its predecessor, the all-new xB is equipped with a 2.4 L dual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the same engine found on the tC. The engine produces 158 horsepower, 55 more than the previous generation. Customers will have a choice of either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting, a first for automatic four-speeds in the Scion or Toyota line-up.

Standard Features
Like all Scion vehicles, the xB is mono spec. Customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type. The xB comes with generous and upscale standard features including power steering,
windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); first-aid kit; and tilt steering wheel with audio
controls. All Scion models come with complimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the first 5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorized Scion or Toyota dealership.

Colors
The exterior color palette for the new xB includes Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Nautical Blue Metallic, Blackberry Crush Metallic and Hypnotic Teal Mica. All xBs will feature high-quality dark charcoal interior fabric.

Warranty
All Scion models feature a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle
limited warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear
and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the
powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

2008 SCION xB PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall length: 167.3

Overall width: 69.3

Overall height: 62.6

Wheelbase: 102.4

ENGINE

Type: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve EFI with VVT-i

Bore and Stroke: 3.48 x 3.78 inches

Displacement: 2,362 cc

Compression Ratio: 9.8:1

Horsepower: 158 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 162 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm

TIRES AND WHEELS

Wheel Size: 16 x 6.5 inches

Tire Size: P205/55 R16

Exclusive! Scion xD and xB Break Out From Their Embargo Box

Ray Wert — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 09:30:22 EST

~~No idea where they got it from or how they got it~~ Seems Car and Driver is actually the ones who broke the embargo, but since GM Inside News broke it earlier this AM, we've got it here — the new Scion xD, pictured above, and the Scion xB, pictured below the jump. Here's what the folks over at GMIN have to say:

"More significant, however, is xB's all-new compact-car platform, which represents a move away from the xD—the replacement for the previous xB's platformmate, the xA—which has transitioned to the Yaris' subcompact architecture. As such, the all-new xB offers more space inside for guitars, amps, and retro-punk hairdos. Gone are the moronic center-mounted gauges, replaced by a more stylish, more conventional dashboard arrangement.

The news gets even better under the hood, where a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (shared with the tC) making 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque replaces the wimpy 103-hp 1.5-liter four-pot of xB version 1.0. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions deliver the newfound power to the front wheels, the latter with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters."

Chicago: Scion xB & xD [GM Inside News]

Boxy, But Green: AC Propulsion's eBox

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:00:00 EST

Ed Begley Jr. to the courtesy phone. Those masters of automotive electronica at AC Propulsion, the folks who brought you the TZero EV sportster, now offer something a bit more practical. Practically square, that is — the eBox. Based on the Scion xB (gee, really?), the eBox is powered by a 12-kw AC induction motor plugged into a lithium-ion battery pack, giving it a range of 140-180 miles on a charge. Performance is surprisingly spry; the company says it can go from zero to 60 in around seven seconds, nearly three seconds quicker than a stock xB. But like George Clooney's Tango, which also uses AC's propulsion system, the eBox will set the Hollywood enviro-elite back around $80,000, which includes the cost of the donor car. Options like leather upholstery, alloy wheels, nav system, and custom paint job will send the meters spinning. – Mike Spinelli

AC Propulsions makes a faster xB—by throwing away the engine. [The Car Connection]

Try Not to Smirk: The P00 1

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:16:53 EST

Ok, so those are zeros, not letters "O" in the X-SRV P001's name, but this custom Hummer H2 is no less stinky by our sensory perceptions. The work of X-Concept Motorsports and Casborn design, the X-SRV is an attempt to combine the look of a military vehicle with the that of a 1930's era Cadillac and Duesenberg. All we can say is that it more closely resembles a slot machine crossed up with a Sony boombox. Either way, it's a monstrosity of scatological proportion. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

Related:
The New Toyota bB: Already Custom [internal]

Scion's New Release: xB 4.0

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:00:00 EDT

Scion xB is totally the Mac OSX of boxy econo, er, boxes. ToMoCo's revealed the newest in its Release Series, the xB R.S. 4.0, which features a special, color-shift paint dubbed "Maziora Torched Penny" after an ancient Aztec money-laundering scheme. The model gets color-keyed taillights, rear spoiler and Modellista speed grille; rear bumper protector; and special "release series" wheel covers. Inside, there are the badged floor mats, multicolor under-dash lighting and cup-holder kit. Manual-transmission models get a color-keyed Razo shift knob. Only 2,500 units of the xB Release Series 4.0 will be built, each sporting its own individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge — all for an MSRP of $1,930 over the base price of automatic-transmission xBs, and $1,980 for manual models. They'll be in showrooms next month, heads or tails. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

Scion to Launch Two New Models in '07, Drop xA, xB

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 07:30:42 EDT

Toyota announced this week that the square xB and the, er, turnip-shaped xA will be history after this year. The now-iconic xB and less-so xA will meet their production doom in December, but they'll be replaced in mid-2007 by two, 2008 models yet to be announced. According to insiders, one will look vaguely like a slice of cantelope, the other will be in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid.

Platespotting: The RIAA Sucks, But They Can't Take My License Plate Away

Ray Wert — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 11:15:00 EDT

Tipster Jason Adolf spotted the following plate on a Scion xB at Carmax in Northern Virginia — and while we couldn't agree more with the plate itself — driving the Scion xB with this plate represents a whole host o' problems in our book.

Spy Photos: 2008 Scion xB

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 11:55:36 EDT

A grainy-but-indicative spy shot of what's likely the next-gen Scion xB showed up on ScionLife this week, seeming to confirm talk of a longer wheelbase for the littlest box van. Word is, the new model, reportedly for the 2008 model year, will be built on the next Corolla's platform. Actually, this one looks even longer than prototypes in previous shots. Could lil' Scion have been infected with the third-row-of-seats virus? Maybe there's a vaccine. [Thanks to Dave for the tip.]

Spy Shot of 2008 Scion xB [ScionLife]

The New Toyota bB: Already Custom

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 20:38:08 EST

So while rumor has it that our xB will be a North America-only design, the Toyotas are pushing their new bB with the Music Player, continuing on in a laundry list of really dorky Japanese names for cars. According to Toyotanation, it's got a 105-horse VVT-i mill, and will apparently help you score with foreign chicks. We totally wanna score with foreign chicks. These American girls just aren't working out the way we planned.

bB [Toyota via Toyotanation]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 Scion xB [Internal]

Spy Photos: 2008 Scion xB

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 09:23:51 EST

The word came down late last year (from high atop Mt. Gossip): The next-generation Scion xB would be built on the Corolla platform, and be longer and larger on the inside than the current model. Now, The Car Connection offers what could be the first spy shot of the new model, which confirms the li'l van's lengthier comportment. The new dimensions give it an almost Land Rover LR3-like profile. Check out that schnoz — it almost looks like they're smuggling a V8 past border security.

Spy Shots: 2008 Scion xB [The Car Connection]

Related:
Scion s New xB Could Be Bigger, US Only [internal]

Scion's New xB Could Be Bigger, US Only

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 06:49:56 EST

According to a report in Japan's Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Toyota's next-generation xB wagon will be built on the Corolla platform, making it larger than the current model. Speculation is also high that the new model, due in 2006, will get its looks from the t2B concept (pictured) — which is 10 inches longer and four inches wider than the current model — that Toyota unveiled at the 2005 New York Auto show. If so, the new xB will likely get the same 2.4-liter four as the tC, making it less of a novelty act and more of a typical, two-box MPV. Looks like Scion wants to keep the empty-nesters coming back, without alienating the young buyers it wishes were lining up at the dealerships. Strange dilemma.

Next Bigger Scion xB to Be Exclusive for North America [Edmunds]