Toyota's Scion World Premiere Features ccX Concept and bbX Concept At 2002 New York International Auto Show

Automotive Intelligence, the web for automotive professionals

This Week:

© 1998 - 2002 Copyright &
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com

News of April 03, 2002

Toyota's Scion World Premiere Features ccX Concept and bbX Concept At 2002 New York International Auto Show

ccX Concept

New York, NY - The Toyota Concept Coupe Crossover (ccX) was shown at the debut press conference for SCION, an all new line of vehicles that will be offered by Toyota beginning in June '03. The ccX concept was offered as an example of where the SCION product strategy is headed. It is a multi-purpose vehicle that explores new directions in styling and versatility and reflects SCION's dedication to satisfying the evolving needs of younger consumers.

"The ccX is a glimpse at one direction being explored by the company to address new buyer demands," said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., senior vice president and COO. "Its unique look expresses individuality. And its thoughtful approach to versatility allows the customer to decide how the vehicle fits into their lifestyle."

Designed in Japan, the ccX was built in Italy at Forum Ricerche E Progetti. The Silver exterior features strong sweeping character lines, sharp surface edges, a tall sloping roofline, and rounded front and rear contours that create an aggressive sports coupe appearance.

The ccX features two large, power sunroofs, each made up of four glass panels. The roof panels tilt up individually, and then slide fore and aft toward the center of the roofline, creating large openings over the entire passenger compartment and cargo area. In this configuration, the user enjoys convertible-type open air motoring, along with the added capability of carrying bulky objects in back. The vertical glass rear panel is a two-piece unit that can be retracted into the bumper and out of the way for easy access to the rear cargo area.

The blue instrument cluster is center-dash mounted for reduced driver fatigue and better visibility. The blue theme carries through to the auxiliary illumination that runs vertically down each side of the center console, bordering a seven-inch multi-display monitor that displays DVD entertainment, navigation and audio systems. A remote control panel for the monitor and cell phone is conveniently located on the center console and is protected by a sliding acrylic blue cover. Blue LED-type lights are strewn across the front and rear roof lining to enhance the atmosphere of the performance-inspired cabin.

The rear cargo area is equipped with six hidden tie-down hooks for convenient hauling and an electric-powered removable cooler that plugs into a conveniently located 12-volt power source.

A large engine well houses a performance-tuned 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The engine is linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive ccX rides on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 225/45/R18 tires.

"The ccX embodies a multitude of innovative solutions that enable the consumer to determine how the vehicle best suits his or her individual needs," said Press. "It reflects a new approach to future small car development at Toyota."

The SCION bbX concept vehicle was also unveiled at the press conference at the 2002 New York International Auto Show.

bbx Concept

Photos: Toyota

"The bbX is a show car version of a vehicle we plan to launch when SCION opens for business next year," said Jim Lentz, TMS vice president, SCION. "It is based on a vehicle currently available in Japan called the "Black Box" that is marketed to Japan's youngest buyers as a melding of entertainment-art and basic transportation."

The bbX harmonizes innovation, versatility and fun-to-drive elements in a look that is refreshing and bold. The bbX hunkers down low over its wheels, rises tall and wide in flat planes and 90-degree angles and maximizes interior space with minimal exterior dimensions.

The show car demonstrates the vast potential for customization of future SCION products. The bbX concept features a custom-tuned suspension, unique 17-inch wheels, fog lights, ground effects and rear spoiler that incorporate carbon fiber trim, blue brake calipers, coil-over suspension and smoked head lamp and tail lamp covers. The ability to add custom equipment and a feeling of personalization are among the key elements that will be included in all SCION vehicles.

Inside, bbX offers tremendous headroom and legroom. Large door openings and tall seat-height provide effortless ingress and egress. The show car also boasts sport seats, power windows, locks and mirrors and eye-catching blue metallic trim on the steering wheel, dash area and inside doors.

Techno-savvy consumers will appreciate the high-quality, high-output digital audio/video system by Pioneer. The bbX show car interior was designed and equipped as a rolling sound studio, with 1350 watts of maximum power, an in-dash DVD/CD player, headrest-mounted monitors for rear passengers and a large subwoofer enclosure in the cargo area.

Production versions of the U.S.-spec bbX will arrive at dealerships with a generous level of standard equipment, including air conditioning, power convenience features and a six speaker sound system with a Pioneer AM/FM/CD.

SCION marketers have engaged a wide range of aftermarket manufacturers to supply a large palette of cosmetic, functional and performance accessories. Resources for personalization will be made available to SCION buyers through the SCION Web site and at the dealerships.

A production version of bbX will be one of two SCION vehicles that will be on sale beginning in June 2003.

(March 27, 2002)

[Homepage] [ News] [ Companies] [ Management] [ Publications] [ Events] [ Careers]
[Services] [Discussion] [ Guestbook] [ Search]