2015 SEMA Preview: Scion’s iA Concept by Skybound Entertainment and Robert Kirkman’s Outcast heads to Vegas

This last Scion iA Concept is themed and modeled by Skybound Entertainment and Robert Kirkman, the American comic book writer know for comics such as The Walking Dead as well as several other Marvel-based prints.

Designed for Kirkman’s latest comic book, Outcast, this new Scion iA Concept is designed to reflect the spooky theme of demonic possession, by featuring a range of odd pneumatic movements and parts, with automated light and audio sequences and effects, to give off the idea that this Scion iA is basically a modern-day Christine.

It comes with an orange, black, and green-toned paint exterior and can gyrate, smoke, change colors, and even emit creepy sounds–all just in time for Halloween.

“This year has been a big one for Skybound,” said Kirkman. “We celebrated our fifth anniversary and the release of our first feature film, AIR, with Scion at San Diego Comic Con, and we’re excited to continue the partnership with the creation of the Outcast car.”

You can check out this concept, with Scion’s three others at this year’s SEMA show.

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Scion Showcases Fashion and Passion

Specialty Cars to Shine at SEMA 

October 29, 2015

2015 SEMA – Scion Tuner Challenge – illest iM Specs
2015 SEMA – Scion Tuner Challenge – Crooks & Castles iM Specs
2015 SEMA – Skybound Entertainment/Robert Kirkman Outcast Scion Specs
2015 SEMA – Eddie Huang Scion iA Specs

TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2015) – Creative visions of the Scion iM 5-door hatchback and Scion iA sedan are ready for Las Vegas lights. The cars were previewed in the downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District ahead of their debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 3-6. For the 11^th Annual Scion Tuner Challenge, remixed versions of the all-new sporty 2016 iM 5-door hatchback were created by prominent streetwear brands illest and Crooks & Castles. Each received a Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget to put a unique spin on the car. Mark Arcenal, creative director of illest, drew inspiration for his iM concept from the Japanese VIP world, a clear departure from the race-inspired tC he built at the 2008 Scion Tuner Challenge.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 car will move and operate on its own via pneumatic movements of multiple components and an automated sequence of light and audio effects. The orange, black and green-toned car has a demonic spirit graphic directly inspired from the comic book on the roof and will gyrate, smoke, change colors, and emit eerie sounds that encompass everything fans love about the possession genre.

“This year has been a big one for Skybound,” said Kirkman. “We celebrated our fifth anniversary and the release of our first feature film, AIR, with Scion at San Diego Comic Con, and we’re excited to continue the partnership with the creation of the Outcast car.”

In partnership with Toyo Tires, Scion will bring all four customized vehicles to the SEMA Show, where fans can get their first up-close look at each modified edition. Both Scion Tuner Challenge vehicle entries will be judged by a panel consisting of the previous year’s participants, Super Street magazine, GT Channel and Speedhunters. Scion will announce the grand prize winner of $10,000 at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 28, hosted by Eddie Huang.  

Fans of the Scion Tuner Challenge can follow along by visiting http://bit.ly/1Mp93iN blog entries, photos and video content. Fans can also tune in to the Scion Racing Twitter and Instagram for an additional looks at the builds by using the hashtags #ScionTunerChallenge and #Scion.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Sf5m4d

2015 SEMA Preview: The Scion iM Crooks & Castles Concepts is another contestant for the Scion Tuner Challenge

Scion’s bringing a total of four concepts to this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, as part of their latest campaign where they commissioned several brands to build their own individualistic versions of the latest iA and iM compact cars, all on a $15,000 build budget.

This third car was done by Rob Panlilio, co-founder of Crooks & Castles fashion firm, and is a Scion iM themed to match the style of his outlet.

It comes decked out in another interpretation of the Japanese VIP culture with a special black and white paint scheme, an all-white leather wrapped roll cage with black leather wrapped racing seats for the interior, custom white mesh wheels on the outside, and more.

It also comes equipped with a wide-body kit and an AccuAir suspension system.

You can see this example at the Scion exhibition at this year’s SEMA show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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Scion Showcases Fashion and Passion

Specialty Cars to Shine at SEMA 

October 29, 2015

2015 SEMA – Scion Tuner Challenge – illest iM Specs
2015 SEMA – Scion Tuner Challenge – Crooks & Castles iM Specs
2015 SEMA – Skybound Entertainment/Robert Kirkman Outcast Scion Specs
2015 SEMA – Eddie Huang Scion iA SpecsTORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2015) – Creative visions of the Scion iM 5-door hatchback and Scion iA sedan are ready for Las Vegas lights. The cars were previewed in the downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District ahead of their debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 3-6.For the 11^th Annual Scion Tuner Challenge, remixed versions of the all-new sporty 2016 iM 5-door hatchback were created by prominent streetwear brands illest and Crooks & Castles. Each received a Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget to put a unique spin on the car.Rob Panlilio, co-founder of Crooks & Castles, stuck to his Japanese car roots with a wide body kit and AccuAir suspension. In true Crooks & Castles’ fashion, Panlilio and his team featured a black and white scheme, with an all-white leather wrapped rollcage and black rewrapped race seats for the interior. The car was finished off with his signature trademark, custom white mesh wheels, mirroring the theme of his existing fleet of customized cars.

In partnership with Toyo Tires, Scion will bring all four customized vehicles to the SEMA Show, where fans can get their first up-close look at each modified edition. Both Scion Tuner Challenge vehicle entries will be judged by a panel consisting of the previous year’s participants, Super Street magazine, GT Channel and Speedhunters. Scion will announce the grand prize winner of $10,000 at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 28, hosted by Eddie Huang.  

Fans of the Scion Tuner Challenge can follow along by visiting http://bit.ly/1Mp93iN blog entries, photos and video content. Fans can also tune in to the Scion Racing Twitter and Instagram for an additional looks at the builds by using the hashtags #ScionTunerChallenge and #Scion.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1OfHQ8N

2015 SEMA Preview: The Scion iM Illest Tuner Concept joins the party at Las Vegas this year

Scion’s revealing a total of four concepts based on the new iM and iA compacts this year for the 2015 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Here’s another one of those concepts, due to sit next to the Scion iA customized by Eddie Huang–meet the Scion iM Illest Tuner Concept.

The concept was modified and themed by creative director of Illest, Mark Arcenal, who designed the car to reflect the rich Japanese VIP culture in the Japanese Domestic Market.

This means the Scion iM Illest comes with a lowered suspension, large multi-spoke wheels (notice how they aren’t cambered ridiculously), a subtle body kit, all for a clean, fresh look.

You can check out the Illest Scion iM at this year’s SEMA show during the exhibition.

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Scion Showcases Fashion and Passion

Specialty Cars to Shine at SEMA 

October 29, 2015

2015 SEMA – Scion Tuner Challenge – illest iM Specs
2015 SEMA – Scion Tuner Challenge – Crooks & Castles iM Specs
2015 SEMA – Skybound Entertainment/Robert Kirkman Outcast Scion Specs
2015 SEMA – Eddie Huang Scion iA Specs TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2015) – Creative visions of the Scion iM 5-door hatchback and Scion iA sedan are ready for Las Vegas lights. The cars were previewed in the downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District ahead of their debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 3-6.

For the 11^th Annual Scion Tuner Challenge, remixed versions of the all-new sporty 2016 iM 5-door hatchback were created by prominent streetwear brands illest and Crooks & Castles. Each received a Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget to put a unique spin on the car.

Mark Arcenal, creative director of illest, drew inspiration for his iM concept from the Japanese VIP world, a clear departure from the race-inspired tC he built at the 2008 Scion Tuner Challenge.

“With a background in motorsports, I went with familiarity for my previous Scion Tuner Challenge experience. I wanted to push the boundaries even further this time,” Arcenal said. “The iM has a sporty look I thought would mesh well with the aggressive VIP style, making for the perfect combo to win the competition.”

In partnership with Toyo Tires, Scion will bring all four customized vehicles to the SEMA Show, where fans can get their first up-close look at each modified edition. Both Scion Tuner Challenge vehicle entries will be judged by a panel consisting of the previous year’s participants, Super Street magazine, GT Channel and Speedhunters. Scion will announce the grand prize winner of $10,000 at the L.A. Auto Show on Nov. 28, hosted by Eddie Huang.  

Fans of the Scion Tuner Challenge can follow along by visiting http://bit.ly/1Mp93iN blog entries, photos and video content. Fans can also tune in to the Scion Racing Twitter and Instagram for an additional looks at the builds by using the hashtags #ScionTunerChallenge and #Scion.

 

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Mp93PO

2015 SEMA Preview: Scion teams up with Eddie Huang to create lowrider custom iA

Scion teamed up with “Fresh Off the Boat“ writer, Eddie Huang to reveal a custom designed lowrider Scion iA sedan for this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas.

Designed and built to reflect and embrace “L.A. Culture,” Huang decided to theme the Scion as such since lowrider culture is very popular in the Los Angeles car scene.

This of course justifies the need for thin-wire wheels and white-wall tires, deleted door handles, a gold-plated grille, and more.

The inside also gets a rework to reflect the theme of the lowrider with a chain-link steering wheel, suede and Alcantara trim bits for the interior, a Bamboo shifter, and a custome Pioneer audio system with a high-end receiver, three amplifiers and four subwoofers, all in custom enclosures.

Obviously, a lowrider isn’t without its air bag suspension and this specific Scion iA comes with a dual-stage system with independent wheel control, to move the car in anyway possible, even for three-wheeled motion. The rear axle and front double A-arm front suspension, as well as the chassis in general were beefed up to handle the extra moves.

Check out the press release after the jump and be prepared to see this concept at Las Vegas this year.

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Scion Showcases Fashion and Passion

Specialty Cars to Shine at SEMA 

October 29, 2015

2015 SEMA – Scion Tuner Challenge – illest iM Specs
2015 SEMA – Scion Tuner Challenge – Crooks & Castles iM Specs
2015 SEMA – Skybound Entertainment/Robert Kirkman Outcast Scion Specs
2015 SEMA – Eddie Huang Scion iA Specs

TORRANCE, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2015) – Creative visions of the Scion iM 5-door hatchback and Scion iA sedan are ready for Las Vegas lights. The cars were previewed in the downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District ahead of their debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nov. 3-6.

For the 11^th Annual Scion Tuner Challenge, remixed versions of the all-new sporty 2016 iM 5-door hatchback were created by prominent streetwear brands illest and Crooks & Castles. Each received a Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget to put a unique spin on the car.

Eddie Huang, well-known for his book and TV adaptation, “Fresh Off The Boat,” is embracing L.A. culture with a modern take on the classic lowrider, outfitting a Scion iA with a chain-link steering wheel and custom swivel front seats and more. A dual-stage air bag system with independent wheel control allows for side to side, front to back and 3-wheel motion. Meanwhile, the exterior features metallic yellow paint with root beer accents. A mural of a “human panda,” which is how Huang refers to himself, is on the hood. Huang has also added wire wheels dipped in gold, along with a one-of-a-kind gold-plated front grille, truly capturing the essence of the era, but with a modern twist.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Mp93iH

Report: Dodge is considering a Ram-based SUV

It seems dwindling fuel prices and demand for crossovers are conditioning the market to be in favor for an influx of SUVs as well as AutomotiveNews reports Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles is interested in producing a Ram-based SUV to combat the likes of the Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and the Ford Expedition.

Now that it’s been put into perspective, it’s been interesting to see the Mopar brand carry on without a direct competitor to their other rivals in the Big Three.

The outlet spoke with FCA’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne who said the poential SUV could be based on the Dodge Ram, meaning it’ll be of the integrated body-on-frame type, similarly to the GM and Ford offerings, where it’s a hybrid construction of the classic body-on-frame design meshed with the unibody technology of today that separates car-based crossovers from true truck-based SUVs.

Marchionne also said their market projections are seeing large SUVs as highly profitable and a good space for FCA to get a piece of the actions.

The Ram-based SUV in discussion however wouldn’t overlap with the incoming large luxury crossover from Jeep, set to revive the Grand Wagoneer nameplate as the Jeep will be built to compete with the likes of the Range Rover, a car-based SUV crossover, versus the Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition, which are completely different SUVs aiming for a completely different market.

Marchionne didn’t give any specifics as to whether or not the project will happen, but he said he’ll update everyone with a new product plan next year.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1NIXshZ

2015 Tokyo: the Datsun GO-Cross Concept is an affordable compact SUV for Japan

Scion introduces FR-S Release Series 2.0

Scion released a follow-up successor to their FR-S Release Series 1.0 with the version 2.0.

Exactly as its named the new version 2.0 of the Release Series FR-S is basically a Release Series 1.0, but with a range of different upgrades.

Limited in production, the new 2016 Scion Release Series FR-S comes with 17-inch forged alloys, a more aggressive body kit, standard HID low beams with complementing LED daytime running lights, and more.

Power remains unchanged with he 2.0L flat-four and buyers are still allowed to opt for either a six-speed manual or automatic with paddle shifters (though we have no idea why you’d want to do that on a car like this).

The inside also gets some treatment with heated seats covered in black alcantara and leather with camel-colored accents, while similar colors occur on other parts of the interior.

There’s also a numbered plaque to remind you that you have one of just 1,000 examples, if you end up owning one.

Prices start at $29,510 for the manual and $30,160, without the annoying $795 destination and delivery charge.

Check out the release below.

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Scion Pairs Sports and Style for 2016 FR-S Release Series 2.0

October 29, 2015

TORRANCE, Calif., (Oct. 29, 2015) – Drivers of the 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 will look better than ever in the most stylish version of the sports car ever offered. The new FR-S Release Series 2.0 comes with luxurious appointments and premium features, and with just 1,000 vehicles available, it’s the most elusive and exclusive Scion Release Series yet.  

The interior creates the lap of luxury with heated seats in black Alcantara and leather with camel-colored accents. The same black and camel theme continues to the leather-trimmed steering wheel while the shift knob and parking brake lever are covered in black leather. Camel trim also appears on the door armrest and the upper door trim while the center armrest and knee pads are black.  Camel accent stitching is prominent throughout the interior and embroidered on the dash insert is the release series badge, sequentially numbered from 1 to 1000. 

Additional luxury features include Smart key with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control and HID headlamps with LED daylight running lamps.

On the outside, the Release Series 2.0 will make a statement with Lunar Storm paint and 17-inch forged alloy wheels. For added flair and distinction, a unique aero kit features spoilers on both the front lip and trunk.     

“The FR-S is well known for being a fabulous sports car, and now we’re taking it up a notch in the luxury arena,” said Scion Vice President Andrew Gilleland. “It’s the perfect car to take from the race track during the day to the red carpet that evening.”

The 2016 FR-S Release Series 2.0 will come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) will be $29,510 for the manual transmission and $30,610 for the automatic transmission, excluding the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $795.

For more information about the FR-S Release Series 2.0, visit the Scion blog. 

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Sejbjr

2015 SEMA Preview: Kia chops the head off of an Optima to create the Cabrio Concept

Kia went totally bonkers for this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas as they just released a teaser of a Optima Cabrio concept due to be showcased on the floor for their exhibition.

Joining the PacWest Adventure Sorento, the concept-only (thank the lord) Optima Cabrio sports a crazy teal-blue exterior paint on top of the bonkers idea of chopping its head off.

It has a shortened windshield as well to complement the look, as well as chrome 20-inch alloys, a lowering kit from Ksport, and an interior reworked with buttercream leather upholstery.

The engine pretty much remains almost the same, as if it was a car done by “Pimp My Ride,” though it’s been given a high-performance exhaust system.

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KIA’S 2015 SEMA PRESS CONFERENCE INFORMATION

America’s wanderlust is found from coast to coast and everywhere in between.

The A1A Optima takes inspiration from the iconic Florida A1A highway by letting the sunshine in and taking the all-new 2016 Optima in a new direction with its sliced top, shortened windshield and room for four.  Reinforced steel tubes have been discretely hidden within the body so that the vehicle retains a rigid structure. The back doors of the A1A Optima swing open on rear-mounted hinges, adding a touch of whimsy and fun while complementing the roadster style.  A gleaming set of 20-in. wheels are bolted to a Ksport coilover suspension, which dramatically lowers ride height.  Soft butter-cream leather bucket seats up front and custom double buckets in back are separated by extended armrests and a custom center console. The powerful 245-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine is combined with a high-performance exhaust.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Q1pJTi

2015 SEMA Preview: The Kia Forte Koup Mud Bogger is a crazy pitch at a Forte Coupe concept

Kia’s bringing several concepts to this year’s 2015 SEMA show, and this is one of them.

Meet the Kia Forte Koup Mud Bogger. It obviously starts life as a Kia Forte Koup. Then it’s given a serious customization treatment, designed to represent the “Adventurous South.”

It does so thanks to a four-inc body and suspension lift kit, just so it can fit the massive 28-inch off-road tires. The fenders and side skirts were also modified to accomodate the massive rubber.

A panoramic roof sits on top with a retractable vinyl cover to allow drivers to get some extra headspace in when the weather’s great.

The interior was also stripped down for a more heavy duty approach, because who likes to dirty nice leather or interior bits? The stock seats were also replaced by Sparco EvoII Red Race Seats.

For full details, check out the press release below.

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FORTE KOUP MUD BOGGER

Kia returns to SEMA this year embracing the spirit of adventure found on the open road with six highly customized, hand-built concepts, each showcasing unique geographic regions found throughout the country. Bringing to life the various car cultures that help define America’s love of the automobile, here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Forte Koup Mud Bogger, representing the adventurous American South and the inexplicable joy of getting dirty on four wheels.

Giving this one-of-a-kind Koup the clearance to tackle extreme terrain started with a generous four-inch body and suspension lift along with meaty 28-in. off-road tires.  To further accommodate the massive wheel and tire combo, the fenders and side skirts were modified and custom riveted fender flares added.   A panoramic roof with a vinyl pushback top gives way to the stripped-down interior where the carpet has been removed and the entire floor is lined with Line-X protective coating.  The stock seats of the Forte Koup have also been replaced with two Sparco Evo II Red Race Seats and the Forte Koup Mud Bogger incorporates a hand-built roll cage powder coated white to match the wheels.  This Kia with a southern flare is purpose-built for off-road fun that takes you down the road less traveled.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1itogra

Report: A new Volkswagen Touareg should surface in 2017 with plug-in hybrid version

Germany’s Autobild heard a next-generation Volkswagen Touareg could surface by 2017.

Given the Touareg’s parental stablemate, the Audi Q7, was just replaced with the next-generation model, it was only a matter of time the platform cousin on Volkswagen’s side would receive a similar overhaul.

That said, the new Touareg will ride on the same modular platform as the Audi Q7 and even the Bentley Bentayga, and it should also have enough room to sport a third row of seating.

As with the new Q7, expect a significant diet with the new Touareg, as well as a stiffer chassis for better handling and performance.

Engine options are expected to be similar to the current model, with a new 300hp diesel V6, along with a new gas V6 with around 325hp.

A plug-in hybrid variant is also on the list of expectations with the system basically being lifted from the incoming Q7 e-tron hybrid, which is a 3.0L TDI V6 with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery.

Total output for the Q7 is around 370hp and 516 torques, though the Touareg’s version is expected to be a little less powerful.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Autobild

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Mo4F3o