NEW YORK — It appears that the horsepower wars are over. Scion took the wraps off its three-passenger iQ concept on Wednesday at the 2009 New York Auto Show, trotting out a 93-horsepower micro-subcompact that seems to take direct aim at the Smart Fortwo.
The front-wheel-drive iQ concept — a three-door hatchback — is an edgier version of the production Toyota iQ, which is sold in Europe and Japan. Scion described the concept as just over 10 feet in length and aimed at "young urban trendsetters."
Scion would not say "when" the iQ concept is bound for production, only "if" it is bound for production.
"We believe the Scion iQ micro-subcompact concept is the future of transportation," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "If it should join our future lineup, I think it could reach iconic status like our xB."
Scion said the concept was customized inside and out by Five Axis of Huntington Beach, California, a high-profile tuner that puts its hand to Scion products for the annual SEMA show.
The Scion iQ concept is powered by a 93-hp 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine.
Details include custom 18-inch wheels with a nickel finish, a custom front airdam, a center-mounted trapezoid exhaust and aero headlamps.
The cabin of the concept gets iridescent green and gray honeycomb upholstery and a 10-inch panel LCD screen on top of the center cluster that serves as the main entertainment console and navigation system interface. When not in use, the screen sits flat on the dash with a translucent cover that emits a colorful display of light patterns.
Inside Line says: Scion shuns muscle cars, targeting Smart with its iQ concept. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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