Scion Fuse concept
Headlights that can be adjusted for color, a video screen in the grille, and lots of cargo versatility are among features designed to provoke young buyers as Scion looks to the future of the coupe model in its lineup. Toyota's youth-oriented division showed its two-door Fuse concept car April 12 at the New York International Auto Show.
Scion Vice President Mark Templin gave no timetable for bringing such innovations to the showroom, but said the Fuse is "a catalyst, a starting point for discussion" among Scion customers. Scion's current coupe, the tC went on sale in 2003 and is the brand's top-selling model.
Scion has tapped the young audience many automakers seek. Templin said the median age of a Scion driver is "a mere 31." And tC drivers are the youngest in the industry, with a median age of 25, he said. The Fuse looks to intrigue youthful trendsetters by offering them entertainment, personalization, and room for lots of stuff.
Inspired by mean-looking "Hako" Super GT race cars of Japan, the angular Fuse has a gaping front air intake, a "race helmet-inspired" wraparound windshield, and scissor-opening doors. The spokes of the 20-inch wheels contain LEDs that light to signal turns. Headlights and fog lights can be programmed to illuminate in various colors. Videos or images can be downloaded and viewed on a concealed LCD screen behind the front badge. In the dashboard are two 10.5-inch video monitors for movies or games. The rear seat and front passenger seat fold down for extra cargo space. And with the car stationary, the tailgate drops down to serve as an upholstered curb-high bench.
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 2006 New York Auto Show |
