By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

I wasn’t very impressed by the “new” tC but I have to say that Five Axis did an amazing job with it. Their iQ was pretty cool, too. More pics after the jump, including all the specs!

Continue reading "NYIAS: Scion tC and iQ Modified by Five Axis" »

By Jim Brennan

UDMan

Last year’s concept, the Toyota iQ with a Scion Badge, will be sold as a Scion here in the states this fall. Toyota claimed that the premium subcompact is “Mini-er” and “Smart-er” than the competition. They’re also calling the iQ a four-seater, but think of the rear seat as just a storage area for luggage. The concept version of the iQ on display was hot looking! Expect to see more than a few Scion iQ’s at this year’s SEMA.

Continue reading "NYIAS: The New Scion iQ" »

By Fireball Tim

Movie Car Design Master

What is going on in this world? Ideas are merging, blending, taking shape, radically departing but staying the same. And that’s our world. Change.

Many people fear change. Maybe because it’s unknown. The question is, “What if you DID know the answer?” To everything? Would life be the same? Would you even be interested? Change is good. It keeps us on our toes, makes life adventurous, and forces us to have faith in things unseen.

Fortunately for you, you get to SEE this week’s designs. Some are wicked cool, some way not. But change is in the air, therefore, this week’s theme. Entitled?

CHANGE!…… DANGIT!

1. THE AUDI E- TRON ELECTRIC

Remember the Audi in “IRobot?” How could you not? It was in every DANG scene of the movie. Along with Will Smith’s beefy bod. (I had enough of that after the first scene… whatever) Well, Audi has taken their R8 and made it sweeter. Electric. And… Red. And red is good. Electric? Yea, that’s cool, but RED is cooler. Just think of RED things. Cherries. Megan Fox’s Lips. A stubbed toe. Ok,… maybe not the last one. But red is cool, dangit. (Check out the AutoDissection on the R8 here.)

Continue reading "Fireball's Cool Designs of the Week!" »

By Mike Musto

RideLust.com

I just came from the Scion press launch of their new concept micro car, the IQ. I have to say that generally I am not overly enthralled with microcars, but this little sucker was cool. Kind of like a smart car on steroids, the IQ definitely appeals to teenager in all of us and at first glance it actually gives the appearance of being much larger than it actually is.

With techno blasting in the background, the little IQ was lowered into the crowd with oohs and aahs from photographers and journalists. There is a good reason for this, too. You see, the IQ is cool. Macho fender flares and 18″ wheels hide massive rotors and nice two-pot calipers. The paint is called “Radioactive,” and has some iridescent qualities and shows yellow or green depending on the exterior light.

Interior appointments are typical Scion, meaning they are youthful. Scion, as I see it, has become a master of dressing up inexpensive materials to appeal to a much hipper audience–and it works. Funky honeycomb seat and door inserts help offset otherwise drab gray vinyl. Combine that with a massive 10″ pop-up monitor and for watching DVD’s (when you’re parked) make for a cool little micro that you wouldn’t mind just hanging out in.

By Speedhunters

Car Culture At Large

The ultra-compact Toyota iQ has long been rumored to become part of Toyota’s US lineup, and it looks like we might be getting some official word on this at the New York Auto Show next month. The iQ won’t actually be sold in the United States as a Toyota, but as the latest addition to the Scion line. Scion hasn’t released any specs on the USDM version of the iQ yet, but their press release says they will be showing a “micro sub-compact” concept, which is exactly what the iQ is. According to Scion’s press release, “the concept reflects Scion’s youthful image and represents a new segment for the brand aimed toward the growing urbanization trend”.

We will find out next month at the New York Auto Show exactly what Toyota and Scion have in store for the US-spec iQ.

By Mike Garrett Source: World Car Fans

Toyota’s victory in our recent microcar Showroom Showdown probably doesn’t qualify for bragging rights, since the single most common answer to the question of which car you’d buy between a smart and an iQ was some variation of "neither, I’d rather walk." But among those who did decide between the two pocket-sized doodlebugs, iQ was the overwhelmingly popular choice. Good old Toyota build quality was frequently cited, and only those who were aware that smart was designed by Mercedes went with the smart on these grounds. We hope that Ryan’s recent no-start issues with his new smart didn’t sway the vote too much!

The smart fortwo has officially arrived Stateside, and the Toyota iQ got a lot of attention at the Geneva Motor Show last week. Toyota may bring the little iQ to the US if it can meet federal safety standards (those back seats may have to go). So, if this were to happen, which would you choose: the smart fortwo or the Toyota iQ?

After the Toyota iQ concept was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it was pretty hot topic around the office. Jen thought it was ugly, and some folks commented that given that it’s chief competitor will be smart’s fortwo, Toyota could have gotten a little more creative with the name. The production model debuted in Geneva today, and reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. From these pictures, it looks like the interior is a lot sexier than the smart’s, and the two extra seats—one fits an adult, the other is designed for a child—are sure to increase appeal among young urbanities with kids. Check out a bunch more pics and the official press release after the jump.

via CarScoop

PRESS RELEASE

World premiere of Toyota’s new urban car: the iQ

• Production version of the Concept C ar iQ premiered
• ‘J-Factor’ underpins iQ design
• Six unique space-saving engineering innovations represent a milestone in Toyota’s automotive engineering
• Revolutionary packaging concept provides ample space for a 3+1 seating configuration within a sub 3 metres length
• Small urban car with low emission engines and aerodynamics reduces environmental impact
• Manufacturing starts late 2008 with a global sales target of 100,000 vehicles for the first year of production

Design

World premiere of Toyota’s new urban car: the iQ

Toyota is world-premiering the production design of the new iQ
at the Geneva Motor Show. First shown as the Concept Car iQ at last
year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the iQ will go into production during late
2008.

The new iQ is a sophisticated car, representing the ultimate
refined urban mode of transportation. Thanks to its ingenious and
revolutionary packaging it measures less than three metres in length,
yet has a flexible interior space that allows up to three adults, plus
a child or luggage to travel comfortably.

The name iQ is the best representation of what the car
embodies. "i" stands for individuality, whilst at the same time also
expressing "innovation" and "intelligence". "Q" stands for "quality"
and also suggesting that its "cubic" stature gives a "cue" to new value
and lifestyle.

The iQ delivers dynamism and stability despite its small size.
It challenges conventional thinking through a design that is
forward-looking, intelligent and energetic, while retaining clarity of
purpose and function.

The marvel of the iQ’s ingenuity is in its revolutionary
packaging, which is the result of six space-saving but inter-linked
engineering innovations that represent a break-through in Toyota’s
automotive vehicle development.

"The iQ story started a few years ago when we at Toyota began
thinking of the environmental impact of automobiles. We came to the
conclusion that, in order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a
need for a radical change in vehicle packaging. We needed to create a
break-through, away from the traditional belief that small is basic.
Our answer to this is Toyota iQ," says Kazuo Okamoto, Executive Vice
President, in charge of Research and Development at Toyota Motor
Corporation.

The iQ is designed to cater for the needs of buyers who seek
more than just urban mobility but demand space and refinement in an
environmentally-friendly vehicle.

J-Factor design
The design of the new iQ has its origin in
Japan with J-Factor influences at its core. Toyota explains J-Factor as
that aspect of Japanese originality and quality that creates modern,
attractive, and globally appealing products from the apparent
disharmony and contradictory nature of its original components.
Expressions such as ‘small yet spacious’, ‘high-tech yet human’ and
‘emotional yet functional’ are all examples of what Toyota calls
J-Factor.

Although iQ is less than three metres in length, measuring
2,985mm precisely, it has a spacious interior. And while the ingenious
packaging requires hi-tech solutions, the human appeal is in the
requirement to meet intelligent urban transportation needs.

Drawing inspiration from J-Factor, Toyota has developed a unique
design language called Vibrant Clarity. Vibrant Clarity is the key to
answering the long-standing paradox of designing vehicles that are both
energised and dynamic, but at the same time rational and ingenious. The
word Vibrant represents a more forward-looking, vital nature that
expresses the feeling of energy.
Clarity symbolises all that is
fresh, clean and simple, stressing the rational aspect in the design
equation – keeping the design crisp, the functionality intact and
ensuring that the concept is easily understandable.This Vibrant Clarity
design philosophy infuses cars with an emotional intensity that is
uniquely identifiable as a Toyota.

The iQ contains three key elements of Vibrant Clarity design
Perfect
imbalance of proportions: a simple and daring exterior with a strong
contrast between the stable and robust stance provided by the iQ’s
width and the shortness of its overall length.

Integrated component architecture where each unit contributes to
the overall design: the structure around the tyres forms part of the
minimal front and rear overhangs, a synergy that conveys both strength
and agility.

Freeform geometrics: the exterior surfaces are almost
mathematical in their cleanliness and precision, but also possess
movement and emotion to make the design fresh and contemporary.

Robust yet refined styling for the iQ’s urban environment
The
four wheels – placed at the extremities of each corner – give the iQ a
self-assured ‘super stance’. At just 2,985mm in length, but with a
proportionally larger wheelbase of 2,000mm, the iQ is small in size,
but unlike a small car possesses a confident on-road appearance.

The iQ’s robustness is further enhanced by the tough-looking
bumpers. Strong vertical lines define the rear view of the iQ, while
the bold rear lamp lenses are divided into three segments by horizontal
lines, which help underpin the iQ’s strong presence. The iQ is fitted
with 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels that confidently fill the bold wheel
arches.
The exterior styling blends dynamism and stability:
prominent crease lines define the high belt line while the V-line of
the A-pillar creates tension across the wheel arches.
Smooth lines
flow from the front bumpers, curve graciously up through the front
pillars to meet the roof and sweep back down towards the rear hatch
where they are replaced by edgier, well-defined lines.

From a rear three-quarter perspective the creative tension continues.
A
seamless line runs from the edge of the roofline towards the B-pillar
and curves around the deep rear glass area, before returning towards
the rear hatch and then tailing off at the bold, geometrically-shaped
wheel arches.

At the front of the car, smoked headlamp units are set deep into
the bonnet and wings. Door mirrors with integrated turn indicators
further reflect the iQ’s refined urban appeal.

Techno-organic theme for interior styling
The
‘on-the-edge’ exterior styling is replicated in the iQ’s refined
interior architecture. By mathematically analysing and recreating the
structural beauty of natural objects, Toyota has achieved a
‘techno-organic’ design which fuses geometric precision with inner
beauty.

This is demonstrated in the floating ‘V’ centre console, which
dominates the asymmetric dashboard. At the base of the V is a single
dial that controls the functions of the air conditioning.

Situated within the arms of the V are cabin temperature controls
with an LCD that displays airflow, twin face-level air vents and at the
top a 5.8-inch colour touch screen satellite navigation display.

The V-design both separates and joins the two halves of the
asymmetric dashboard design, while providing a visually appealing focus
on the interior.

The steering wheel is flat-bottomed to provide the driver
with greater legroom. Controls for audio are placed on the wheel to
save space on the centre console and to offer a high-level of
convenience for the driver.

Other techno-organic features include matt silver door handles
with flowing manta-ray styling. While the ultra slim seatbacks are
formed in a stylish one-piece moulding that enhances the edgy feel of
the iQ and assist in freeing up additional passenger space.

A secret tray is neatly concealed below the rear seat, again
providing more storage for passengers without sacrificing the cabin
space. For more luggage capacity the 50/50 split rear seats can be
separately folded flat to increase the available load area.

The interior is finished in rich chocolate-plum colour, which
contrasts with the matt silver of the techno-organic architecture to
provide an environment of urban sophistication.

Technology

Revolutionary engineering innovations create ingenious packaging solution
Creating
more passenger space in such a compact vehicle was a key aim for
Toyota’s design team. The iQ’s interior is surprisingly spacious. Six
inter-linking engineering innovations are responsible for making this
possible. Viewed together, these innovations represent a major
milestone in Toyota’s vehicle development.

To achieve such a milestone required a drastically changed
mindset. The engineers had to reconsider the very locations of various
vehicle components rather than simply re-designing parts to a smaller
size.

The result is a true break-through in ‘small yet spacious’
packaging, which at the same time has been designed to meet the top
5-star safety rating of EURO NCAP.

The new Toyota iQ measures 2,985mm in length and 1,500mm in
height, but the car’s compact ingenuity lies in its comparatively
lengthy wheelbase of 2,000mm.

Newly developed differential saves engine compartment space
A
newly developed differential allows the iQ to be built with short front
overhangs, which result in a gain of over 100mm of additional length
inside the passenger cabin area when compared to the B-segment Yaris.

Toyota’s ingenious solution to the differential is 3-fold: the
under-bonnet area is made more compact; the front wheels can be placed
at the very corners of the car, which drastically shortens the front
overhang; and the passenger compartment can be increased.

Flat under-floor fuel tank with rear-angled shock absorbers
The
design of the flat under-floor fuel tank has allowed the development of
shorter rear overhangs, which contribute to the reduction of the car’s
overall length.

Historically, a flat tank was considered difficult to engineer
successfully because of the variance in fuel surface levels depending
on the angle of the car.

However, persistent engineering efforts to downsize and find the
optimal placement of functional parts have resulted in a flat fuel tank
that creates significant space savings.

Smaller heater/air conditioning unit saves space
Toyota
engineers have managed to significantly reduce the size of the
heater/air conditioning unit without sacrificing performance output.

As a result of the size reduction the passenger-side area of the
asymmetric dashboard can be moved forward and towards the windscreen
base freeing up additional cabin space.

Asymmetric dashboard design and sliding seat configuration create more space
The iQ’s innovative asymmetric dashboard was designed to open up the passenger area.

The pushed-forward and step-like structure of the dashboard
provides sufficient space for the front passenger when the seat is set
at its most forward position while comfortably accomodating an adult in
the rear seat.

Combined with shoulder-to-shoulder distance between driver and
passenger of a similar volume to a C-segment vehicle, the unique 3+1
seating configuration creates enough room for three adults and, in
addition, either a child or luggage behind the driver.

Centre take-off steering gear for compactness
Toyota has
employed a centre take-off steering gear and positioned it higher in
the engine bay. The gear, engine and differential could then be
repositioned creating the iQ’s size-reduced front overhang.

Slim seat design for greater leg room
The slimness of the iQ
seat backs release a further 40mm of rear passenger room at knee height
so that rear passengers can sit more comfortably.

With an all-new frame structure and optimal adjustment of
ancillary parts, the slimmer seat designs save space without
sacrificing comfort.

New iQ drives Toyota’s green aims with low emission engines
Toyota
has been pioneering in the continual search to reduce the car’s impact
on the environment. Using technology as its cornerstone, Toyota has
persistently sought new ideas and new inventions to make the car
friendlier to the environment.

In addition to Toyota’s ongoing Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology
innovations, the expansion of its small car range is integral to
reducing environmental impact.

The new iQ, together with the Urban Cruiser also premiered at
Geneva, plays a key role in Toyota’s drive to reduce emissions. Both
cars are also an essential part of Toyota’s challenge to support the
Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association’s (JAMA) voluntary
commitment of 140 grams per kilometre by 2009.

The iQ will have the choice of one of two petrol or one diesel
engine. These engines – along with the compact design, low weight, and
aerodynamic shape of the iQ – will contribute to outstanding fuel
economy and exceptionally low CO2 emissions, which are anticipated to
start at around 100g/km.

Production commences in late 2008
Production of the iQ will
commence during late 2008. In the first full year of production, Toyota
expects to reach 100,000 units globally. 

Toyota is getting ready to go up against the Smart. Here’s an official pic of the production version of the iQ (we showed you the iQ concept back in September), which should go into production later this year as a 2009 model. There aren’t any details on the powertrain or pricing, but we’ll know more when Toyota rolls it out at the Geneva Motor Show next month.