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. 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. Scion doesn't really need to develop concepts for creative fun, after all - 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. 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. This is where the concept gets cool: The exterior is part Brinks truck, Scion xB and Honda Element - with major improvemen1ts, 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.
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. By Brian Chee
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