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Scion adds Pandora to 2012 xB's stereo

The 2011 Scion xB's premium audio system proved a disappointment, but the company has announced new stereo choices for the 2012 model. The base and upgrade Pioneer head units add standard Bluetooth and HD radio, and the upgrade brings in iPhone Pandora integration.

At its launch, Scion relied on aftermarket head units for its cars, which should have kept it on the edge of in-cabin electronics. But recent models used older electronics, and lacked feature-rich Bluetooth phone systems or modern audio sources. The new Pioneer head units add HD radio and Bluetooth audio streaming to the existing iPod support.

The upgrade Pioneer audio system features a large screen, which should make browsing music libraries easy. Both head units rely on the same audio system, with four speakers in front and two in the rear. Owners can add a subwoofer through an RCA jack in the back of the head units.

Pioneer previously announced its App Radio, offering integration with Pandora and a number of smartphone apps. … Read more

Scion tC Release Series 7.0 debuts push-button start, new Pioneer receiver

Scion likes to attract attention to its brand with yearly Release Series special editions of its tC, xB, and xD models. Usually, that means a fresh coat of exclusive paint, color-matched interior trim, a set of nice wheels, and a body kit, but the upcoming Scion tC Release Series 7.0 also gets some new cabin tech.

Let's start with the standard-fare Release Series upgrades. In addition to the retina-searing High Voltage yellow paint, this limited-edition tC also gets 18-inch gloss black alloy rims and a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) five-piece body kit that adds a honeycomb lower grille … Read more

Scion's Voodoo Blue xB short on tech

Release Version 8.0 of the Scion xB gets the look of a custom car straight from the factory. This special-edition vehicle, a run of 2,000 models, shows up in a unique Voodoo Blue paint color and with a body kit to set it apart from all other xBs.

And the car drives easy. Jump in the easily accessible and comfortable seats, and jogging the car around the city or suburbs presents little hassle. The squarish body style might have some traditionalists shaking their heads, but it makes for a roomy, comfortable cabin with plenty of cargo space.

But … Read more

CNET Car Tech: 2011 Scion xB Release Series

Scion has had a funny reception during its short history. Intended as a car for the young and ultrahip, it ended up being quite popular with baby boomers as well; whoops! But that's another story. In the video at hand, we take a look at the Scion xB Release Series for 2011, which is most certainly not a car with a lot of cross-generational appeal (though the Smurfs are eating it up). Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Read CNET's review of the 2011 Scion xB.

See the Scion FR-S concept in action...sort of

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the Scion FR-S concept unveiled at the 2011 New York auto show. Journalistic objectivity aside, that car is hot! When I heard that Five Axis, the team that built the concept for Scion, was entering an FR-S into the 2011 Red Bull Soapbox Race in downtown Los Angeles, I had to check it out.

What came out of the build process was a tube framed, super deformed FR-S micro-car with space for a single driver. Power is provided by two men who push the FR-S; gravity takes over as … Read more

2011 New York auto show: Day one roundup

At the tail end of the international auto show season, automakers still have a few tricks up their sleeves, new models and concepts to unveil at the 2011 New York auto show. Many small cars got significant updates during the first day of the show, and more efficient engines entered the mix.

Check out our first day's coverage of the 2011 New York auto show.

2013 Ford Taurus gets two efficient engine options

Ford unwraps the 2013 Taurus SHO

2012 Volkswagen Beetle (photos)

2012 Nissan Versa (photos)

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid gets 44 mpg (photos)

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (photos)… Read more

Scion tC short on tech, long on upgradability

Scion launched as Toyota's entry-level brand, designed for youth appeal. And around 2005, Scion models' standard iPod integration was pretty cutting-edge. But Toyota hasn't put much effort into updating Scion's cabin tech over the years, the result being that the 2011 tC, this model's first major update, feels ridiculously out-of-date. Scion has lost the youth vote.

On the other hand, the Scion tC is easily upgradable. Any halfway mechanically inclined individual can pull the stereo and replace it with something much better than Scion's optional equipment, at substantially less cost. At the same time, there … Read more

Car Tech Live 201: How much do we have to pay you to buy an electric car? (podcast)

How much do we have to pay you to buy an electric car? Ferrari does its first AWD hatchback! You might actually get your Nissan Leaf before you die. Plus, we drive the Scion tC.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 201 SHOW NOTES

• Ferrari FF is an AWD hatchback

• Electric car tax credit could become a rebate

• Wireless carriers offer to block your phone while you're driving--for a fee

• XM Sirius want permission to rate subscription rate

• Share your car to make money?

• CNET's LOL cars gallery!… Read more

2010 Car Tech awards: And the winner is...

CNET Tech Car of the Year for 2010

2011 Nissan Leaf

Earlier this month we invited you to vote for the 2010 Tech Car of the Year from our five nominees. This year proved an upset, though, as our staff judges came down on the side of the 2011 Nissan Leaf, these votes overruling the general support for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the Audi A8. The MKZ Hybrid is an excellent car, although its very close relative, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, won last year's award. Audi came out this year with a phenomenal flagship sedan in the new … Read more