All-new redesigned 2008 Scion xB unveiled
Scion today unveiled the redesigned 2008 Scion xB at the Chicago Auto Show. Following up on the successful current generation xB with its iconic boxy shape, was a challenge for the brand.
“We’ve stated in the past that we’ll probably always have a box in the Scion lineup, but our owners told us they wanted a bigger box,” said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. “They talk, we listen and we responded with a bigger and better xB.”
Like the previous xB, the new 2008 xB maintains a distinctive style featuring design cues from the t2B concept that debuted at the 2005 New York Auto Show. Still a box, the new xB is a more streamlined box, with a softer, more rounded front end, flared fenders, and a thick C pillar.
Under the hood, the 2008 Scion xB features a more powerful engine than its predecessor, with power coming from a 2.4L four-cylinder engine producing 158-hp, 55-hp more than the previous xB. The engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic with sequential shifting, a Scion and Toyota first.
All Scions for 2008 will feature iPod integration, with the standard Pioneer audio system features a head unit integrating track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit’s screen. The iPod is controlled by the head unit or steering wheel audio controls. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to music from other MP3 players.
And like all Scions, the xB is “mono spec”. Customers only need to choose exterior color and transmission type.
