Release date

Scion has announced that the Scion will hit showrooms in the United States starting in December.  The Scion’s summer release date was pushed back because of the earthquake in Japan last March. Over the next four months, it will be rolled out across the nation, hitting mid-western states in March.

The micro car sports a 1.3L 4-cylinder engine that gets 94 horsepower.  The iQ’s 12.9-foot turning radius makes it perfect for driving and parking in the city.  At 59 inches tall, 10 feet long, and 66 inches wide, the iQ is still able to provide comparable space between the driver and passenger as the Toyota Corolla, and yes – it’s a four-seater, the smallest of any make sold in the country.  For cargo space, the back seats fold down.

Drivers can expect 36mpg in the city, 37mpg on the highway, and 37mpg combined.  The iQ also comes with 11 air bags, and features include Bluetooth connectivity and keyless entry.

The Scion iQ’s unique exterior reminds some of the Mercedes-Benz Smart car.  Though the Smart car has not been as successful in the states, Toyota Motor Corp. has high hopes the iQ will attract younger, urban dwellers and find success in that market.  The company is hoping to sell between 1,000 and 2,000 vehicles a month once it hits dealerships across the country.

Scion aims for an 18- to 29-year old demographic, which unfortunately has been hit hard by the economic recession.  Despite this, that age group is, according to Jack Hollis, Scion VP, moving back into the city, where a small car will be more sensible.

Scion has also announced an electric version of the iQ, which will be out sometime in 2012.

The iQ starts at $15,995.  Be on the lookout for it next spring at your local Penske Toyota Scion dealership!

BMW has announced the roll out date for the Active5 Hybrid: March 2012.  First revealed at the Geneva Auto Show in 2010, the BMW Active5 Hybrid is based on the 5-series and uses the chassis of the BMW 535i.

As a hybrid, the Active5 uses both a 3-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine and a 40-kilowatt electric motor.  Together they work to produce a total of 340 hp and allow the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds.  The Active5 has an 8-speed automatic transmission and is expected to get 40 to 44 mpg, although no specific announcement has been made for the American version.

The Active5, which is BMW’s third hybrid, also includes automatic stop-start technology.  When the vehicle is stopped, it turns off the engine, and turns it back on once the vehicle starts moving again.  The car’s lithium ion battery also charges while the car is coasting or braking.

To conserve energy, the Active5 uses satellite navigation, which scans the road ahead.  It then takes that information and adjusts its energy usage accordingly.  For example, if the car will be climbing uphill, the system conserves battery power so it can kick in to help the engine once the car reaches the incline.  The car can also use only electric power to drive 2.4 miles at a top speed of 37 mph.

 

While the car has all the features of a hybrid vehicle, it still retains the look of luxury that BMW drivers have come to expect.  It also includes a four-zone climate control system.

The pricing hasn’t been announced yet for the Active5’s US roll out; however, in Europe it will start at 62,900 euro.  Be on the look out for this new hybrid in March 2012.