Scion has long said it wants to keep its model lineup simple, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from considering adding a pickup truck to its collection, according to Popular Mechanics.
The truck would seat two, feature unibody construction, and styling inspired by the Fuse concept car (pictured), the magazine claims. Possibly called xP, the truck would be powered by a 2.4 liter engine producing around 160 horsepower. Power would go to the rear wheels, transmitted via a five-speed manual. A price tag of $12,000 is expected.
Corporate manager Steve Haag recently stated a fourth scion model — in additon to the xB, tC, and xD — is a possibility. His comments came after Toyota U.S. President Jim Press said the Scion division would probably stick with just three models.
Although a pickup truck might seem like a strange choice for the Scion brand, it would fit the company’s “boxy” image. Last summer, Automotive News said Scion has plans for even boxier designs than its existing vehicles. The 2010 tC, for example, will lose its curves in favor of a Fuse-like design.
Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal reported Toyota would specifically limit the number of Scion vehicles produced in order to keep sales around the 150,000 annual target. The company hopes limited volume will keep Scion “hip.”
