Scion releases a new Release
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If, at some point soon, you see some people wearing heat-resistant jackets and gloves while wielding heat shields, they’re probably not making a statement about the scorching Southern California summer. Chances are, they’re selling a car.
To ‘raise awareness’ of Scion’s new 2008 xD Release Series 1.0 (MSRP $17,169), specially attired street teams will be targeting urban hangouts (those shields might prove useful) in select areas, attempting to (in Scion’s words) ‘engage young trendsetters’, handing out ear buds and Hot Lava-colored socks. Not for the feet, of course. Young trendsetters need such socks for their iPods and sundry MP3 players.
Why Hot Lava? This burnt orange hue is the color the xD RS 1.0 comes in. The interior also has some Hot Lava accents on the center console, steering wheel and various bits of trim. Scion will only be making 2,000 of this limited-edition model. Other bespoke features include a DAMD body kit, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) lowering series, Release Series wheel covers and a rear spoiler. The cabin also gets a Razo Release Series shift knob and a holographic badge bearing the car’s individual number.
The xD has a 1.8-liter engine (don’t let the 1.0 in the RS name fool you), that sips fuel to the tune of 27/33 mpg (city/highway).
This is an auspicious time for Scion in general, as the brand celebrates five years of being in the American auto market. It launched on June 9, 2003 into 105 California dealerships. Since then, over 600,000 Scions have been sold throughout the country.