TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2015 – When the designers for the Scion C-HR Concept began their research, they were told by young urban creative customers, “Polarizing is ok. Boring is not.”  That sentiment was evident today as the Scion C-HR Concept had its World Debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

With an iconic design that also incorporates functionality and sporty performance, the Scion C-HR Concept is much like Scion’s customer in that it strives to stand out from the crowd.

“Scion is known for doing things differently, and maybe even being a little weird,” said Scion Vice President Andrew Gilleland. “This C-HR Concept embraces that idea and wears it like a badge of honor. We couldn’t be more excited to add the production version to our line-up.”

The C-HR Concept is named for its Compact size and High Ride height. With four doors and a hatch for supreme functionality, it’s the perfect vehicle for “yuccies,” the young urban creatives who inspired the design.

These customers put an emphasis on great design and wanted something distinctive, sophisticated, passionate and clean. They viewed most SUVs as too boring and wanted something for their urban lifestyle that sparked emotion.

Participants in the research identified images that had a harmony of form and function: sleek chopsticks made from recycled materials, an earthy but modern terrarium, and a cutting board with grid lines for precise slicing.

Given that creative license, Toyota’s international design team embarked on a design that not only makes a statement, but reinforces the C-HR’s purpose as an urban lifestyle vehicle.

Taking inspiration from a diamond with sheered sides, the C-HR cabin is like a precision-cut gemstone. From the overhead view, the diamond points have been sharply cut in the front, rear and sides, giving view to the round fender flares visible from every angle of the car. The lower body is sensual and instills strong emotions while the chiseled, faceted cabin suggests protection, giving the C-HR contrasting features that satisfy two desires. Graphite black accents on the grille, rear bumper, fender flares and lower side panels reflect the strength and stance of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the all-piano black roof enhances the C-HR’s sleek and stylish profile.

The 21-inch wheels continue the cut gem theme and feature spokes with chiseled cut-outs shaped with the car’s profile in mind.

Underneath the captivating design of the C-HR is a platform featuring Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). TNGA is an innovative and integrated approach to developing new platforms and powertrains for Toyota. It creates a lower center of gravity, increased body rigidity, more responsive handling and improved ride comfort.

The increased body rigidity reduces body movement and roll in cornering. This allows for better ride comfort while maintaining dynamic performance. Improvements will be felt through responsive handling, agility and straight-line stability.

“Even though the C-HR has a high ride height, our focus was on creating a fantastic urban driving car,” said C-HR Chief Engineer Hiro Koba. “My favorite place to be on a weekend is at a race track and I wanted to build a car that I would have just as much fun driving in the city during the week with refined driving comfort and responsive, precise steering.”

More information about the timing and technical specifications for the C-HR will be available when the production version debuts in 2016.

“The Scion C-HR will be a stand-out vehicle for us” said Gilleland. “Its styling will lead the way, but its substance will seal the deal. It’s got amazing driving dynamics, superb functionality, and, like all Scions, premium features at an accommodating price. There’s no doubt this will be the next iconic vehicle for Scion.”

 

 

SCION BRINGS CURB APPEAL TO THE 2015 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 19, 2015 – Prepare to take a second – or third – look at Scion’s style. During the Los Angeles Auto Show, Scion’s modern approach comes to life in its newest concept car, a clothing collaboration and multiple creative projects.

“With the C-HR Concept debut and collaborations with our incredible creative partners, it’s an exciting time for Scion,” said Landy Joe, Scion auto shows and special events manager. “Our goal was to interject this spirit in our LA Auto Show activations and demonstrate how Scion likes to do things outside of the box.”

Scion C-HR Concept
The eye-catching Scion C-HR Concept will make its world debut, giving attendees an up-close look at the next addition to Scion’s line-up. Named for its Compact size and High Ride height, the C-HR Concept incorporates distinctive styling and sporty performance. The versatile hatch and sophisticated touches aim to meet the lifestyle needs of the young urban creatives who inspired the design.

STAMPD Style for Scion
Scion’s style statement doesn’t end with the C-HR Concept. Scion creative partner and GQ Magazine’s “Best New Menswear Designer of 2015,” Chris Stamp of Los Angeles-based ‘avantstreet’ lifestyle brand STAMPD, will give Scion product specialists a fresh look for the auto show season. Exclusive to Scion, the collection of jackets, shirts and pants takes styling cues from STAMPD’s outlook on luxury streetwear. Two new commercials, directed by Stamp, feature both menswear and womenswear outfits that complement the sporty look of the 2016 iM and sleek aerodynamics of the 2016 iA.

Creative Collaborations on Display
LA Auto Show visitors will experience how Scion’s creative partners take the spirit of the brand to new places. Meet and greets with Scion partners will be held at the Scion booth during the following dates and times:

• Friday, November 20 at 11:30 a.m.: Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead comic book and Skybound Entertainment
• Saturday, November 21 at 1:30 p.m.: Andrew Reynolds and Bryan Herman, legendary professional skateboarder and leader of Baker Skateboards
• Sunday, November 22 at 1:30 p.m.: Steve Aoki, Grammy Award-Nominated, Gold-Selling Artist & Producer/DJ
• Saturday, November 28 at 1:30 p.m.: Eddie Huang, restauranteur, writer, host, and TV producer

Further examples of these partnerships will be on display with the attention-grabbing Scion iA project builds by Eddie Huang and Skybound Entertainment. Huang embraced LA culture with a modern take on the classic lowrider, outfitting the iA with a chain-link steering wheel, custom swivel front seats and a one-of-a kind gold-plated grille. The hood features a mural of a “human panda,” which is how Huang refers to himself.

Fans of The Walking Dead will appreciate Skybound Entertainment’s execution of Robert Kirkman’s latest comic book, Outcast. With the theme of demonic possession, the orange, black and green-toned car moves and operates on its own via pneumatic movements of multiple components and an automated sequence of light and audio effects.

11^th Annual Scion Tuner Challenge
Prominent streetwear brands illest and Crooks & Castles showed what’s possible when each created remixed versions of the 2016 Scion iM. Competing head-to-head in Scion’s annual Tuner Challenge, Mark Arcenal, creative director of illest, drew inspiration for his iM concept from the Japanese VIP world, while Rob Panlilio, co-founder of Crooks & Castles, stuck to his Japanese car roots with a wide body kit and AccuAir suspension. Visitors will get an up-close look at both builds before the winner is announced by Eddie Huang on November 28.

2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0
Style is simple with the 2016 FR-S Release Series 2.0. With just 1,000 vehicles available, the 2016 FR-S Release Series 2.0 is the most elusive and exclusive Scion release series yet. The vehicle comes with luxurious appointments and premium features, including heated seats in black Alcantara and leather with camel-colored accents; Lunar Storm paint and 17-inch forged alloy wheels; Smart key with push-button start; dual-zone automatic climate control and HID headlamps with LED daylight running lamps.