Skip to main content

I spy: Scion teases iM Concept Car ahead of LA Auto Show debut

Scion iM
Image used with permission by copyright holder
It looks like the second wave of Scions is finally beginning to crest.

The Toyota sub-brand teased a new concept today called the iM, which will debut next month at the LA Auto Show. Details on the new car are sparse at the moment, but the Japanese automaker did release a couple close up shots of the vehicle.

Given the small hood and snub front bumper, we can tell that the iM will be a very compact car. It also looks pretty sporty, with drilled brake rotors up front, large calipers, stylish alloys, and a very low ride height.

“The iM Concept car reflects the evolution of Scion as the needs and desires of its youthful customers also evolve,” the brand said in a statement.

Scion iM
Image used with permission by copyright holder

From the side, the iM looks to have a third-gen Subaru Impreza-esque front profile, albeit with a much shorter wheelbase and probably minus the hood scoop. It also wears a heavily contoured front bumper that features expressive lighting and large air inlets.

In fact, it looks awfully similar to the Toyota Auris at first glance, a small hatchback not currently sold in the U.S. In July, we reported that the boxy xB would be cut next year in favor of a small compact. Could this be Scion’s Auris interpretation for the American market?

Related: Scion cuts quirky iQ, full lineup refresh on the way

In addition to the iM, Scions has filed trademark applications for the names iA, iD, tD, tR, tS, and tZ. That means more new models are probably on the way.

In other Scion news, Toyota Europe’s Executive Vice President Karl Schlicht recently teased a second generation FR-S/GT86 sports car, saying, “We are pretty serious about keeping the GT86 pure, and keeping a car like that in our lineup.”

We expect the iM to be unveiled in LA November 19th.

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more