The street-smart Scion, Toyota’s lifestyle brand on wheels, makes its first Canadian Auto Show appearance in the shape of the Fuse Sports Coupe Concept at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show (Jan. 16-25). Scion is enforcing its brand commitment to urban youth, making Montreal the setting for the official Canadian debut of the Fuse concept.
Designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon and with the forward-thinking lifestyle of young Gen Ys in mind, the Fuse was developed by Calty Design Research, Toyota’s North American design studio, and Scion’s Advanced Product Strategy Team. The aim was to push the limits of a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one menacing looking package. More importantly, its styling lets the world know it intends to expand the performance envelope among affordable, entry-level sport coupes.
"Last fall, Toyota Canada Inc. announced that the urban, street-savvy Scion would hit three key urban centres across Canada, including Montreal, in spring 2010, so we wanted to give Montrealers an example of the next Scion’s potential when it arrives," said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Scion in Canada.
With an exterior inspired by the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan, the Fuse features:
A low, aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window, and balanced by a strong C-pillar.
A front end that glares at you with slim, high-mounted, deep-set headlamps communicating a serious and aggressive attitude, and a massive rectangular air intake that hints at the potential for a large intercooler.
A back end with wide-body rear flares that span the entire rear mass, encasing deep-set vertical tail lamps.
20-inch custom-machined wheels with LED’s on the end of each spoke, which illuminate as turn indicators.
Programmable headlights and fog lamps that light up in various colors.
The Fuse’s interior merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the surround.
Among its features:
A drive-by-wire steering interface with influences from race cars and video game controllers.
A media station that runs the length of the dash where passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual display 10.5-inch monitors.
Just as unique and forward-thinking are the Fuse’s three separate interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations:
Video mode: the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table, or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or take advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity and instant message their friends.
Driving mode: the video screens turn off and a multi-informational display is used for driver information.
Cargo mode: the front passenger seat and rear seats fold down to form a flat surface, and multi-functioning rear cargo access allows stowage of larger items.
While the Fuse cabin seats four comfortably, when parked the tailgate converts to provide outdoor seating. A pass of the foot over an infrared sensor on the lip of the rear bumper opens the rear tailgate and sliding hatch, allowing the tailgate to drop down into a curb-high bench. Add rear foldout speakers and a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, and an instant social scene is created.
"The Fuse is a styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Canadians who have been asking for Scion, as well as other Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe," said Hutchinson. "Like previous Scion concepts, the Fuse delivers a unique statement about what the Scion brand is all about and where it is headed."
