Scion’s Next Icon: World Debut of C-HR Concept Car at Los Angeles Auto Show

18 Nov 2015, 17:00 PM EST

TORRANCE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–When the designers for the Scion C-HR Concept began their research, they
were told by young urban creative customers, “Polarizing is ok. Boring
is not.” That sentiment was evident today as the Scion C-HR Concept had
its World Debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

With an iconic design that also incorporates functionality and sporty
performance, the Scion C-HR Concept is much like Scion’s customer in
that it strives to stand out from the crowd.

“Scion is known for doing things differently, and maybe even being a
little weird,” said Scion Vice President Andrew Gilleland. “This C-HR
Concept embraces that idea and wears it like a badge of honor. We
couldn’t be more excited to add the production version to our line-up.”

The C-HR Concept is named for its Compact
size and High Ride
height. With four doors and a hatch for supreme functionality, it’s the
perfect vehicle for “yuccies,” the young urban creatives who inspired
the design.

These customers put an emphasis on great design and wanted something
distinctive, sophisticated, passionate and clean. They viewed most SUVs
as too boring and wanted something for their urban lifestyle that
sparked emotion.

Participants in the research identified images that had a harmony of
form and function: sleek chopsticks made from recycled materials, an
earthy but modern terrarium, and a cutting board with grid lines for
precise slicing.

Given that creative license, Toyota’s international design team embarked
on a design that not only makes a statement, but reinforces the C-HR’s
purpose as an urban lifestyle vehicle.

Taking inspiration from a diamond with sheered sides, the C-HR cabin is
like a precision-cut gemstone. From the overhead view, the diamond
points have been sharply cut in the front, rear and sides, giving view
to the round fender flares visible from every angle of the car. The
lower body is sensual and instills strong emotions while the chiseled,
faceted cabin suggests protection, giving the C-HR contrasting features
that satisfy two desires. Graphite black accents on the grille, rear
bumper, fender flares and lower side panels reflect the strength and
stance of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the all-piano black roof enhances the
C-HR’s sleek and stylish profile.

The 21-inch wheels continue the cut gem theme and feature spokes with
chiseled cut-outs shaped with the car’s profile in mind.

Underneath the captivating design of the C-HR is a platform featuring
Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). TNGA is an innovative and
integrated approach to developing new platforms and powertrains for
Toyota. It creates a lower center of gravity, increased body rigidity,
more responsive handling and improved ride comfort.

The increased body rigidity reduces body movement and roll in cornering.
This allows for better ride comfort while maintaining dynamic
performance. Improvements will be felt through responsive handling,
agility and straight-line stability.

“Even though the C-HR has a high ride height, our focus was on creating
a fantastic urban driving car,” said C-HR Chief Engineer Hiro Koba. “My
favorite place to be on a weekend is at a race track and I wanted to
build a car that I would have just as much fun driving in the city
during the week with refined driving comfort and responsive, precise
steering.”

More information about the timing and technical specifications for the
C-HR will be available when the production version debuts in 2016.

“The Scion C-HR will be a stand-out vehicle for us,” said Gilleland.
“Its styling will lead the way, but its substance will seal the deal.
It’s got amazing driving dynamics, superb functionality, and, like all
Scions, premium features at an accommodating price. There’s no doubt
this will be the next iconic vehicle for Scion.”

NOTE TO EDITORS – Photos and digital assets are available on ScionNewsroom.com.

About Scion

Scion continues to be the test laboratory division for Toyota Motor
Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. From its start in 2003, Scion’s goal was to
offer products and processes that stand apart from the crowd. Scion
offers distinctive vehicles that reflect owners’ passions with a model
line-up that includes the all-new iM five-door hatchback, the all-new iA
sports sedan, the iconic xB urban utility vehicle, the tC sports coupe,
and the FR-S rear-wheel drive sports car. Scion also appeals to a
youthful audience by offering a simple, no-haggle buying experience and
by engaging with potential customers in meaningful and creative ways.
For more information, visit www.scion.com.