Scion Launches All-New 2008 xB At 2007 Chicago Auto Show
Scion,rnfrom Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 2008 xBrnurban utility vehicle at a press conference at the 2007 Chicago AutornShow. The xB was first introduced in early 2003 for the 2004 model yearrnand its boxy shape became iconic to the Scion brand.
"No one inrnthe automotive industry is as hard-wire-connected to its owners as isrnScion, and the 2008 xB is a perfect example," said Mark Templin, Scionrnvice president. "We've stated in the past that we'll probably alwaysrnhave a box in the Scion lineup, but our owners told us they wanted arnbigger box. They talk, we listen and we responded with a bigger andrnbetter xB."
Distinct Scion Style
Likernthe previous generation xB, the all-new 2008 model was styled withrndistinctiveness in mind. This aggressive new compact applies designrnelements from the t2B concept vehicle that was shown at the 2005 NewrnYork International Auto Show. These exterior styling cues include thernsoft angles between its wide and flat paneling, high beltline,rnelongated headlamps that wrap around the side of the vehicle, insetrntaillights, rectangular grille, pronounced fenders, and single rearrnbackup light on the left bumper. The xB also features tinted rearrnwindows, and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.
Larger Chassis for a Smooth Ride
Scionrncustomers love to drive, so with that in mind, the overall size wasrnenlarged, helping to create a more exciting driving experience.rnEngineers increased the wheelbase by four inches, the overall length byrna foot, the overall width by almost three inches and decreased overallrnheight more than an inch to give the xB a more comfortable ride.
ThernxB also receives 16-inch steel wheels, an inch larger than the previousrngeneration. Customers will be able to choose from three all-newrnstandard wheel covers which, will also be shared with the all-new xD.rnThe xB also stops with larger brakes thanks to the 10.83-inchrnventilated discs in the front and 10.98-inch disc brakes in the rearrnwhich are more than two inches bigger than the previous generation.
Inrnaddition to the wider wheelbase, the xB's smooth ride can be attributedrnto its McPherson strut front and rear torsion beam suspension.
Interior Comfort and Design
ThernxB's design team aimed for a lounge-like interior that met the comfortrnand lifestyle needs of the customer. The versatile interior providesrn29.1 cubic feet of cargo area behind the rear seats, an increase ofrnnearly eight cubic feet from the previous generation xB. For addedrnconvenience, the 60/40 split rear seats fold flat, providing a spaciousrnand flat cargo floor, allowing the driver to haul larger loads morerneasily. In addition, the front seats fully recline for increased cargornspace or relaxation.
Interior storage is abundant with arndriver's convenience tray, a glove box, a console box and front doorrnstorage. A fixed tray is located beneath the rear seats for hiddenrnstorage and can accommodate small items like magazines, cameras,rnlaptops, cell phone chargers and CDs.
A series of sleekrncircular gauges, including a combination meter, are centered on therndash. The combination meter allows drivers to toggle through the clock,rnoutside temperature, instantaneous MPG, average MPG, distance to empty,rnor the average speed. Upon starting the engine, "xB" flashes on therncombination meter before information is displayed. The deep orangerndisplay gauges allow for better visibility day and night. Metal-tonerntrim accents the dash and surrounds the shifter which is mounted on thernlower dash. A driver's right armrest was added for comfort.
Upgraded Audio System
ThernxB's standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer audio system is focusedrnon youth lifestyle as it features iPod connectivity and a mini-jackrnport. This standard head unit integrates track, artist and albumrninformation from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit'srnscreen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into arnport via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality throughrnthe car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music isrncontrolled through the head unit and the steering wheel audio controlrnbuttons. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portablernmusic collection through the xB's Pioneer speakers.
Since manyrnScion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, thernxB now comes standard with rear head unit outputs, allowing forrnadditional external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers,rnand subwoofers.
The xB's optional premium audio system adds onernmore feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download "skins"rnto play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images,rnfour-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer's website.rnIn addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own imagesrnand movies onto a CD and upload them onto the available head unit.
Bothrnthe standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio systemrnfeatures such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners canrnchoose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radiorncompatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMArncapability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technologyrn(SRT), which provides clearer CD sound quality. Both systems featurernsix speakers: two tweeters and speakers in each door panel.
More Performance
Morernpowerful than its predecessor, the all-new xB is equipped with a 2.4 Lrndual overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing withrnintelligence (VVT-i), the same engine found on the tC. The enginernproduces 158 horsepower, 55 more than the previous generation.rnCustomers will have a choice of either a five-speed manual transmissionrnor a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting, a first forrnautomatic four-speeds in the Scion or Toyota line-up.
Standard Features
Likernall Scion vehicles, the xB is mono spec. Customers only need to choosernexterior color and transmission type. The xB comes with generous andrnupscale standard features including power steering, windows, door locksrnand mirrors; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheelrnanti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) andrnBrake Assist (BA); driver and front passenger dual stage airbags; frontrnseat-mounted side airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; VehiclernStability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC); first-aid kit;rnand tilt steering wheel with audio controls. All Scion models come withrncomplimentary factory-recommended maintenance services at the firstrn5,000 mile and 10,000 mile intervals, to be performed by an authorizedrnScion or Toyota dealership.
Colors
Thernexterior color palette for the new xB includes Super White, ClassicrnSilver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Nautical Blue Metallic, BlackberryrnCrush Metallic and Hypnotic Teal Mica. All xBs will featurernhigh-quality dark charcoal interior fabric.
Warranty
AllrnScion models feature a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limitedrnwarranty that applies to all components other than normal wear andrnmaintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrainrnfor 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.
2008 SCION xB PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS (inches)
- Overall length: 167.3
- Overall width: 69.3
- Overall height: 62.6
- Wheelbase: 102.4
ENGINE
- Type: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve EFI with VVT-i
- Bore and Stroke: 3.48 x 3.78 inches
- Displacement: 2,362 cc
- Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
- Horsepower: 158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 162 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
TIRES AND WHEELS
- Wheel Size: 16 x 6.5 inches
- Tire Size: P205/55 R16
