Scion iQ and tC set to debut in New York?

[St00k]

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...how-debut.html

Earlier today we reported on a story that Scion would unveil a new Toyota-based iQ model at the New York Auto Show. Now TheCollegeDriver.com is claiming to have several sneak peek images of the 2011 Scion tC – the second-generation version of the flagship car in the Scion brand. The site also says this new car will be unveiled at the NY Auto Show next week.

At first glance the above photo looks almost entirely like the current tC, but after closer inspection its obvious that the front wheels seem to have been pushed much further forward, helping reduce overhangs and improve handling. Regardless, the photos certainly seem to show an evolutionary approach – which is a good thing, as the tC was a handsome coupe to begin with. A few other photos have also leaked out, but they don’t show much other than a shiftable automatic transmission.

We contacted Scion and they won’t confirm the tC or iQ. They did, however, tell us about a new website called ScionDimension.com which will tease photos of a car (or cars) ahead of the New York Auto Show, starting March 26th. The site also has a place to sing up to get more info and a downloadable widget to give you more info on new Scion products. It will also serve as a portal to get photos and information on whatever is unveiled in New York. Plus, it will host streaming video of the unveiling live on March 31st.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...auto-show.html

The production version of the Scion iQ will make its debut at the New York Auto Show next week reports Bnet. Shown at the same show last year, but in concept form (above) we don’t expect the road-ready car to be nearly so wild.

Instead, the iQ is likely to look similar to the Toyota version of the car (the original), which is currently sold overseas. And considering that version is already quite funky looking, it should suit Scion’s youth-appeal brand just fine.

As for the engine, expect the U.S. Scion model to get the most powerful engine offered in Europe – a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder with 99-hp. That might not seem like much but with how small the iQ is, it should provide peppy performance. In fact, the iQ, which is technically a 3.5-seater (three adults and a child), is roughly the size of the Smart for-two.

Scion has yet to confirm Bnets’s report and we’ve heard rumors of a different model debuting in NY City. It’s likely we won’t know for sure until next week at Scion’s NY Auto Show press conference. We’ll be sure to bring you all the details and photos with full coverage of the NY Auto Show starting March 31st.