The 2012 xD Release Series 4.0 (xD RS 4.0) is available exclusively in a premium Blizzard Pearl exterior paint and rides on 16-inch alloy wheels that are finished in a smoked platinum color. The interior gets color-tuned trim pieces on the center console, steering wheel and door panels. The seats are also wrapped in a distinctively patterned soft-touch material and get white stitching. Of course you get some special floor mates and cargo mats with the RS logo and an individually numbered badge. Prices for the 2012 xD RS 4.0 start at $16,250 with a manual and $17,050 with an automatic.

The 2012 xB Release Series 9.0 comes exclusively in a Hot Lava exterior with a honeycomb patterned lower grille that cleverly incorporates the ‘SCION’ name. A cool feature is the illumination of the Scion badges on the front and back upon remotely locking or unlocking the doors. Inside, the xB RS 9.0 gets perforated synthetic suede front and rear seat covers that feature the Scion logo and Hot Lava color-tuned highlights.

Scion will only build 1,500 units of the xB RS 9.0 with prices starting at $18,110 for the manual and $19,060 for the automatic.

Separately, Scion said that all 2012 Scion models will come standard with a new Pioneer audio system that features Bluetooth hands-free, Bluetooth streaming audio and HD Radio technology.

- By: Omar Rana

Getting pulled over is never fun. And if you are one to get pulled over often, consider the car your driving. It’s no news that what you’re driving can make the coppers see you as a huge red flag that says: “HEY PICK ME!” But some of the cars that were found to be the most ticketed may come to a surprise for some, because it did for us.

Quality Planning conducted a study by collecting data from law enforcement firms around the country and ranked the cars that are pulled over the most. The study is based on the number of moving violations that a car is issued per 100,000 miles.

Some patterns found that seven of the top 10 cars were most likely driven by women. And sure, you might think that the majority of the cars are also driven by the youth. But, you’ll be surprised as once again, seven of the ten total entries were most driven by individuals with an average age of 40 or higher.

These sort of studies always end up being interesting. So without further ado, the list:

Quality Planning’s Top Ten Most Ticketed Cars:

1. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible
2. Toyota Camry-Solara Coupe
3. Scion tC Coupe
4. Hummer H2/H3 SUV
5. Scion XB Hatchback
6. Mercedes-Benz CLS-63 AMG Sedan
7. Acura Integra Coupe
8. Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan
9. Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Sedan
10. Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CNBC

2007 Acura TSX

Looking to buy a new car for your teen? While the first car for a new driver doesn’t need to be expensive, but it’s a really bad idea to think that $500 beater is a smart choice to put your child in.

Lucky for you Consumer Reports has put together a list of models that are readily available with the recommended safety equipment and have performed well in safety-related tests.

“All are Consumer Reports recommended vehicles, meaning that they scored well in our testing and have had average or better reliability,” Consumer Reports said. “They also have sufficient acceleration to merge onto busy highways, good brakes, and scored well in emergency handling.”

Also the list features models that are readily available for less than $12,000.

Check out the list and a video about the Best Cars for Teens after the jump.

2011 Best Cars for Teens:

• Acura TSX (2004 or later)
• Ford Focus sedan (2009 or later)
• Hyundai Sonata (2006 or later)
• Hyundai Elantra SE (2008 or later)
• Mazda3 Touring (2007 or later)
• Scion xB (2008 or later)
• Volkswagen Jetta (2007 or later)
• Volkswagen Rabbit (2007 or later)

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Consumer Reports

2011 Scion tC

Despite three years of disappointing sales and somewhat boring vehicles, Toyota’s Scion has no plans of shutting the doors, says Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda.

“There is no concern, no danger for Scion in the future,” Toyoda said at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show on Monday.

Numbers state otherwise as Scion’s U.S. sales fell 21 percent last year to 45,678 units. The brand sold a whopping 130,181 units in the United States in 2007 and a record 173,024 in 2006. What’s the reason? Apparently since Scion’s target group is younger than 30, the brand is suffering as the recession left many unemployed and unable to buy a vehicle.

“I am one of the test-drivers within Toyota,” Toyda said. “I have a preoccupation with vehicles that have great emotional excitement, and Scion can bring that sort of excitement to the fore.”

Your thoughts on his statement? Let us know in the comments section after the jump.

2011 Scion tC:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0

At the 2010 LA Auto Show last week, Scion didn’t really catch our attention but the brand did unveil the 2011 xB Release Series 8.0 (aka xB RS 8.0). The 2011 Scion xB RS 8.0 will hit dealerships later this month with a starting price of $18,405 with a manual transmission, and $19,355 with an automatic transmission. A limited supply of the available color-matched rear spoiler will be available to xB RS 8.0 owners for $320, not including installation.

The 2011 xB RS 8.0 comes fitted with a 4-piece body kit designed by Kenstyle, including new front and rear lower lips and side skirts and Voodoo Blue exterior, which is not currently available on any other Scion model.

The special-edition model also features a tilt and slide function for the sunroof, which not currently available on regular xB models. The interior includes seats and door-panel trim covered in an exclusive black fabric with blue color-tuned highlights. The floor mats embroidered in blue with the “xB RS 8.0” logo.

2011 Scion xB Release Series 8.0:

- By: Zain Haq

Scion xB All Stretched Out by Cartel

If you’re not already annoyed (bored) with all the SEMA previews we have some bad news for you – there are plenty more to come within the next couple of days. Scion will be heading to Las Vegas on Nov. 2 with a total of 8 customized vehicles including a stretched xB limo and five custom 2011 tC models.

Scion’s 2010 SEMA Show lineup includes:

• xB All Stretched Out by Cartel.
• 0-60 Magazine / Sparco Rally xD.
• tC by GReddy.
• tC by Crawford.
• Battle of the Builds xB by The Salty Dogs.
• Tuner Challenge tC by James Lin.
• Tuner Challenge tC by John Pangilinan.
• Tuner Challenge tC by Shawn Baker.

Follow the jump for the high-res gallery along with more details on Scion’s 2010 SEMA Show lineup.

Scion’s 2010 SEMA Lineup:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Ford Fiesta

Is your new car budget under $18,000? Well, you’re in luck because automakers seem to be stepping up their game in the sub-$18k segment, typically a gas-sipping and obviously affordable bunch. The folks at Kelley Blue Book decided to compile a list of the top 10 coolest new cars under $18,000 in 2010.

“Certainly, there are many good cars available for less than $18,000 that will get you from point A to point Z with a minimum of fuss,” kbb.com said in a statement. “However, many of them also will do it with a minimum of fun, which is something the kbb.com editors feel is “just plain wrong” for their coolest cars list.”

Of course, Detroit’s new pride and joy, the 2011 Ford Fiesta, topped the list.

“The marketplace for “˜cool,” versatile, affordable cars, bursting with personality and boasting the same (if not better) technology as some luxury cars with triple their price tags, is only getting more crowded,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book”s kbb.com. “This signals a great time for car buyers, especially younger first-time buyers or those just looking to save some cash, as steep competition in the under-$18,000 range will inevitably lead to great deals.”

Hit the jump to see the full list.

2010 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000:

• 1. 2011 Ford Fiesta
• 2. 2010 Honda Civic
• 3. 2010 Honda Fit
• 4. 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
• 5. 2010 Kia Soul
• 6. 2010 Mazda3
• 7. 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
• 8. 2010 Nissan Cube
• 9. 2010 Scion xB
• 10. 2010 Suzuki SX4

- By: Kap Shah

Source: kbb.com

Scion announced today that it has restyled (facelifted) the xB for the 2011 model year.

The exterior of the 2011 Scion xB gets a more aggressive look with a new front bumper, new front grille, new headlights, new rear bumper, new taillights, enlarged outer vents, single rear backup lamp and seven exterior colors including the new Army Rock Metallic and Elusive Blue Metallic. The inside of the 2011 xB also gets some updates for more comfort.

Prices for the 2011 Scion xB start at $16,000 for the manual transmission and $16,950 for the automatic (not including the $670 for delivery, processing and handling fees).

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2011 Scion xB:

Scion Announces Pricing for Restyled 2011 xB

TORRANCE, Calif., March 16, 2010 ““ Scion today announced Manufacturer”s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the restyled 2011 xB urban utility vehicle that will arrive at dealerships later this month. The 2011 xB is upgraded with an aggressive new look on the outside and added comfort and convenience on the inside. The enhancements to the 2011 xB come with a $150 price increase over the 2010 model resulting with MSRPs of $16,000 and $16,950 for manual and automatic transmission models, respectively.

The xB enters the 2011 model year with fresh exterior styling including changes to the front and rear bumpers, grill, headlights and taillights, which together reveal a more aggressive demeanor. The new front bumper features enlarged outer vents, improving the appearance of the vehicle”s stance. The front grille features a new honeycomb pattern and improved headlamp design. The single rear backup lamp has been integrated into combination lamps to produce a more refined appearance. The 2011 xB will be available in seven exterior colors including the all-new Army Rock Metallic and Elusive Blue Metallic. Hypnotic Teal will no longer be offered in the xB color palette.

Changes to the 2011 xB”s interior offer significantly more comfort and convenience to all of its occupants. Driver- and front-passenger seats are redesigned to include larger bolsters for greater comfort and stability. Front and rear seats have a new light gray fabric with a geometric pattern for the seating surfaces contrasted by black fabric covering the bolsters, bases and backs. A combination center console with sliding armrest has been added to increase driver comfort and utility. Improved gauge-cluster design with black background, along with a separate clock and outside temperature display, provides better visibility to information. Completing the changes, the steering wheel now includes both telescopic and tilt functions.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

- By: Kap Shah

Just when you though that Scion wasn’t up to anything, the Toyota subsidiary dropped pricing details on its new xB Release Series 7.0 that will debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show tomorrow. The Scion xB RS 7.0 will start hitting dealerships later this month with a starting price tag of $18,320 with a manual transmission, and $19,270 with an automatic transmission.

The new xB RS 7.0 gets a four-piece DAMD body kit including front and rear lower lips along with side skirts. It also comes with an exclusive paint color called Murasaki, which means “purple” in Japanese.

The inside of the xB RS 7.0 is fitted with black fabric seats with color-tuned highlights. The driver and front passenger lower seat cushions get an “RS” logo embroidered on to them. The driver can also enjoy a leather-wrapped RAZO GT Formula Spec shift knob that delivers a sporty feel.

Check out the press release after the jump.

2010 Scion xB Release Series 7.0:

Press Release:

Scion Announces Pricing for xB Release Series 7.0, Will Debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 30, 2009 — Scion announced today that it will be displaying its latest limited-production vehicle, the 2010 xB Release Series 7.0 (xB RS 7.0) in the Scion booth at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Dec. 2-13, 2009. The xB RS 7.0 will begin arriving in dealerships in December 2009.

The xB RS 7.0 comes fitted with a four-piece DAMD body kit including front and rear lower lips along with side skirts. The xB comes exclusively painted in a distinctive color appropriately named Murasaki, which means “purple” in Japanese.

One of the most distinctive features of the xB RS 7.0 is the TRD sport muffler that exits out the center of DAMD rear lip. The exhaust system features twin double-walled tips and is specifically designed in conjunction with the DAMD rear lip to give the xB a sporty appearance and a sound that can only be found on this particular Release Series. To complete the stylish exterior, the xB RS 7.0 is equipped with TRD lowering springs that bring the ride height down over an inch and offer sporty handling. A color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option.

The interior of the xB RS 7.0 features exclusive black fabric seats with color-tuned highlights that complement the car’s exterior. The sides of the driver and front passenger lower seat cushions are embroidered with the “RS” logo. The driver is also treated to a leather-wrapped RAZO GT Formula Spec shift knob that delivers a sporty feel.

Only 2,000 units of the xB RS 7.0 will be built, and each vehicle comes with a unique, individually numbered stainless-steel badge. The xB RS 7.0 model will carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $18,320 with a manual transmission, and $19,270 with an automatic transmission. A limited supply of the available color-matched rear spoiler will be available to xB RS 7.0 owners and carries a MSRP of $320, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

On December 2, visit the Release Series Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/scionreleaseseries and play the Murasaki racing game.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Scion today announced that it will show its first limited-production car at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. The new Scion xB Release Series 6.0 will make its world debut next week and will be available at dealers starting next month.

The 2009 xB Release Series 6.0 comes in an Absolutely Red exterior paint with a custom black finish front grille and Release Series wheel covers. A rear-spoiler is available as an option. Inside, the limited-edition xB features a touch-screen Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation headunit with flash memory, voice recognition, MSN Direct, and Bluetooth. The AVN unit supports USB, SD card, and iPod connectivity. The 5.8-inch high-resolution WVGA LCD touch display allows the passenger and driver to play DVDs and iPod videos.

Other cool features include color-tuned four-in-one interior lights, RS 6.0 illuminated door sills, and accented interior trim and color-tuned seat fabric. Each unit comes with a numbered badge.

Scion will built on 2,500 units of the xB RS 6.0 with pricing to start at $17,493 with a manual transmission and $18,443 for the automatic.

2009 Scion xB Release Series 6.0: