Conceptualizing the ScionTake a quick glance at the Scion xA and you'll notice the height to width ratio is rather odd: It's a top-heavy car with a bubble-shaped body. "What we wanted to do was use the existing bubble bodyline and push that bubble outwards to give it more of an aggressive look and widen out the body to give the xA a better stance," said LJ.
With car in hand, the process of creating a body kit that would send the import community into a frenzy had begun. LJ and his cohorts began by sketching numerous images and talking to various companies in order to get an idea of what would look best for the experimental Scion xA. LJ claimed the largest challenge would be to get the car to look wider and to have the bodykit flow evenly with the car's stock look.
Piecing the partsWhat do Scion owners have currently have available in the aftermarket product world? How about a simple fascia kit and some rims that elicit a " whoop-dee-do" and a sympathetic golf clap from the rest of the import community. LJ is well aware of the limited Scion aftermarket offerings and envisions a completely new kit that is "off the wall" for owners.
Starting with a prototype front bumper off a 2003 Honda Civic SI, LJ and DC Autoworks were able to reshape and remold the bumper to fit the Scion. The rear bumper is also a Civic unit that was flared and enlarged to accommodate the monster flares which were next on the list. "You'd think the Civic is wider in stance but in actuality the Scion xA and Honda SI are nearly identical. The only difference is the height that gives the Scion a thinner appearance," LJ commented. After mixing and matching a number of different flares, LJ settled on a set of flares that increase the width on each side by 4 1/2 in. for a total width increase of 9 in. over stock.
Once the flares and body kit are completed to LJ's liking, USA fiberglass will finalize the mold and return the finished product. Yes we know, the body kit currently looks like A.S.S. with fiber strips and filler oozing out the corners, but keep in mind this is only a plug for the car, not the final product.
It's that aforementioned thin look that gives the xA an even more unusual appearance when a set of 19-inch rims are added to the mix. The rims and tires seem to bulge out of the car, creating an unsettling look. With the newfound width in the front and rear, a set of 19x10 and 19x9 wheels with a quirky offset-as yet to be determined-will be stuffed under the flares. In the meantime, a set of 19x7 1/2-in. rims off a Honda Accord have been placed on the car. Wedged in-between the rims and brake calipers are 4 1/4-in. wheel spacers that were custom made for the buildup.
Carbon fiber heaven will also be developed for the Scion: carbon-fiber rooftop, CF hood, CF, diffusers, CF lip kit, CF APR mirrors and a number of CF interior pieces.
In addition, within the center section of the rear diffuser will sit custom dual A'Pexi N1 exhausts.
What's the 411?AS Customs in La Habra will be put to work in fabricating the interior, complete with fiberglass doors, center audio pods and dash ,while Audiobahn products will complete the full audio system. Pioneer will be supplying the headunit. Sparco Torino seats will sit up front and a set of Sparco Sprints will grace the rear of the car. The factory interior will be reskinned in gray suede by Advanced Specialties located in La Habra.