It’s a party in a box!

2008 Scion xB

Scion xB Preview – 2007 Chicago Auto Show: You’re reading this and thinking that the Scion xB is the coolest car on the road – or maybe you think it’s the import equivalent of a Pontiac Aztek. Either way, you’re destined to continue dancing a love/hate tango with the newly minted 2008 Scion xB. It’s simply more box to love, with more room inside, more power and a trendier style. Based on the Scion t2B Concept, the xB proves that Scion is really like most other automakers: more is better, and that means that you’re really just like everyone else, too, just a little bigger, closer to middle age and more like your parents than you thought. But that’s okay. You don’t get asked for your ID anymore because you’re so much more mature, right?

Why it Matters

The xB really is the center of the Scion universe. Consider: the outgoing xA was really just an econobox that could’ve been sold as a Toyota – and probably more effectively. The successful Scion tC is such a strong and fun value that it would also be a hit with a Toyota badge affixed to its snout, or any other mainstream brand for that matter. The xB, however, is different. Too odd to be mainstream yet mainstream enough to be incredibly useful, the xB immediately appealed to a unique collection of car buyers who were attracted to something different than the standard SUV – yet with all of the practicality. The new model continues on this path, and should be just as successful as the first-generation xB it replaces.

What’s Under the Hood

For those of you who grind your teeth and count when you goose the throttle of the current xB, good news! The 2008 Scion xB offers 55 more horsepower, thanks to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine – the same engine found under the hood of the tC. The engine, which makes 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, should inject some needed performance into the box via either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Toyota claims that the four-speed will offer sequential shifting, a first for Toyota. Ride and handling have also been improved, mainly due to the larger dimensions: the xB is four inches wider and a foot longer, riding on 16-inch standard wheels. Suspension-wise, the xB has an independent MacPherson front and a torsion beam rear set up.

What it Looks Like

It’s amazing how similar the 2008 Scion xB looks to the Scion t2B concept debuted at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. From the thick C-pillar to the wraparound headlights, high beltline, inset tail lamps and softened lines, the xB is trendy, futuristic and aggressive. At the press conference in Chicago, Scion officials showcased a Scion xB that had been lowered by two inches, shod with larger wheels and wearing a body kit. The result? One cool box, though the accessories weren’t necessary: the xB looks like it can carry the style quite fine as a stock model.

© 2007 Autobytel Inc. All rights reserved.

Did someone say, show me the money?

2008 Lexus LX 570

Lexus LX 570 — 2008 Preview: It’s not easy being wealthy. People are always buggin’ for cash, and there are so many choices to be made, like what type of leather to order inside your car, where to buy that summer home or what kind of caviar to serve. It’s confusing, irritating and inconvenient. Rest assured, we can’t relate – but Lexus can, and does, with the all-new and vastly improved 2008 Lexus LX 570. It’s bigger, more powerful, more luxurious and more able to go off road. In essence, it’s more of everything rich people like, which makes living the luxury life just so much more confusing. If only the LX came with a little butler who made all the hard choices for its customers, now that would really be something…

What’s Under the Hood

The 2008 LX 570 boasts a 5.7-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission that makes more than 100 horsepower and almost 100 more lb.-ft. of torque at a lower rev range than the previous LX. That has happy benefits all the way around, from towing (6,500 pounds to 8,500 pounds) to off-road performance and overall performance. That’s just the start: The new LX has a thoroughly improved suspension that includes ride height control and a “multi-terrain ABS braking system that reacts to emergency stops on gravel or sand. There’s also a new “Crawl Control” for off roaders, and a new blind corner monitor feature that reveals previously blind road areas to drivers.

What’s Inside

Though the wheelbase stays the same, engineers waved their golden wands and created more room: four inches in length, says Lexus, plus an inch at the top. We didn’t sit inside, but can imagine that such gains help third-row occupants most of all. In typical fashion, you should find this Lexus of Lexi to be quiet and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of cupholders, Lexus Link and other features such as a 19-speaker (yes, 19) Mark Levinson Audio system with surround sound, a hard disc that holds up to 2,000 songs, and a rear entertainment system with a 9-inch screen. Optional packages include analine leather, a Smart Key card and “Bubinga” wood trim – the kind of wood they make instruments out of. It ain’t Pine #3.

What Lexus Says

“The all-new LX 570 is packed with the luxury appointments and seamless technology our buyers expect of a Lexus vehicle,” said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “Equally important, the new LX 570 sets a high-water mark for Lexus by providing the amount of interior space, comfort, luxury, and ride quality our customers demand.”

What We Think

Sit back for a moment and consider how far Lexus has come in a relatively short time. From thinly rebadged Toyotas to ultimate luxury machines like the LX 570, if you’re into a quiet ride wrapped in some of the finest materials available, program your local Lexus dealer into your navigation system today and plan to make a visit later this year, when the 2008 Lexus LX 570 arrives.

by Brian Chee
Photo Credit: Lexus, Brian Chee

© 2007 Autobytel Inc. All rights reserved.