Five Axis Dresses the xB and xD

As fast as you could say “xB and xD,” Scion wheeled out aftermarket versions of its latest crop of compact cars. The automaker gave an xB and xD to California-based Five Axis, the brains behind Scion’s Fuse concept from last year’s New York Auto Show. The cars came back spruced up with enough aftermarket gear to earn them background spots on “4Fast 4Furious: Seoul Food.” (We’re kidding on that, we hope.)

On the xB, there’s enough go to match the show. A supercharger and a cold-air intake system from Toyota’s TRD performance wing boosts power from 158 hp to around 200 hp. A new suspension lowers the car 2 inches, and six-spoke 19-inch wheels wear Yokohama tires. A wraparound body kit is there because, well, every tuner car needs a body kit.

2007 Chicago Auto Show: More on the 2008 Scion xD, Arriving in August

Scion is calling the xD an all-new vehicle, but really it’s a logical replacement for the outgoing xA subcompact hatchback. We’re guessing that because the xA never lived up to expectations, a new name was in order. The xD is based on the same platform as the Toyota Yaris, and it looks like it. We wonder if there are enough customers out there for both. 

Like the new xB, the xD has iPod integration standard, and a customized model was also rolled out. We’ll have more on both custom vehicles a bit later, with their exact modifications. For now, check out another batch of xD photos.

2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Scion xD

We only have a few images of one of the two new Scions that will be introduced tomorrow, but we figured we’d bring you what we have today, along with Kelsey Mays’ full report on the all-new xD — Scion’s replacement for its xA subcompact hatchback.

The xD comes with an improved 128-hp four-cylinder engine that should deliver 30+ mpg in combined driving. It also comes with 16-inch wheels, and six airbags are standard. More to come from the show floor tomorrow.