Toyota Scion 01 concept: Off-road vehicle reincarnates the Scion name

Toyota is bringing back the Scion name after a decade, but not on a small hatchback, but on an off-road side-by-side called the Scion 01 concept, which debuted at SEMA in Las Vegas. The concept uses a four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid powertrain with over 300 horsepower, combined with a roll cage that meets both SCORE and FIA standards, emphasizing the engineering experimentation rather than mass production. Toyota describes it as an “engineering exercise,” and has not announced plans for commercialization.

Location: Scion Innovation Lab

Toyota explains the re-use of the Scion name because it was once “an innovative testbed and symbol of the experimental spirit.” With the Scion 01 concept, that philosophy translates into an off-road platform focused on performance and durability, using proven components in Toyota’s powertrain, suspension, and brakes, but arranged in a compact side-by-side configuration for high-speed runs, extreme trails, and technical rock climbing.

Sand buggy look, optimized for off-road

The Scion 01 has a typical appearance of a sand buggy with a square, minimalist body, highlighted by horizontal light strips at the front and rear. The front bumper has an integrated winch and a pair of auxiliary LED lights; above the roof is a light bar, while the spare tire is hung at the rear of the car, ready for long off-road trips. A set of large off-road tires wraps around sturdy 10-spoke rims, creating a strong and practical overall look.

Minimalist cockpit, focused on control

Inside, the Scion 01 stays true to the spirit of a pure off-road machine: minimalist and practical. Bucket-style sport seats provide good support and are equipped with full seatbelts. The driver's seat features a red accent and white digital camo pattern that evokes the styling of the Tacoma TRD Pro, emphasizing the technical connection between the concept and Toyota's performance pickup line.

Turbocharged hybrid powertrain: over 300 horsepower, with Silent mode

At the heart of the Scion 01 is a four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid powertrain that Toyota says was developed from its truck line. Power is claimed to be “over 300 horsepower,” which is consistent with the need for traction and agile acceleration at high speeds off-road. Toyota also emphasizes that Silent mode allows the vehicle to roll quietly on electric power, allowing the driver to observe the surrounding nature with less noise.

Technically, this setup is likely related to the i-Force Max on the Tacoma Hybrid, where the system produces 326 hp and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm). However, Toyota has not released detailed specifications for the Scion 01, and any inferences should be taken as a guide only. However, the choice of proven components for the transmission, suspension, and brakes suggests that durability and stability are top priorities.

SCORE and FIA standard safety frame

A technical highlight is the new roll cage developed by Toyota, which complies with both SCORE and FIA regulations. Meeting both sets of strict standards for track and off-road safety means the manufacturer is aiming the car at both high-speed and off-road testing, where torsional stability and cockpit protection are required.

Focused off-road equipment, less unnecessary details

Large off-road tires and a front winch are must-haves for serious off-roaders, helping them get out of mud and rescue themselves. A roof light bar improves visibility when driving at night in the desert or on trails, while an externally mounted spare tire optimizes storage space and makes changing tires quick. This layout adheres to the minimalist-durable philosophy, eliminating details that don’t directly contribute to performance.

Suggestions from the world of performance concepts

Aesthetically, the Scion 01 evokes the spirit of the Dacia Manifesto concept – the premise for the Romanian automaker’s Dakar rally – and the Chevy Beast, an off-road concept at SEMA 2021 with a 650-hp V8. However, Toyota’s handling of the body proportions, horizontal light strips, and front/rear fascias help the Scion 01 maintain its own identity, focusing on performance rather than appearance.

Summary table of main parameters and equipment

Category	Information from Toyota
Vehicle model	Side-by-side off-road concept
Launch event	SEMA, Las Vegas
Transmission system	Four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid, derived from Toyota truck line
Capacity	More than 300 horsepower (hp)
Operating mode	Silent (smooth running, electric rolling)
Safety frame	SCORE and FIA standard roll cage
Off-road equipment	All-terrain tires, front winch, roof light bar, rear spare tire, 10-spoke wheels
Interior	Bucket seats, full seat belts; red driver's seat with white digital camo pattern
Technical platform	Toyota-tested transmission, suspension, and brake assemblies

Market outlook: still a question mark

Toyota calls the Scion 01 an “engineering exercise,” without mentioning a production roadmap. If it does go to market, its high-powered turbocharged hybrid setup, race-spec roll cage, and off-road-optimized chassis would make for an interesting platform to compete in the world of high-performance side-by-sides. For now, the Scion 01’s role is primarily to demonstrate the engineering prowess and experimental spirit that the Scion name has always represented.

Quick Conclusion

The Scion 01 concept is a practical engineering statement: a turbocharged hybrid system with >300 horsepower, Silent mode, an international safety frame, and standard off-road equipment. Toyota has not talked about commercialization, but "reviving" the Scion name on a dedicated side-by-side machine shows the ambition to test powerful, durable configurations - which can become the material for future projects.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/toyota-scion-01-concept-xe-dia-hinh-tai-sinh-ten-scion-10310332.html