2005 New York Auto Show: Scion t2B Concept

Quivering rivals take note: here comes the next Scion - sort of

by Autobytel Staff

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March 25, 2005

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2 min. Reading Time

Scion is a good idea everyone had but no one was able to pull off. It's true: there have been a few youth brands over the years, and for whatever reason they failed. Maybe it was a quality thing, or the price was too high. Or maybe those cars just weren't cool. Scion, on the other hand, is cool - too cool, as a matter of fact, to simply push a concept SUV out on the floor of the 2005 New York International Auto Show and call it the xC or tD. Nope, they tease with vehicles such as the Scion t2B - an ultra hot concept vehicle that is considered a "pure" concept - one not meant for production.Ahh. But some of the features and design featured on the t2B may well end up in a new Scion, and chances are it will be something based on the idea of a bay window. Or maybe the suicide power door thing will be put into production somewhere. That's unlikely, but guess what's a sure bet. Judging from the creative minds at work on design for Scion, the real thing - if and when - should be something truly cool to behold.

Hands down, the best thing about the Scion t2B concept is the door system - it's a three-door car without a hatch. On the driver's side, there are suicide doors, while passengers get a sliding power door, similar to that of a mini-minivan. It leaves one wondering - why not? - and thinking about how many small, very cool crossovers Scion would sell if it offered this - and other amazing t2B functions - in the real world.

What it is

Scion's t2B concept is a "pure" concept, meaning that it is not intended for production. Chances are, however, that the t2B foreshadows the next Scion vehicle.

Why it matters

Scion doesn't really need to develop concepts for creative fun - the cars they build are fun enough for even the wildest vehicle engineer. It's likely, then, that some elements of the Scion t2B concept may wind up steering the development of a new car for Scion.

When you can buy it

You can't. But if you could, you would love the ticker-tape format of the interior dash, the body molded seats, and the wrap-around rear window.

How much it costs

Chances are good that the Scion t2B has a sticker price of somewhere in the millions of dollars. Wait until Scion is done trotting the concept out at the auto shows, and you may be able to deal down to invoice.

How quick it is

Scion's t2B is powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that's controlled by a four-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped with 14-inch brakes and 20-inch billet wheels.

What it looks like

This is where the concept gets cool. The exterior is part Brinks truck, Scion xB and Honda Element - with major improvements, such as a bay window in the back. The t2B comes equipped with high-intensity discharge headlamps, a projector inside the car, and unique, soft storage compartments.

What we think

Hands down, the best thing about the Scion t2B concept is the door - it's a three-door car without a hatch. On the driver's side, there are suicide doors, while passengers get a sliding power door, similar to that of a mini-minivan. It leaves one wondering - why not? - and thinking about how many small, very cool crossovers Scion would sell if it offered this - and other amazing t2B functions - in the real world.