Enter the rumormill: Scion to sell rebadged Tribeca?

[1931Chevy]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/e...adged-tribeca/


We like a good auto-related rumor as much as the next obsessive pistonhead, but when Automotive News starts citing Japan's New Model Magazine X, we can't help but be a little humored.

The mag across the Pacific supposedly has a spy shot of a "Tribeca-like" vehicle undergoing testing, and beneath the camo is a badge that purportedly looks a lot like a Scion emblem. The idea of an "xTribeca" (their term, not ours) seems too far out to be plausible, but with Toyota's 8.6-percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, it's isn't entirely out of the question. The question itself though, is "why?"

Even though the Scion brand is going strong, would a larger SUV based off the Tribeca be a plausible candidate for the Scion lineup? And even if it was, could it be restyled to fit the brand's youthful image? All these questions and more are making the rounds between our ears, with nothing particularly positive coming out of it.

[Quickening]

How to ruin Scion in a year. Make the xB a Camry box (more on that in a review posted here that pointed out all the goodness of the xB has been sucked dry out of it). Make the xD (w/e the name is, replacement for xA, a rebadged Yaris. And then give it a xTribeca. w00tz way to go Toyota.

[KIDDIESEL79]

I guess the "x" cars just aren't ugly enough together.

[Quickening]

I actually saw a new xB, and I didn't mind it as much as the old one. I'd take the curves over the box. Plus it has some pretty bright lights, but I couldn't help but laugh at the owner since all the reviews have banished it to hell for being a big step backwards.

[Slack]

I know what you mean Quickening, I saw the new xB yesterday and it looked worlds better than the old car. One thing that might hurt it is that it lacks the standout styling of the original. It's not as noticeable as its predecessor, in fact, I think it kinda resembles a Golf.

[genjy]

The Tribeca is way too expensive to be a Scion.

The supposed Scion badge is probably a Daihatsu badge.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by genjy

The Tribeca is way too expensive to be a Scion.

The supposed Scion badge is probably a Daihatsu badge.

I agree. It does not make any sense for Scion to sell a rebadged Tribeca. If Toyota were to go upscale with Scion it would design something more unique, but I really doubt Scion will start grabbing for the 30k market just yet.

[Minnesota Nice]

I agree, and while I'm sure the listed photo is just an example, it is obviously photoshopped, as the Scion badge for 1.) doesn't look that and 2.) isn't angled at the direction it would be for a shot like that.

It has been rumored for awhile on scionlife, that Toyota will be making a little pickup truck for Scion.

[JJ26]

This is an interesting new story...extremely unlikely though. As others have said, the Tribeca is too expensive for one. Also, it just doesn't make sense.

[FoMoCo Fan]

Honda Element competitor?

[JJ26]

Originally Posted by FoMoCo Fan

Honda Element competitor?

The Tribeca is the size of a Pilot.

[Slack]

I wasn't aware that Toyota was partnered with Subaru. That would be a major hurdle to overcome. Isn't the Tribeca a GMT-360?

[JJ26]

Originally Posted by Slack

Isn't the Tribeca a GMT-360?

Nope.

[Quickening]

No Tribeca is a development between Saab (GM) and Subura, but Saab pulled out and then GM dumped Subura and saved Saab from an ugly reskin. Actually most are noticing that the new Tribeca (recently refreshed) actually resembles the 9-6x (was going to be to the new Saab crossover) photos that were released.

[mgescuro]

Why does Scion need a large SUV???
Fine... let Scion sell it.... It's counter-intuitive for the brand....