2011 Scion iQ by Tatsu

(from Scion Press Release)  SEMA Show-time in Las Vegas for Toyota is all about giving iQ the kind of look-at-me dazzle that’s perfect for the world’s most famous adult playground. The specialist auto show is hosting an array of full-blooded customised versions that take the style-setting urban car into a new world of pumped bodywork and pimped interiors.

Three iQ have been created for the show’s Tuner Challenge, with a fourth custom special displaying a radical chop-top look. They are joined at SEMA by further American-market models that have been given ultimate makeovers, plus some of Toyota’s latest State-side racing machinery.

Michael Chang, Jon Sibal and Tatsu are the famous tuners who have worked their magic on iQ. Chang has produced the iQ-RS, giving the car the full motorsport treatment: key elements include a carbon fibre body kit, Air Runner suspension, Sparco race seats and Advan Racing wheels.

Tatsu’s iQ-MR takes an even more radical approach, moving the engine – rebuilt by Mavrik Motorsports – amid-ships to drive the rear wheels. The bodywork has been customised with new panels from Speciality Cars and 16-inch Sakura wheels from Axis are fitted.

SEMA also marks the public debut of the first race car to be developed from the new, third generation Yaris. The Yaris B-Spec Club Racer will be competing in SCCA championship racing in the USA next year, driven by American BMX star Jamie Bestwick.