Toyota's Scion World Premiere Features bbX Concept Vehicle

March 27, 2002 - New York, NY - The SCION bbX concept vehicle today was unveiled at a press conference at the 2002 New York International Auto Show. SCION is an all-new line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. that will arrive in June of '03.

"The bbX is a show car version of a vehicle we plan to launch when SCION opens for business next year," said Jim Lentz, TMS vice president, SCION. "It is based on a vehicle currently available in Japan called the "Black Box" that is marketed to Japan's youngest buyers as a melding of entertainment-art and basic transportation."

The bbX harmonizes innovation, versatility and fun-to-drive elements in a look that is refreshing and bold. The bbX hunkers down low over its wheels, rises tall and wide in flat planes and 90-degree angles and maximizes interior space with minimal exterior dimensions.

The show car demonstrates the vast potential for customization of future SCION products. The bbX concept features a custom-tuned suspension, unique 17-inch wheels, fog lights, ground effects and rear spoiler that incorporate carbon fiber trim, blue brake calipers, coil-over suspension and smoked head lamp and tail lamp covers. The ability to add custom equipment and a feeling of personalization are among the key elements that will be included in all SCION vehicles.

Inside, bbX offers tremendous headroom and legroom. Large door openings and tall seat-height provide effortless ingress and egress. The show car also boasts sport seats, power windows, locks and mirrors and eye-catching blue metallic trim on the steering wheel, dash area and inside doors.

Techno-savvy consumers will appreciate the high-quality, high-output digital audio/video system by Pioneer. The bbX show car interior was designed and equipped as a rolling sound studio, with 1350 watts of maximum power, an in-dash DVD/CD player, headrest-mounted monitors for rear passengers and a large subwoofer enclosure in the cargo area.

Production versions of the U.S.-spec bbX will arrive at dealerships with a generous level of standard equipment, including air conditioning, power convenience features and a six speaker sound system with a Pioneer AM/FM/CD.

SCION marketers have engaged a wide range of aftermarket manufacturers to supply a large palette of cosmetic, functional and performance accessories. Resources for personalization will be made available to SCION buyers through the SCION Web site and at the dealerships.

A production version of bbX will be one of two SCION vehicles that will be on sale beginning in June 2003.

bbX CONCEPT VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Engine 1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder, 16-Valve, DOHC Powertrain Front-Wheel-Drive Four-Speed Automatic ECT Transmission Wheels 17 -- Aluminum Alloy Tires 215/45-R17 tires Dimensions (inches) Overall Length 157.0 Overall Height 63.0 Overall Width 68.0 Wheelbase 98.4