Toyota is
on a roll. It's the only manufacturer whose mid-size and full-size
pickups sales volumes are both up in 2007. So how to keep the momentum
going?
Word has
it that Toyota is seriously thinking about giving its youth-oriented
Scion brand a small two-door unibody pickup with design DNA based on
the Scion Fuse sports coupe concept, seen earlier this year at the
New York Auto Show.
The Scion
xP runabout
would join Scion's other cars - the xB, xD,
and tC.
The xP would be a stepping stone for Gen-Y buyers, who could move from
the urban hipness of a Scion pickup into the larger utility of a Toyota
Tacoma or Tundra as
they start families and careers.
From the
side, the pickup has a low, aggressive stance with a race helmet inspired
wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like windshield
is balanced by strong C-pillars, adding a sense of security and protection.
The idea
of a future Scion pickup with a high level of performance and additional
hi-tech features just might see the light of day.
Power is
provided by Scion's 161-hp/163 lb-ft 2.4-liter DOHC four banger. This
fuel efficient engine offers plenty of kick for a two-person hauler.
It's also plenty of fun, with a 5-speed manual transmission and 6,500-rpm
redline.
And when
the car is parked, you can sweep your foot over an infrared sensor
in the rear bumper to activate the tailgate, which drops down and becomes
a bench for sedentary friends. You'll need something to drink, so the
rear console houses a detachable beverage cooler. This arrangement
is paired with rear foldout speakers for an unexpected social environment.
The xP's
base price would start around $12,000 - almost $1,500 less than
a Ford Ranger.
