Inspiring Spontaneity And Designed For Urban Driving, Scion iM Concept Car Premieres In Canada At The Toronto Auto Show

Production version of iM to arrive at dealerships later this year

TORONTO, ON., (February 11, 2015) – The “i” stands for individuality and intriguing.

The “M” represents modern, multifaceted and magnetic.

Put them together and it spells passionate excitement at the Scion booth during this year’s Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS).

The Scion iM concept car is making its Canadian premiere at this year’s show. It’s a sleek, fun and versatile five-door compact hatchback that will inspire the production version of the iM arriving in dealerships later this year.

“The Scion iM exemplifies how Scion is ‘Powering Passion’ among the young and young at heart in Canada,” said Cyril Dimitris, Director, Scion Canada. “It’s sporty with a sense of spontaneity, and also comes with Toyota’s renowned quality, dependability, reliability and safety.”

Striking visually with its wide stance and low ride height – and topped off by a stunning paint colour called “Incredi-blue” – the iM concept features front and rear bumper overhangs to create dynamic surfaces. It also incorporates geometric grille inserts, deep air intakes and fog lights. In addition, large 19-inch forged alloy wheels sit flush with the body while vented rotors with 4-piston calipers work with an adjustable-height racing suspension.

The iM also boasts excellent fuel efficiency, sporty handling, easy parking and loads of cargo room.

CIAS visitors can see the iM in the Scion booth located on the 800 Level of the South Building at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). The show runs February 13-22.

Scion iM on the way in 2015

Toronto, ON, (Jan. 7, 2015) – Scion will introduce the all-new Scion iM in April at the New York International Auto Show. The iM is the official name for the production version of the iM Concept car shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The new iM represents one of the two new models that Scion will bring to market in the next three years aimed at independently minded drivers. The vehicles will bring exciting options for Scion’s youthful customers looking for vehicles to support both adventure and sensibility.

Beyond the name, drivers can expect the production iM to carry forward some of the sporty looks and versatility displayed in the concept version. More details on both the production iM and sedan will be available in coming months.

Toyota Decks the Halls with IIHS 2015 "Top Safety Pick" Awards

TORONTO, ON., (December 23, 2014) — On the 12th day of Christmas, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave to Toyota, 12 awards awarding. In fact, the automaker won more awards than any other automaker, including the most of the Institute’s highest honour.

• Eight Toyota and Lexus Models Earn Institute’s Highest Top Safety Pick+
• Four Toyota and Scion Vehicles Named Top Safety Picks

In all, eight Toyota and Lexus vehicles earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating. IIHS in particular recognized the Prius V for its significantly improved performance all-around in the small overlap crash test – naming it a Top Safety Pick+. The Toyota Sienna was also the only minivan awarded the 2015 Top Safety Pick + designation. IIHS also recognized four additional Toyota and Scion vehicles as 2015 Top Safety Picks.

Toyota’s twelve awards overall were the most in the industry for 2015.

2015 Toyota / Lexus Top Safety Pick+ winners are: Lexus CT (built after Sept. 2014), Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius v, Lexus RC, Toyota Highlander, Lexus NX and Toyota Sienna.

2015 Toyota / Scion Top Safety Pick Winners are: Toyota/Scion: Scion FR-S, Scion tC, Toyota Avalon and, Toyota RAV4 (built after Nov. 2014).

From Concept to Commitment - Scion Announces New Product Plans

Production Version of iM Concept to Hit Showrooms Next Year

TORONTO, ON., (Nov. 19, 2014) – Start planning that next adventure; a new ride is on its way. After revealing the iM Concept car today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Scion announced that a production version of the versatile five-door compact hatchback will be coming to dealerships in 2015.

“Scion owners are passionate about their vehicles, and we’re excited to continue bringing dynamic, new product that fit the lifestyles of our customers,” said Cyril Dimitris, Director, Scion Canada.

Scion attracts those with an independent spirit and desire to stand apart from the crowd. But many of today’s consumers also value a degree of practicality to support their self-reliance and more mobile lifestyles. They value both fun and sensibility in a vehicle choice.

The iM Concept is a hatchback that earns its name from characteristics aimed at this evolving audience. The “i” stands for individuality and intriguing. The “M” stands for modern, multifaceted and magnetic. Its captivating styling and custom-blended “Incrediblue” paint are complemented by matte silver and gunmetal accents.

The iM Concept communicates its sporty handling and racing inspiration through a wide stance and low ride height for a grounded appearance. It features front and rear bumper overhangs that create dynamic surfaces, as well as geometric grille inserts, deep air intakes and fog lights. Large 19-inch forged alloy wheels sit flush with the body while vented rotors with 4-piston front calipers work with the adjustable-height racing suspension.

Urban drivers can expect the iM Concept to meet the needs of city streets with excellent fuel efficiency, sporty handling and easy parking. Details on the production version’s transmission, engine, technology and other details will be available in 2015. Pricing information will also be available next year.

To follow Scion news at the LA Auto Show use the hashtag #iMConcept.

Lights… Camera… Action!

Scion’s iM Concept Car Prepares for World Premiere at L.A. Auto Show

TORONTO, ON., (Oct. 22, 2014) – Like any new star about to step out on the world stage in Los Angeles, Scion’s new iM Concept car is taking some test shots.

The photos, also debuting on Instagram, reveal the distinctively sporty front end of the car as it gets ready for the spotlight. The iM Concept car reflects the evolution of Scion as the needs and desires of its youthful customers also evolve. Canadian fans are encouraged to join the conversation at #iMConcept.

Scion’s Los Angeles Auto Show press conference will be held Wednesday, November 19, at 3:40 PM in the South Hall.

Scion Canada Presenting Sponsor as Racing Excitement of Formula DRIFT Comes to Canada for the First Time

Pat Cyr of Scion Racing Team to compete in re-designed FR-S

Qualifying event to be held June 8 at St-Eustache

TORONTO, ON., (June 6, 2014) – As a strong supporter of motorsports in Canada, especially at the grassroots level, Scion is the presenting sponsor of Formula DRIFT when it comes to Canadian soil for the first time.

It’s one of several sponsorships being undertaken by Scion this summer. Other initiatives include the Scion Racing Contingency Program, test drives at “Play On!” street hockey events in cities across Canada, and Scion Sessions, which supports emerging Canadian music artists through various special events.

Formula DRIFT’s Canadian debut takes place on Sunday, June 8, with qualifying for the Formula DRIFT Challenge, which is scheduled for August 31 and September 1. Both events will be held at Autodrome St-Eustache, located just outside Montreal.

Canadian racing fans will have plenty to cheer about as Pat Cyr of the Scion Racing Team will compete in the challenge driving a Scion FR-S that has been completely redesigned for the 2014 racing season.

“Formula DRIFT is an exciting sponsorship for Scion,” said Cyril Dimitris, Director, Scion Canada. “There is a lot of grassroots passion for drift racing, especially when it comes to the nimble FR-S, with its rear-wheel drive, perfect balance, light weight, and low centre of gravity.”

The FR-S sport coupe delivers extra comfort, convenience and style combined with exceptional performance and handling. Standard features in the 2014 Scion FR-S include an eight-speaker Display Audio system with 6.1” display, USB audio input, Automatic Sound Levelizer system and Bluetooth connectivity; 2+2 seating, plus flat-folding rear seats to maximize cargo carrying versatility and a passenger side walk-in assist. It also has an impressive suite of safety features, including six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and the six active technologies of the Scion Star Safety System.

Cyr, who has been racing for Scion since 2012, has long been one of Canada’s most accomplished drift racers, with many podium results on his record, in both the Driftmania Canadian Championships and the U.S. Xtreme Drift Circuit series.

Until getting behind the wheel of an FR-S two years ago, he raced the Toyota AE 86 between 2007 and 2012. The AE86 was the inspiration behind the FR-S.

At Sunday’s qualifying event, the top 8 drifters and two wildcards chosen by event promoters will be invited to take on Formula DRIFT drivers at Autodrome St-Eustache over Labour Day weekend.

Scion Racing Contingency Program returns for third year of supporting grassroots motorsports competitors in Canada

Enhanced payout system rewards frequent participation by competitors

TORONTO, ON., (April 29, 2014) – Building on the success of the Scion Racing Contingency Program in 2013, Scion Canada is excited to announce the launch of the 2014 program with a newly enhanced payout structure.

In a significant change, payouts will now be awarded for not only performing well, but also for the level of participation.

"The Scion Racing Contingency Program has only been in existence for two years, but we have already made a major contribution to grassroots motorsports in Canada,” said Cyril Dimitris, Director of Scion Canada. “We look forward to continuing the momentum in 2014 for this exceptional program. As part of its evolution, we’re pleased to announce changes to the payout ratio to better reward racers who demonstrate a higher level of participation."

Through the Scion Racing Contingency Program, Scion owners can pursue their passion of motorsports by competing in a series of sanctioned closed course events like autoslalom, time attack, racing series and drifting.

The program enables Scion owners to showcase their vehicles and driving skills in a safe, regulated environment.

In 2013, thirteen participants from across Canada received payouts from the program with four reaching the maximum of $4,000.

"I love the fact that Scion is supporting grassroots motorsports," said Colin French, 2013 Scion Racing Contingency Program participant. "There are people who are amazed that Scion is presenting that type of program and they are now thinking about joining it."

This year, drivers can claim up to five first-place finishes where they can earn between $100 and $800, depending on the series. For participation, payouts range from $40 to $350 per race. Drivers can claim participation payments for up to five races.

The program is open to legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their province/territory of residence at the time of participation and hold a Canadian driver’s licence.

For more information on the Scion Racing Contingency Program, including how to enter and which races are eligible, visit www.scion.ca/racingcontingency.