What is it?
Scion Fuse Concept
What's special about it?
Although the idea of a future Scion coupe with a higher level of performance and additional high-tech features just might see the light of day, it was clear at the New York auto show that the Scion Fuse will always remain the way-not-practical-for-production concept that it is.
In the absence of any hard specs, styling is your main clue that the Fuse concept is built for bigger and better driving than other Scions. Inspiration came from the Hako Super GT racecars that compete in Japan's JGTC series. "There's a race-helmet-inspired wraparound windshield," said Mark Templin, vice president of Scion, "and the aggressive intake hints at a potential intercooler."
From there, designers gave into their imaginations. Dual exhaust outlets incorporate foglights and reverse lamps, while both the headlamps and the fogs can be programmed to illuminate in your favorite color. Two horizontal glass panels offer multiple openings so each of the car's four occupants has a personal sunroof. Sensor-activated "butterfly" doors save you the trouble of pulling a handle.
The Scion Fuse concept also features two 10.5-inch LCD screens that sit side by side in the dash so the front passenger can play a video game and watch a movie at the same time. Fortunately, these screens turn off while the Fuse is in motion, though there are still plenty of digital displays and touchpad controls competing for the driver's attention. Scion says the cockpit combines elements from racecars and video game controllers. The flat-bottomed and -topped steering wheel is cool, but we'd still like an analog gauge or two. Yeah, we're old farts.
Of course, the Scion Fuse wouldn't be a car for young people if its seats didn't fold flat, so they do. Additionally, when the Fuse is parked, you can sweep your foot over a sensor in the rear bumper to activate the rear tailgate, which drops down and becomes a bench for sedentary friends. Of course, you'll need something to drink during your social encounters, so the rear console houses a detachable cooler.
What's Edmunds' take?
We like the idea of a more performance-oriented Scion model like the Fuse. The interior of this concept is technology overload, in our opinion, but ultimately, it's drivers in their early 20s who will dictate just how tech-heavy the next Scion coupe will be. — Erin Riches
Scion Fuse Concept
What's special about it?
Although the idea of a future Scion coupe with a higher level of performance and additional high-tech features just might see the light of day, it was clear at the New York auto show that the Scion Fuse will always remain the way-not-practical-for-production concept that it is.
In the absence of any hard specs, styling is your main clue that the Fuse concept is built for bigger and better driving than other Scions. Inspiration came from the Hako Super GT racecars that compete in Japan's JGTC series. "There's a race-helmet-inspired wraparound windshield," said Mark Templin, vice president of Scion, "and the aggressive intake hints at a potential intercooler."
From there, designers gave into their imaginations. Dual exhaust outlets incorporate foglights and reverse lamps, while both the headlamps and the fogs can be programmed to illuminate in your favorite color. Two horizontal glass panels offer multiple openings so each of the car's four occupants has a personal sunroof. Sensor-activated "butterfly" doors save you the trouble of pulling a handle.
The Scion Fuse concept also features two 10.5-inch LCD screens that sit side by side in the dash so the front passenger can play a video game and watch a movie at the same time. Fortunately, these screens turn off while the Fuse is in motion, though there are still plenty of digital displays and touchpad controls competing for the driver's attention. Scion says the cockpit combines elements from racecars and video game controllers. The flat-bottomed and -topped steering wheel is cool, but we'd still like an analog gauge or two. Yeah, we're old farts.
Of course, the Scion Fuse wouldn't be a car for young people if its seats didn't fold flat, so they do. Additionally, when the Fuse is parked, you can sweep your foot over a sensor in the rear bumper to activate the rear tailgate, which drops down and becomes a bench for sedentary friends. Of course, you'll need something to drink during your social encounters, so the rear console houses a detachable cooler.
What's Edmunds' take?
We like the idea of a more performance-oriented Scion model like the Fuse. The interior of this concept is technology overload, in our opinion, but ultimately, it's drivers in their early 20s who will dictate just how tech-heavy the next Scion coupe will be. — Erin Riches
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