Scion, the youth division of the Toyota Motor Company, offers some exciting vehicles targeted at the younger drivers (and those of us who are young at heart) . Relying on the dependable nature of Toyotas, the Scion line, sold through a separate dealer network, offers the Scion buyer a unique buying and ownership experience. Set pricing, a simple product array, and encouraged customization and personalization, Scion is breaking free from the traditional car buying and ownership experience.
The Scion xA and Scion xB, while similar mechanically, the styling varies quite a bit. The xA styling is a more aerodynamic shape with it’s laid back windshield. The xB, is much more upright and boxy shaped. Both offer lots of room and flexibility for their size. Whether you need room for people or hauling cargo, both are quite handy vehicles.
Both the Scion xA and Scion xB are powered by a 1.5L engine featuring variable valve timing and produce 105 horsepower. More power can be coaxed from these engines with cold air intakes, catback exhausts, headers, and other aftermarket parts. Many Scion xAs and Scion xBs are first lowered by installing lowering springs. This improves the handling through the use of higher rate, shorter coil springs which lower the center of gravity. Many enthusiasts really like the looks of the lowered xA and xBs as it reduces the wheel to fender gap and gives the vehicle a slammed look.
Part of the Scion ownership experience is the customization and personalization of one’s Scion. While the Scion dealers have offered many parts, the aftermarket has continued to expand for the Scion xA and Scion xB. Many car stereo enthusiasts feel the interior shape is perfect for sound competitions! It is not unusual to see Scions prepared for sound competitions with the entire rear section filled with speakers, amps and other car stereo equipment!
Scion added to it’s lineup with a coupe, the tC. Coupes are very popular with the target, younger buyers. Powered by the dependable, 2.4L, 160 horsepower Toyota Camry engine, the Scion tC is a spirited performer and a load of fun to drive. It’s hatchback is quite handy for loading large items. The Scion tC comes well equipped. Only a few options are available, like side airbags. Most everything else you would want is standard equipment.
The swoopy styling of the Scion tC lends itself nicely to customization. Many body kits are available for it. But there is another trend noticed among Scion tC enthusiats, that of making more power!! The Scion aftermarket has responded not only with Cold Air Intakes, headers, and Cat back exhaust systems. But also forced induction kits like superchargers and turbochargers. Many suspension upgrades are also offered for the Scion tC, like lowering springs, coil over suspension kits, anti-sway bar kits, and stress bars.
One observation of the Scion enthusiasts, is that they have lots of passion for their vehicles and the Scion ownership experience. Often this shows up in the Scion get-togethers all over the country at car shows, races, cruise-ins, or just gathering with other Scion enthusiasts.
New Edge Performance is proud to offer the Scion community parts and accessories for the Scion xA, xB, and tC. Manufacturers like Magnaflow, Ingalls Engineering, Injen, Vogtland Spring, Eibach , and Progress to name a few, are all now offering Scion applications. Here at New Edge Performance, we will continue to offer more parts for your Scion as they become available!