|
Scion has unveiled
a special concept version of the iQ micro-subcompact car
designed to meet the transportation needs of young urban
trendsetters.
Scion�s iQ concept
is a new urban vehicle with a revolutionary package that is just
over 10 feet in length and accommodates three plus luggage. As
more and more urban centers are revitalized with a new sense of
purpose, energy, and creativity, young people are moving in from
the suburbs to embrace new urbanism and are looking for a car
that suits their needs and delivers high emotional value.
Scion�s iQ concept
is the intelligent answer to this need for highly emotional and
efficient urban transportation. The convenience of having work,
entertainment and culture nearby for young city-dwellers is a
significant draw to urban centers. The vehicle must be able to
navigate narrow, congested streets, park in tight places, have
impressive fuel economy, and have compelling design and
function.
�Scion�s iQ
concept turns traditional auto design upside down,� said Jack
Hollis, Scion vice president. �Traditionally small vehicles have
been thought of as being basic. The iQ concept is just the
opposite with its innovative features and iconic urban design,
and we believe it fits in well within the Scion brand. Our
young, trendsetting buyers are creative and innovative forward
thinkers, and we think they will appreciate what iQ has to
offer.�
The production iQ
is currently sold in Japan and Europe. Five Axis of Huntington
Beach, Calif. took the iQ to the next level with aggressive
exterior and interior modifications that show the vehicle�s
potential for personalization.
With its 78.7-inch
wheelbase, the three-door hatchback can deftly maneuver through
city traffic. At the same time, its overall length of
126.9-inches, overall width of 71.4-inches, and short front and
rear overhangs allow the iQ to fit in virtually any city parking
space. The front-mounted differential and repositioned steering
rack decrease front end length. In addition, the iQ is equipped
with a flat gas tank housed beneath the floor that reduces rear
overhang.
Pushing the wheels
of the small, bold concept towards the four corners of the body
gives the iQ a confident stance. The custom 18-inch wheels with
a nickel finish and wide tires fill the wheel well, adding to
its surefootedness. The iQ�s custom front air dam, aero
headlamps and high-intensity LED driving lamps signal urban road
readiness.
The iQ�s profile
is defined by a strong and high beltline. Smooth lines glide
from the large, dark finish headlamps, up the A-pillar, across
the roof and wrap around the rear emphasizing the concept�s
geometric beauty. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals
accent the clean design.
The rear
emphasizes the vehicle�s modern style. Trapezoidal lines run
toward the wheels, from the hatch to the thick rear diffuser,
creating a substantial presence. A centre-mounted trapezoid
exhaust adds to the vehicle�s distinctiveness, while large,
matte-finished rear taillights help keep the vehicle visible.
The iQ�s interior
fuses function, style and entertainment. Attention to detail and
modern accents can be seen in the illuminated door handle; the
swiveling spotlight that hovers over the dash; an illuminated iQ
logo on the passenger-side dash and nickel and raw aluminum
toned interior panels. Iridescent green and gray honeycomb
upholstery covering the door panels and seating areas, combined
with the custom exterior paint, provides a balance of freshness
and sophistication. Black matte scuba-like polyurethane covers
the seat bolsters and is also used on the headliner with a
bright green topstitch for a contemporary finish.
The iQ features a
10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the centre cluster that
serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system
interface. With the push of a button, the touch-screen
articulates to reveal the entertainment hub. The touch screen
can also play movies while the vehicle is parked. When not in
use, the screen lays flat on the dash with a translucent cover
that emits a colourful display of light patterns to make the
interior even more unique.
Watch the Scion iQ driving footage video here.
|
