New York: Scion FUSE Concept

[Variance]

Scion Unveils FUSE Sports Coupe Concept At 2006 New York International Auto Show

04/12/2006 New York

April 12, 2006 - New York - Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the 2006 New York Auto International Show.

Developed by Calty Design Research, Toyota's North American design studio located in Newport Beach, Calif. and Scion's Advanced Product Strategy Team, and built by Five Axis of Huntington Beach, Calif., the all-new FUSE was designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon. Its goal was to push the limits of a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one sinister looking package. Most importantly, its styling makes a visual statement about its intention to expand the performance envelope among affordable, entry-level sport coupes.

"The idea of the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe is a reflection of the boundless limits and creative envelope that embodies all the vital personalization components of a Scion product," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "Since the launch of Scion three years ago, designers have learned a great deal about what inspires and motivates Scion buyers through its unique vehicle lineup and instilled them into the FUSE."

The exterior of the FUSE was the conception of Calty designers Alex Shen and Bob Mochizuki, who were determined to create a strong performance statement. Inspiration came from the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan, commonly known as the JGTC series. From the side, the FUSE has a low, aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like wraparound windshield is balanced by a strong C-pillar, adding a sense of security and protection.

At first glance, the menacing presence and dark undertones of the FUSE subtly hint there is more than meets the eye. The front of the FUSE glares at you with slim, high-mounted, deep-set headlamps communicating a serious and aggressive attitude. A massive rectangular air intake hints at potential for a large intercooler.

From the back, wide-body rear flares span the entire rear mass, encasing deep-set vertical taillamps. The dual exhaust also serves as fog and reverse lamps as lighting encircles each exhaust tip. Wheels are 20-inch custom-machined with LED's on the end of each spoke, which illuminate as turn indicators.

On top, two horizontal glass panels run the length of the roof, and slide open in both directions offering all occupants access to a personal sunroof. The rear window tapers down to a speed-activated spoiler.

True to the Scion tradition, the FUSE is equipped with extreme levels of personalization accessories. Headlights and fog lamps 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. And then there is the interior.

Calty interior designers Alan Schneider and Ichirou Mukai used the long wheelbase and high beltline of the FUSE to help create the interior theme, which revolves around providing the driver with an intense driving environment and occupants an intimate atmosphere. The activation of a small key-shaped sensor unhinges butterfly doors that open to reveal an interior that merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the surround.

The influence of the "racing tub" in the overall design is obvious. It provides a unique contrast that highlights the floating technical elements of the interior. A drive-by-wire steering interface combines influences from race cars and video game controllers in one innovative driver module. A media station that runs the length of the dash is the focal point of the cabin. Passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual display 10.5-inch monitors.

The FUSE interior concept is referred to as "one plus stuff." The design focuses on the driver by offering surprising versatility in the form of three interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations. In its video mode, the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table, or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or take advantage of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connectivity and instant message their friends. In driving mode, the video screens turn off and a multi-informational display is used for driver information.

Utility is maximized in a cargo mode where the front passenger seat and rear seats fold down to form a flat surface. And, multi-functioning rear cargo access allows stowage of larger items. The FUSE cabin seats four comfortably, however when the car is parked, additional room is available with a tailgate that converts to provide outdoor seating. A sweep of the foot over an infrared sensor located on the lip of the rear bumper opens the rear tailgate and sliding hatch, allowing the tailgate to drop down into a curb-high bench. This surprising seating arrangement is paired with rear foldout speakers for an unexpected social environment. Enhancing the social scene is a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, which is integrated into the rear center console.

Additional features include subtle accent lighting on the seats, doors and overhead lining. Deeply contoured seats are upholstered with soft-to-the-touch "Mythos" fabric that wraps around passengers for maximum comfort. Finally, audio, video and HVAC systems are easily controlled by a "vehicle system/communication interface" touch control board that is similar in appearance to a telephone keypad.

"The FUSE is a styling exercise that presents a discussion starting point for Scion owners and other Gen Y consumers with an eye towards a versatile sports coupe," said Templin. "Like previous Scion concepts, the FUSE delivers a unique statement about what the Scion brand is all about and where it is headed."

SCION FUSE SPORTS COUPE CONCEPT VEHICLE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN

2.4-Liter four-cylinder engine

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length: 174.0

Overall Width: 70.7

Overall Height: 52.1

Wheelbase: 106.3

Wheels: 20-inch custom-machined

Tire Size: Goodyear P245/35-20

Source: Toyota/Lexus/Scion Pressroom

[ToniCipriani]

I see they're trying a bit at the Camaro... Very slightly, but not entirely.

It looks, um... bad.

Edited April 12, 2006 by ToniCipriani

[the_yellow_dart]

Can somebody tell me why I clicked on this? What did I expect?

I mean... it's almost as bad as clicking on a thread titled:

Rosie O'Donnell and Roseanne lesbian photos

I would be smart enough not to click on that, but not here apparently...

[04monteintimidator]

is it just me... or does this look like the nomad concept... plus an A4... plus the camaro... anyone?

if your wondering where i see this...

A4... the grill and headlights...

Camaro... the intake on the hood, shape of the window at the c pillar and the kick thingy above the rear wheel...

Nomad... the entire shape of the vehicle

[gm_rocks]

Yeah.. this is.. bad.

[Mr.Krinkle]

this has gangsta written all over it. now little hoody punks and g-money gangstas can cruise in steel-o. one thing about toyo, they can really identify their market and target it rather accurately.

for some strange reason it reminds me of an old school modded merc. i really dont know why that is-- but also a similar direction to the mazda kubira(?)

for what thats worth.

[siegen]

Hmm.... of course it's ugly since it's a concept (95% of concepts are way too extreme), but I think with the usual production model downsizing (no giant grille, purple headlights, etc), I think it will be a very unique looking vehicle. Looks kind of like a mobster vehicle with its square shape, kind of reminds me of a 300C just slightly. The wrap around window look is kind of cool too, where have I seen that recently?

[ToniCipriani]

Hmm.... of course it's ugly since it's a concept (95% of concepts are way too extreme), but I think with the usual production model downsizing (no giant grille, purple headlights, etc), I think it will be a very unique looking vehicle. Looks kind of like a mobster vehicle with its square shape, kind of reminds me of a 300C just slightly. The wrap around window look is kind of cool too, where have I seen that recently? 

That's what I thought as well after I clicked the post button. A Camaro got raped badly by a 300C for being too sexy.

[loki]

is it just me... or does this look like the nomad concept... plus an A4... plus the camaro... anyone?

if your wondering where i see this...

A4... the grill and headlights...

Camaro... the intake on the hood, shape of the window at the c pillar and the kick thingy above the rear wheel...

Nomad... the entire shape of the vehicle

oh so correct, but especially the nomad line.

nomad came to mind immediately, and then a larger mini (much bigger hood campared to)

[turbo200]

whoa, that's different. even though there is some influence of other cars in there, and i see camaro in the front, but it's very unique and cool looking. this would be perfect for the market it's intended at, from the front. the rear looks like its not prominent enough, and that c-pillar cutlines, something has to change there. other than that, it looks damn cool

[04monteintimidator]

ya know wut else tho... that C pillar... would SUCK for visibility... it looks like its 2-3 feet wide at the bottom!! thats crazy!

[sciguy_0504]

Thank you, Turbie, for not posting something along the lines of "OMG Rosie lesbian pics, it's UGLY" just because of who makes it.

I would like to point out that the recently shown Saturns commit the same style stealing crimes you accuse Toyota of. It's bound to happen in such a huge industry.

This hits the exact target market Scion is going for and then some.

[Northstar]

Umm...

The front is okay, but the rear is really weird. If Chevy built the Nomad it would destroy this.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

AH! My retinas!

How should I label this piece of crap? Fugly? Pug fugly? Or just plain ugly? Ooh, I just want to write all of them over that ugly thing in red Krylon spray paint.

And "Fuse" sounds vaugly Saturn. So, what? Scion's going to become the new Saturn? HA! Good luck to Toyota with that sale, ther -- oh, wait. It's a Toyota, and if Scion takes over Saturn's old niche, then of course it'll sell well because why? It's a Toyota!

Did I mention it was pug-fugly, too?

[KaliRover]

wow... I think the problem with this thing is that it could have been better. I like cirtain aspects of this car, but the thing's that I don't like are so over-powering that I give this thing a thumbs down, it steals some cues from American muscle cars and some cues from Nissan/Renault.

It's not that bad though, just far from good. I think the worst I've seen at this auto show was the new E class, but then again, it's the same reason for why I don't really like this concept, it could have been better.

[the_yellow_dart]

Thank you, Turbie, for not posting something along the lines of "OMG Rosie lesbian pics, it's UGLY" just because of who makes it.

I would like to point out that the recently shown Saturns commit the same style stealing crimes you accuse Toyota of.  It's bound to happen in such a huge industry.

This hits the exact target market Scion is going for and then some.

I don't hate Toyota. I do, however, think that Scion is by and large the ugliest division out there in terms of design.

[CaddyXLR-V]

I hate Toyota, but I kinda like that car, but I dont know why. Not enough to ever be seen in one, but it looks cool.

[Flybrian]

I see someone likes the Grand Prix's front overhangs.

[ocnblu]

Well... I like it. A lot. Toned down slightly for production, that thing should look hot. I notice it doesn't say anything about chassis configuration... if it is RWD and it makes production, this thing will be an instant hit with real enthusiasts... hellooooo, Pontiac? Scion has just made your entry-level car... so piss off! Edited April 13, 2006 by ocnblu

[mustang84]

They stuck a fox-body Cougar window on a Scion...hmm. Overall, it's not very pleasant to look at.

[4gm]

Well... I like it.  A lot.  Toned down slightly for production, that thing should look hot.  I notice it doesn't say anything about chassis configuration... if it is RWD and it makes production, this thing will be an instant hit with real enthusiasts... hellooooo, Pontiac?  Scion has just made your entry-level car... so piss off!

We're in complete agreement. I think it looks great and with a few mods should be a Pontiac.

[Intrepidation]

Front is interesting, but something happened towards the back. maybe the back needs a steeper rake ort something. Don't care for it though.

[PurdueGuy]

Slim the C-pillar and do something about the line where the panels meet that suddenly ends at the door, and it looks great... except I haven't noticed any pix of the rear end...

[Imaj]

It reminds me of the Saturn Curve Concept but uglier!

[PurdueGuy]

What the heck is this thing? It's a neat rear hatch design, but what is the point of this thing that goes down the back of the car?

*edit* ok, apparently it's a bench. That's fine & all, but I don't see a need for the place for your feet - especially when different people are different heights. Doesn't even look that comfy.

Edited April 13, 2006 by PurdueGuy

[mute]

i like it too much i dont know why

and that bench has no place for your feet thats where you sit yoru feet go on the ground right?

Edited April 13, 2006 by mute

[Enzora]

looks pretty cool to me. With a few tweaks (c-pillar, no color-changing headlights, real interior) it could be a very popular model.

[PurdueGuy]

i like it too much i dont know why

and that bench has no place for your feet thats where you sit yoru feet go on the ground right?

...that strikes me as even less comfortable...

[ocnblu]

That's a gimmic for the show, no doubt.

[Snate]

Attn: Scion division

Stop letting your designers drink on the job!!

Thank You

[Mr.Krinkle]

its like dillinger is gonna jump out of that thing.

[FAPTurbo]

It's great to see Toyota let blind five year old children in comas design Scions. Although, I doubt Etch-a-Sketch's are good design tools...

[loki]

mmaybe the back acts as a kneeler so you can ask god forgiveness for making the thing....or your prayers to toyota ( for the real scion fans)

[hyperv6]

Compare Scion to a Camaro concept and Alfa Romeo 8C and you will know why this new scion so lame. Just no passion or soul here, just another appliance.

Chevy could do so much better in all age groups with the Nomad.

With the way things are going on at Scion I can see a lot 60 somethings going for this one like they did for that box on wheels.

[red]

I'm not a fan of Toyota/Lexus/Scion, but I really like this concept. It's very creative, looks mean, yet its got the understated-yet-original look that I like.

Its got a slammed-yet-moving look. I like that front-end...screams functional. I like how the rear wheels are accentuated. Nicely integrated, large tailpipes. The wraparound chop top greenhouse looks neat. Great interior, too, looks comfortable yet space-age...if they figure out some way to get an airbag behind that passenger screen that'd be neat.

Only a few detractions...it will be hard to transfer this great stance/chop top to production, the C-Pillar is huge (even though thed design does a good job of downplaying it), and its a Scion...

[Sixty8panther]

I think it looks a lot better than anything in Scion;'s current

production car lineup. If this was RWD (and proportioned

that way) it would actually be kind of cool. As it is I just

thik it has a chopped roof xB thing going on...

[Intrepidation]

Meh, I still think the proportions of the back of the car look odd...personally I like the tC.