by Mike Kowdley, 2004-Feb-05

Chicago Auto Show 2004

We visited the Scion Booth at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show but not much was new. The xA they were showing was the same as the one from San Francisco, and the xB and tC were the same ones from Detroit as well.

So we asked our readers (and readers of ScionLife.Com) what they wanted to ask Scion. Unfortunately this was a last-minute plan so we only had two questions submitted, but we took those to Scion to see what the responses was. We spoke with Sheila Swanson, a Scion Rep.

The following is written interview style but the questions and answers both are paraphrased — I don't have a voice recorder.

ScionZone.Com: Scion is putting a big emphasis on the customization potential for all of the Scion vehicles. When will the supercharger and turbochargers be available?

Sheila Swanson: TRD has been developing the turbocharger for the xB and xA 1.5L engine, however, no target date has been set yet for production. In fact, it still isn't a done deal that it will be produced at all, although of course TRD is leaning toward "yes". The tC supercharger is in development was well and will be released late in the 2004 calendar year.

SZC: What will the specifications be?

SS: The turbocharger for the xA/xB is still being developed so the numbers aren't finalized yet, but we are looking at approximately a 50 horsepower increase. The supercharger for the tC is also not finalized, but the pre-tuned version brought the engine to close to 200 horsepower. The final version will be close to 200 horsepower as well or perhaps slightly higher.

(Note: The current horsepower on the xA/xB is 108 and the tC is around 160)

SZC: Pricing?

SS: Not determined yet. Both will be sold similar to the TRD Supercharger for the Tacoma today, as a dealer installed option. The advantage here is that they will be covered by the manufacturers warranty. Tech-savvy customers may also do a self-install.

(The Tacoma's supercharger costs around $3000 uninstalled.)

SZC: Tell us a little bit about the Release Series Version 1.0 for the xB.

SS: The Release Series gives Scion the opportunity to provide new and unique versions of the Scion without creating a whole new model. The first will be the Release Series Version 1.0 for the xB. It will be available in one unique color (Hot Lava Orange), and feature color keyed body, a color keyed strut tie bar, a color keyed spoiler, and special seat fabric that also matches the Hot Lava Orange, among other items. 2100 of these will be produced and each will be individually numbered with a placard on the dashboard. Release 1.0 will be a $980 option.

SZC: This is the first in a series for the xB... what about the xA and tC?

SS: Yes, there will be more releases for the xB once we see the consumers' reaction to 1.0. Hopefully the xA and tC will follow the same track but there are no particular plans yet.

SZC: With these updates on the vehicles, owners of current Scion's will be tempted to upgrade. Will Scion dealers offer any incentives, such as a "loyalty bonus", to current owners?

SS: The current xA and xB vehicles are very competitively priced for our target market. There won't be any such incentives. Scion believes its "pure price" pricing plan, which eliminates the need for the painful auto buying experience of negotiating the final price from the dealer, already gives the consumer the best value in a Scion. Buy eliminating the price haggling and offering mono-spec vehicles, we allow the consumer and the dealer to focus more directly on the vehicle itself and also on building a positive relationship between them.

SZC: Thank you very much.

ScionZone.Com 2004 Chicago Auto Show Photo Gallery

Prices are current as of the Chicago 2004 Autoshow, and are subject to change without notice. Contact your dealer for current pricing information.