Here at Burien Toyota we are excited for Seafair weekend like the rest of the Puget Sound area! It's a great time of activity, Blue Angels...and traffic!
Don't forget that many of the main highways will be packed with traffic and I-90 will be closed when the Blue Angels take to the skies. Check out the information here.
Be sure to plan your routes and travel safely this weekend no matter what you are doing and enjoying this Seafair weekend!
Friday, July 31, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Making Memories: Family Summer Camp Creates Magical Moments for Children Facing Life-threatening Medical Conditions
Toyota partnership helps provide camp free of charge to families from across the United States
Scottsville, Ky., may not sound like a magical vacation spot, but for the Collins family from Marietta, Ga., it is.
The Collins’ know when they roll through the gates of The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) the stresses of everyday life are on hold. This is their time, their place to enjoy the fun that families without medically fragile children do…free of charge.
“It’s a much needed break from our normal lives and the hectic pace of school, work, doctor’s appointments, treatments,” says Courtney Collins. “It gives our family a chance to focus on having fun and spending time together, but we still know that the trained staff can handle all of the medical needs that might occur.”
Collins’ 10-year-old son has many medical challenges, including epilepsy and primary immune deficiency. He takes daily medication and every three weeks receives a blood product called IViG for his immune deficiency, something he’ll continue for his lifetime. Her 14-year-old daughter has asthma.
“On a social level, it’s great for my kids to be around others who have similar medical challenges and understand what our daily lives are like,” Collins says. “For my husband and me, it’s important to connect with other families experiencing similar situations. We form a supportive network. We love meeting the volunteers and have become volunteers as well.”
CCK is one of only a handful of year-round dedicated medical camps in the U.S. Since opening in 2008, it has served more than 20,000 medically fragile campers from 43 states and eight foreign countries. It is accessible for kids with a variety of disabilities and challenges. The camp offers an on-site medical center with a helipad, an indoor aquatic complex, equestrian riding arena, bowling alley, gymnasium, climbing wall, boating and fishing, a theater and four camper lodges.
“Campers create memories of their first horseback ride, favorite camp song, catching the big fish, or taking center stage starring in a show of their own,” said Roger Murtie, CCK president and executive director. “These moments not only change the live of the campers and their families, they change the lives of our volunteers and staff as well.”
For many families, the financial burden of medical issue weighs heavily. Not here. The kids and their families spend either a week or weekend, free of charge. Their only worry: to have fun, find respite, feel normal and forget everyday struggles.
Murtie says support from companies like Toyota is crucial to the camp’s survival. The automaker recently donated $20,000 to the organization, which it feels is a great investment.
“Toyota is proud to partner with CCK to make these moments possible for families. We want to help people get where they need to go, both on the road and in life. This program provides a critical need for families already dealing with so much stress,” says Rick Hesterberg from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK). He is one of a group of Toyota team members who recently took a three-day road trip to visit partners on-site and see in person the organizations’ impact. “Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter from children and families who face immense challenges everyday – it’s clear this is a very special place.”
Scottsville, Ky., may not sound like a magical vacation spot, but for the Collins family from Marietta, Ga., it is.
The Collins’ know when they roll through the gates of The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK) the stresses of everyday life are on hold. This is their time, their place to enjoy the fun that families without medically fragile children do…free of charge.
“It’s a much needed break from our normal lives and the hectic pace of school, work, doctor’s appointments, treatments,” says Courtney Collins. “It gives our family a chance to focus on having fun and spending time together, but we still know that the trained staff can handle all of the medical needs that might occur.”
Collins’ 10-year-old son has many medical challenges, including epilepsy and primary immune deficiency. He takes daily medication and every three weeks receives a blood product called IViG for his immune deficiency, something he’ll continue for his lifetime. Her 14-year-old daughter has asthma.
“On a social level, it’s great for my kids to be around others who have similar medical challenges and understand what our daily lives are like,” Collins says. “For my husband and me, it’s important to connect with other families experiencing similar situations. We form a supportive network. We love meeting the volunteers and have become volunteers as well.”
CCK is one of only a handful of year-round dedicated medical camps in the U.S. Since opening in 2008, it has served more than 20,000 medically fragile campers from 43 states and eight foreign countries. It is accessible for kids with a variety of disabilities and challenges. The camp offers an on-site medical center with a helipad, an indoor aquatic complex, equestrian riding arena, bowling alley, gymnasium, climbing wall, boating and fishing, a theater and four camper lodges.
“Campers create memories of their first horseback ride, favorite camp song, catching the big fish, or taking center stage starring in a show of their own,” said Roger Murtie, CCK president and executive director. “These moments not only change the live of the campers and their families, they change the lives of our volunteers and staff as well.”
For many families, the financial burden of medical issue weighs heavily. Not here. The kids and their families spend either a week or weekend, free of charge. Their only worry: to have fun, find respite, feel normal and forget everyday struggles.
Murtie says support from companies like Toyota is crucial to the camp’s survival. The automaker recently donated $20,000 to the organization, which it feels is a great investment.
“Toyota is proud to partner with CCK to make these moments possible for families. We want to help people get where they need to go, both on the road and in life. This program provides a critical need for families already dealing with so much stress,” says Rick Hesterberg from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK). He is one of a group of Toyota team members who recently took a three-day road trip to visit partners on-site and see in person the organizations’ impact. “Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter from children and families who face immense challenges everyday – it’s clear this is a very special place.”
Friday, July 24, 2015
The Ultimate Car Paintball Battle
While this video may not be of Toyota vehicles, we can recognize a REALLY cool car video when we see it. And this one, we just had to share.
It is the ultimate paintball battle.
With cars.
Some of the coolest stuff doesn't even involve the paintball guns mounted on the hood the cars. Check it out. But remember, these are highly trained drivers; do not try this at home.
It is the ultimate paintball battle.
With cars.
Some of the coolest stuff doesn't even involve the paintball guns mounted on the hood the cars. Check it out. But remember, these are highly trained drivers; do not try this at home.
Ultimate Paint Ball Battle Between Two Audis!
Two Audis Fight Each Other To Death With PaintBallMeet www.welldonestuff.com <3
Posted by Interesting Engineering on Friday, August 2, 2013
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
2016 Toyota Tacoma to Come with GoPro Mount
That's right, it will be now be easier (and safer) to film your off-roading and adventure exploits in your new Toyota Tacoma. Here at Burien Toyota, we think it will be a big hit with our technology craving, outdoorsy population.
"Can you think of a better place in the world than Washington to be able to safely film your outdoor adventures?" said Ted Klarich, general sales manager at Burien Toyota. "We have the scenery, the access to wilderness and adventure. For people who like technology and documenting their adventures, this will be a big incentive."
Like this article from Forbes said, get ready for on onslaught of sick YouTube videos all from the tops of the 2016 Toyota Tacoma. If you've already got an amazing video featuring your adventures in your Toyota, feel free to share it with us!
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
2016 Scion tC Upgrades Make for Alluring Touring
Toyota Scion’s top seller, the tC sports coupe, adds new sound, smarts and swishes as it enters the 2016 model year. A new standard audio system, a host of upgraded interior features including a Smart Key with push-button start, and the addition of a standard rear windshield wiper add to the fun and functionality of the tC.
The 2016 tC retains its thrill-to-value proposition with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,385 for the six-speed manual transmission and $20,535 for the six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management®. This price excludes a delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $795.
The new standard audio system features a large 7-inch Pioneer® touchscreen Display Audio system with AM/FM/HD radio™, voice recognition, Bluetooth® hands-free and streaming audio, and the Aha™ app which provides access to 100,000 Internet radio options.
Also new to the interior of the tC are new silver interior door handles, a new center console tray cover and a leather-wrapped shift knob.
The 2016 tC will be available in dealerships starting in August.
Cars.com Names Toyota Camry as Most American-Made, Again!
Sienna Takes Number Two Spot in Annual American-Made Index
The results are in, and Cars.com has named two Toyota models as most American-Made.
The Toyota Camry and the Toyota Sienna have claimed the top two spots, respectively, in the annual Cars.com American-Made Index. This marks Toyota’s return to the American-Made pinnacle for the first time in three years and the fifth time overall that Camry has been ranked number one on the index.
According to Cars.com, the “American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the United States. Factors include the percentage of parts considered “domestic” under federal regulations, whether the car is assembled in the U.S. and U.S. sales. Models with domestic-parts content ratings below 75 percent are disqualified, as well as models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor.”
The Toyota Camry, America’s best-selling car for 13 consecutive years, comes out of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) in Georgetown, Ky. alongside the Camry Hybrid, Avalon and Avalon Hybrid. TMMK is Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility in North America, which also builds engines and employs more than 7,500. The plant built its 10-millionth vehicle in 2014 and will begin adding the Lexus ES to its lines this fall, the first Lexus to be manufactured in the United States. The addition of Lexus is the hallmark of a $360 million investment in the plant that also adds 750 new jobs.
Much of the design and engineering of both Camry and Sienna took place in the United States at Calty Design Research, Inc. and Toyota Technical Center (TTC), respectively. Calty is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., with a production design studio in Ann Arbor, Mich., and TTC is based in York Township, Mich. Camry and Sienna both have American chief engineers.
Toyota has 10 manufacturing facilities in the United States.
The Sienna is assembled in Princeton, Ind. at Toyota Motor
Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI) by a team of 5,000. The plant also
produces the Sequoia and Highlander/Highlander Hybrid. Toyota is
investing $100 million in TMMI to boost Highlander production, adding
30,000 units per year and 300 jobs by summer 2016.
“These results are a testament to Toyota’s continued investment and growth in the United States,” said Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz, who also serves as President of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc. “We are strengthening our commitments to American manufacturing so we can better satisfy the needs of our customers for decades to come.”
The results are in, and Cars.com has named two Toyota models as most American-Made.
The Toyota Camry and the Toyota Sienna have claimed the top two spots, respectively, in the annual Cars.com American-Made Index. This marks Toyota’s return to the American-Made pinnacle for the first time in three years and the fifth time overall that Camry has been ranked number one on the index.
According to Cars.com, the “American-Made Index rates vehicles built and bought in the United States. Factors include the percentage of parts considered “domestic” under federal regulations, whether the car is assembled in the U.S. and U.S. sales. Models with domestic-parts content ratings below 75 percent are disqualified, as well as models built exclusively outside the U.S. or models soon to be discontinued without a U.S.-built successor.”
The Toyota Camry, America’s best-selling car for 13 consecutive years, comes out of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) in Georgetown, Ky. alongside the Camry Hybrid, Avalon and Avalon Hybrid. TMMK is Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility in North America, which also builds engines and employs more than 7,500. The plant built its 10-millionth vehicle in 2014 and will begin adding the Lexus ES to its lines this fall, the first Lexus to be manufactured in the United States. The addition of Lexus is the hallmark of a $360 million investment in the plant that also adds 750 new jobs.
Much of the design and engineering of both Camry and Sienna took place in the United States at Calty Design Research, Inc. and Toyota Technical Center (TTC), respectively. Calty is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., with a production design studio in Ann Arbor, Mich., and TTC is based in York Township, Mich. Camry and Sienna both have American chief engineers.
Toyota has 10 manufacturing facilities in the United States.
“These results are a testament to Toyota’s continued investment and growth in the United States,” said Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz, who also serves as President of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, North America, Inc. “We are strengthening our commitments to American manufacturing so we can better satisfy the needs of our customers for decades to come.”
Monday, July 20, 2015
Toyota Recalls Certain 2012 - 2014 Prius v
In the involved vehicles, the current software settings for the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU could result in higher thermal stress in certain transistors, potentially causing them to become damaged. If this happens, various warning lights will illuminate and the vehicle can enter a failsafe mode. In rare circumstances, the hybrid system might shut down while the vehicle is being driven, resulting in the loss of power and the vehicle coming to a stop.
Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail. Toyota dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU in the involved vehicles.
Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-do-date Safety Recall information on Toyota, Lexus or Scion vehicles, customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin. For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331, or Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Toyota Announces Pricing for Sporty Camry and Corolla Special Editions
Special Editions for special vehicles. Toyota’s Camry mid-size sedan, the best-selling car in America for the past 13 years, and Corolla compact sedan, the world’s best-selling car of all-time, will be adding some extra summer sizzle with Special Editions for the 2016 model year. Both models will begin arriving at Toyota dealers in mid-August.
Check out deals at Burien Toyota HERE for new Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla cars, including great internet deals!
Camry Special Edition
When redesigning the Camry for 2015, Toyota went bumper to bumper and floor to roof, changing or re-engineering nearly 2,000 parts. Only the roof remained unchanged, and it capped off the boldest Camry ever. Now, only one year after this major redesign, America’s best-selling car will offer the 2016 Camry Special Edition for owner’s looking for an extra dose of both aggressiveness and technology. Based on the youthful Camry SE, the limited production Camry will add sporty interior and exterior features. In addition to features found on the Camry SE, standard equipment on the Special Edition will include:
- Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face contrasted with gloss black painted accents and P225/45R18 tires
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
- Smoked tail lamp treatment
- Blue Streak Metallic and Blizzard Pearl exterior colors
- Sport fabric seats with blue inserts and blue contrast stitching; 8-way power-adjusted driver’s seat with power lumbar support; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat
- Dark Blue interior trim
- Unique meter cluster with TFT Multi-Information Display
- Standard Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation
- Standard Smart Key System on front doors and trunk with Push Button Start
- Standard Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging
- Unique Special Edition badge and Camry Special Edition logo floor mats
The Camry Special Edition will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Like all Toyota vehicles, the Camry Special Edition will come standard with the Star Safety System.
The Camry Special Edition will carry a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,715.
Production of the Camry Special Edition will be limited to approximately 12,000 units and will run from August 2015 to January 2016.
Corolla Special Edition
The iconic Toyota Corolla is the world’s best-selling name plate of all-time with over 40 million sold since 1966. With its all-new 11th generation introduced in 2014, the current Corolla is the roomiest and most fuel-efficient ever.
Corolla will add more driving excitement with the launch of the 2016 Corolla Special Edition. Sporty styling features, inside and out, complement a spirited driving experience made possible with steering wheel paddle shifters, rear disc brakes and Sport Driving Mode along with an array of additional standard features.
Based on the sporty Corolla S Plus grade, the 2016 Corolla Special Edition will turn heads as it adds:
- Unique 17-inch alloy wheels with gloss black finish
- Smart Key System with pushbutton start
- Black mixed media seats with red contrast stitching
- Black interior with red contrast stitching on steering wheel, shift boot and center armrest
- Red accented dash panel and door trim
- Three exterior colors: exclusive Absolutely Red, Black Sand Pearl and Super White
- Special Edition floor mats with logo and unique exterior badge
The MSRP for the Corolla Special Edition will be $20,635.
The Corolla Special Edition will be produced between August 2015 and January 2016 and will be limited to approximately 8,
Monday, July 13, 2015
Toyota Helps Paralyzed Veteran Open Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center
Because Burien Toyota cares about veterans of our armed forces, we are proud to share this article about Toyota helping injured veterans.
During his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, Romy Camargo’s patrol was ambushed. A sniper’s bullet changed the life of this decorated war veteran and his family. Now, with help from Toyota, Camargo, his family and a strong team of supporters are forever changing the lives of paraplegics and quadriplegics across the country.
Camargo and his wife, Gaby, have opened the doors to Stay In Step, a new, non-profit recovery center dedicated to helping spinal-cord injury (SCI) patients take a step forward toward recovery. This groundbreaking facility offers treatment, rehabilitation and support services to veterans and civilians in Tampa, Fla.
Toyota donated $300,000 in last-mile funding to help the facility reach its $750,000 fundraising goal and open its doors. At the grand opening June 20, Toyota Motor North America Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Simon Nagata also presented Stay In Step with a wheelchair-accessible 2015 Toyota Sienna minivan.
“Supporting Stay In Step is aligned with Toyota’s corporate vision to lead the way to the future of mobility and enrich lives around the world with the safest and most responsible ways of moving people,” Nagata said. “Toyota is proud to support Stay In Step and the tremendous work of Romy and Gaby.”
By combining intense strength and conditioning workouts with a focus on the natural movements and weight of the body, Stay In Step will use emerging therapies and a “never quit” attitude to help patients and their families.
“Stay In Step is dedicated to providing cutting edge physical rehabilitation services and including the much needed tools to win the mental game,” Gaby Camargo said. “We want to create an environment for patients to support one another, share stories and give encouragement, and offer some relief from the intense daily schedule. Stay In Step provides a place of comfort, relaxation and shares a sense of family.”
That sense of family was in full force June 20, when the Camargos cut a long resistance band to open the center. They were surrounded by Nagata, Lt. Gen. Martin Steele, Lt. Col. Scott Mann and other supporters.
For Toyota, the support and interest in Stay In Step goes beyond the donations.
“We are applying the strength and expertise of Toyota’s engineering and robotics to the challenges faced by those injured in service to this country,” Nagata said. “Toyota’s partner robots are being developed to assist people in their everyday activities.
“By sharing this technology, we hope to serve the mobility needs of veterans and people around the world.”
The Stay In Step story began in 2008 when Romy was shot. He spent 18 months of intensive inpatient care before he was finally able to leave the hospital, in a wheelchair. Romy and Gaby drove twice a week from their Tampa home to Orlando for treatment.
Now, there is a center in Tampa that can treat Romy and other SCI patients in the community, helping them continue on their road to recovery. Tampa is home to the busiest polytrauma unit in the nation at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center. The Haley polytrauma unit treats the most severely injured veterans while they are in the hospital.
“With everyone’s support, we have built up a center that’s going to impact so many lives,” Romy Camargo said. “Gaby said that we could do this – that we could open up this center in Tampa. And now it’s a reality.”
About Stay In Step
Founded by Romy and Gaby Camargo, Stay In Step is a Step Forward Toward Recovery. This groundbreaking facility offers treatment, rehabilitation and support services to veterans and civilians with spinal cord injuries. By combining intense strength and conditioning workouts with a focus on the natural movements and weight of the body, Stay In Step uses emerging therapies and a “never quit” attitude to help quadriplegics, paraplegics and their families across the United States take a step forward towards recovery. Additional information about Stay In Step is available at www.stayinstep.org.
During his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, Romy Camargo’s patrol was ambushed. A sniper’s bullet changed the life of this decorated war veteran and his family. Now, with help from Toyota, Camargo, his family and a strong team of supporters are forever changing the lives of paraplegics and quadriplegics across the country.
Camargo and his wife, Gaby, have opened the doors to Stay In Step, a new, non-profit recovery center dedicated to helping spinal-cord injury (SCI) patients take a step forward toward recovery. This groundbreaking facility offers treatment, rehabilitation and support services to veterans and civilians in Tampa, Fla.
Toyota donated $300,000 in last-mile funding to help the facility reach its $750,000 fundraising goal and open its doors. At the grand opening June 20, Toyota Motor North America Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Simon Nagata also presented Stay In Step with a wheelchair-accessible 2015 Toyota Sienna minivan.
“Supporting Stay In Step is aligned with Toyota’s corporate vision to lead the way to the future of mobility and enrich lives around the world with the safest and most responsible ways of moving people,” Nagata said. “Toyota is proud to support Stay In Step and the tremendous work of Romy and Gaby.”
By combining intense strength and conditioning workouts with a focus on the natural movements and weight of the body, Stay In Step will use emerging therapies and a “never quit” attitude to help patients and their families.
“Stay In Step is dedicated to providing cutting edge physical rehabilitation services and including the much needed tools to win the mental game,” Gaby Camargo said. “We want to create an environment for patients to support one another, share stories and give encouragement, and offer some relief from the intense daily schedule. Stay In Step provides a place of comfort, relaxation and shares a sense of family.”
That sense of family was in full force June 20, when the Camargos cut a long resistance band to open the center. They were surrounded by Nagata, Lt. Gen. Martin Steele, Lt. Col. Scott Mann and other supporters.
For Toyota, the support and interest in Stay In Step goes beyond the donations.
“We are applying the strength and expertise of Toyota’s engineering and robotics to the challenges faced by those injured in service to this country,” Nagata said. “Toyota’s partner robots are being developed to assist people in their everyday activities.
“By sharing this technology, we hope to serve the mobility needs of veterans and people around the world.”
The Stay In Step story began in 2008 when Romy was shot. He spent 18 months of intensive inpatient care before he was finally able to leave the hospital, in a wheelchair. Romy and Gaby drove twice a week from their Tampa home to Orlando for treatment.
Now, there is a center in Tampa that can treat Romy and other SCI patients in the community, helping them continue on their road to recovery. Tampa is home to the busiest polytrauma unit in the nation at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center. The Haley polytrauma unit treats the most severely injured veterans while they are in the hospital.
“With everyone’s support, we have built up a center that’s going to impact so many lives,” Romy Camargo said. “Gaby said that we could do this – that we could open up this center in Tampa. And now it’s a reality.”
About Stay In Step
Founded by Romy and Gaby Camargo, Stay In Step is a Step Forward Toward Recovery. This groundbreaking facility offers treatment, rehabilitation and support services to veterans and civilians with spinal cord injuries. By combining intense strength and conditioning workouts with a focus on the natural movements and weight of the body, Stay In Step uses emerging therapies and a “never quit” attitude to help quadriplegics, paraplegics and their families across the United States take a step forward towards recovery. Additional information about Stay In Step is available at www.stayinstep.org.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Five Doors, a Hatch and Room for Adventure: All-New 2016 Scion iM Ready to Fire Up the Fun Hatch Segment
- Sporty and versatile 5-door design
- MSRP of $18,460 for manual transmission and $19,200 for CVTi-S
- All Scions mono-spec for full features and full value
- High fun factor and high fuel economy: 28 city/37 hwy/32 combined for CVTi-S
- Choice of 6-speed stick shift or advanced CVTi-S with 7-step shifting
- Roomy cabin with premium amenities
- Sophisticated chassis for sophisticated moves
With an MSRP of $18,460 for the manual transmission and $19,200 for the CVTi-S model, the iM comes in mono-spec form with premium features, a competitive option in the compact segment. A $795 delivery, processing and handling fee is not included in the MSRP.
The all-new 2016 Scion iM’s cabin is roomy, refined, versatile and high-tech equipped. The 1.8-liter DOHC Valvematic engine is eager to rev and very easy on gas. The chassis, with sophisticated double-wishbone rear suspension and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, is ready to smooth out urban bumps and tame adventurous curves. For more hands-on driving fun, a 6-speed stick shift is also available.
For safety, the 2016 Scion iM comes with eight standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.
Design: The Look of iM
The Scion iM shows a familiar face, with a hexagon lower grille, sharp-eyed headlights and side bezels with honeycomb mesh pattern seen also on the FR-S sports car. That aerodynamic expression carries into the profile, which conveys dynamic movement from the lower front to the rear. A “swoosh line” rendered in steel.
Detailing on the Scion iM belies the affordable pricing. The piano black grille treatment, standard sporty body aero kit, LED daytime running lights and taillights leave an unmistakable signature. Also true to the Scion way, the color selection gives the design tremendous visual pop: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Spring Green Metallic and Electric Storm Blue.
One Spec: Fun
Gas prices come down. Gas prices go back up. Young buyers like to avoid pain at the pump no matter what. The 2016 Scion iM offers a sweet spot of performance and efficiency, and is rated by the EPA an estimated 28 city/37 hwy/32 combined for the CVTi-S model and 27 city/36 hwy/31 combined for the six-speed manual.
Then comes the fun side. The 137 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine uses Valvematic continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) technology to offer a broad torque curve, so the iM feels responsive in all situations.
For driving purists, the Scion iM has a standard 6-speed stick shift that’s a slick shift, making for an engaging and active driving experience. Got hills? The Scion iM comes standard with Hill Start Assist, which helps prevent roll-back when pulling away from a stop sign or traffic light on an incline.
The optional automatic is also perfectly suited to the 1.8-liter engine. It’s an intelligent Continuously Variable Transmission that’s been sport-tuned for driving pleasure. That’s why it’s called the CVTi-S. Not all CVTs operate as responsively as the CVTi-S in the Scion iM. This one has both a Sport Mode as well as manual shifting capability with seven stepped shift points.
In Sport mode, the CVTi-S alters shift points and also provides a livelier feel through the electric power steering programming and accelerator responsiveness. G AI-SHIFT logic detects lateral G force during cornering and maintains engine speed by restricting unnecessary shift changes.
Using the console shifter, the driver can make fast, sequential shifts through the transmission’s seven predefined steps, accompanied by the familiar sense of positive shift engagement. The 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display within the instrument cluster displays M mode activity, including the “gear” position, and other vehicle information.
It’s Got the Moves
In the Scion iM, instant gratification behind the wheel will turn to long-term love down the road. Driving enthusiasts know well the value of a high-strength body structure and a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension. Based on the tC sports coupe platform, the 2016 Scion iM checks those boxes by using ample high-strength steel and special reinforcements in the structure. And it goes further, making the rear suspension the double-wishbone type, a design offering the added benefit of not impinging on cargo room.
Add in standard 17-inch alloy wheels with fat 225/45R17 tires, and the Scion iM delivers a tight, taut road feel and a compliant ride quality. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system makes low-speed maneuvering a breeze and provides good feel and less assistance at highway speeds. It also helps boost fuel efficiency because the system consumes power only when assist is needed.
Premium Interior without the Premium Price
Inside, it will be love at first seating in the standard bolstered front sport seats. They fit the body like a glove and also integrate a Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) structure for occupant protection.
High quality materials abound throughout the Scion iM cabin, where the layered dashboard design combines sports car-inspired instrument panel styling with easy to reach, easy-to-use controls. Borrowing ideas from the luxury car realm, the Scion iM keeps noise outside with an acoustic layer windshield, foam-type insulation and floor silencer sheets.
The Scion iM’s premium feel on the road is matched by a lengthy roster of premium amenities – all standard with the brand’s famous mono-spec strategy. Start with versatility, which comes from the 60/40 fold-down rear seats and standard cargo cover. A roomy glove box and console box are augmented by numerous front door pockets and storage bins throughout.
As a Scion, the iM naturally comes with high-grade standard multimedia system. The 6-speaker Pioneer sound system will play from a variety of sources, including iPods, of course, and other devices. It’s controlled through an easy to use 7-inch Pioneer Display Audio unit that also includes standard HD Radio and Aha. That screen also provides the view for the standard rear backup camera.
Real leather wraps the steering wheel, an unexpected detail in this price class. The sporty wheel puts fingertip switches for audio, multi-info display and hands-free phone calls via Bluetooth. The 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display (Scion’s first) between the main instrument gauges provides displays for the car’s audio system and other functions.
The Scion iM keeps the value surprises coming. All cars in this segment come with air conditioning; the Scion iM steps up a class with dual-zone automatic A/C control. And on cold mornings, the color-keyed heated power-folding exterior mirrors (yes, standard power-folding mirrors) clear up fog or frost in a hurry. Auto on/off headlamps are another convenience inherited from a higher segment.
Build It Your Way
One could buy the Scion iM, choose the color and be perfectly happy with the result. For those who see the car as a blank canvas, Scion offers a full range of dealer-installed accessories. A sampling includes: navigation upgrade kit, body graphics, cargo area enhancements, interior light kit, all-weather floor mats and more.
The Scion iM will also offer a line of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance accessories, including an air intake system, sway bar, lowering springs and more.
A number of Scion dealers have inaugurated Pure Process Plus, which allows customers to research a car through Scion.com, find it at a dealership, apply for credit and secure a price, all without leaving the couch. Scion will continue working with dealers and Toyota Financial Services to fine tune the process and plans to significantly expand its reach in 2015.
Limited Warranty
Like all Scion models, the 2016 iM is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. It also comes with Scion Service Boost, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and two years of 24-hour roadside assistance.