Toyota Motor Corp.’s Scion brand, aiming to regain momentum in the U.S., will use the Los Angeles Auto Show to showcase the iM Concept, a hatchback designed with young, adventurous drivers in mind.
Scion released the first images of the car Wednesday ahead of its introduction in L.A. next week.
“The tastes of today’s younger buyers have evolved,” Doug Murtha, Scion vice president, said in a statement. “They want a car that provides excitement and individuality, as well as the comfort, technology and reliability that Scion offers.”
Scion’s U.S. deliveries have slipped 15 percent this year in an overall market that has expanded 6 percent. The brand’s U.S. sales volume hasn’t topped the 100,000 mark since 2008.
The five-door compact hatchback has a race car-influenced exterior inspired by European touring cars.
The iM Concept, with “wide aerodynamics and a lower ride height,” is equipped with 19-inch forged alloy wheels, performance tires, vented front rotors, four-piston calipers and adjustable height racing suspension.
The iM Concept’s “sleek styling with the versatility of a modern hatchback” was designed “to catch the eye of Scion customers,” Murtha said.
A Scion spokeswoman said details about plans to market the car will be released at the New York auto show in April.
