Team Hybrid - 2006 Scion XA

Breaking the myth that the B-segment show cars are "all show and no go," the folks with Team Hybrid addressed what thy felt was a lack of horsepower with the xA. Their solution? Adding the ultimate power adder-forced induction. The Scion now rocks a custom Danstoy turbo kit, which is based on a Garrett T3 footprint. The custom-built setup sports an equal-length exhaust manifold, custom downpipe, intake-charge pipes and intercooler, all made by Hybrid. A Blitz blow-off valve keeps the turbocharger's compressor from chewing itself to bits when the throttle is lifted, and looks mighty sexy too.

Speaking of bling, adding some serious horsepower is difficult enough, but making it look this great takes even more. The ugly stock battery was replaced with a more attractive Optima Yellow Top piece, and the valvecover was painted Kandy Solar Gold to match the rest of the car and maintain the color scheme. A GReddy oil filler cap was screwed on and the engine bay was done.

After bumping up the horsepower, Team Hybrid wisely decided to upgrade the xA's braking system to bring it up to par with the engine's newfound power and torque. Take a quick peek through the massive aluminum wheels and if you're lucky, you might catch a peek of the Endless big brake kit bolted to the front of the Scion's suspension. The kit's includes Micro 4-piston calipers, brake pads and brake lines. The Micro rotors measure in at a not-quite microscopic 10 inches. Combined, these brake parts add up to a set of stoppers that can handle anything the force-fed 1.5-liter VVTi engine can throw at them.

Speaking of throwing things; the Scion is surely a blast to throw around the mountain roads of Southern California, thanks in part to the Zeal Function coilovers Hybrid bolted on to the car. And while the car is being thrown around the twisties, a set of Status carbon-fiber seats are there to keep the driver and front passenger firmly planted.

While the aforementioned stereo setup is undoubtedly sick, Team Hybrid knew they needed to do more to the interior to win the challenge. To dress up the inside, they installed a NRG steering wheel and a custom black suede gauge pod. Inside that pod is a set of Auto Meter gauges to keep the driver in touch with the engine. Including boost, oil temp, and water temp, the gauge setup is just what's needed on a turbo car. It's not too hard on the eyes, either.

When Scion picked three show car building clubs to compete in their challenge, they picked the best of the best. Team Hybrid faced a seriously tough competition, but in the end, their resources, creativity and years of experience gave them the edge over the others.

And looking at the car they built for only $15,000, it's hard not to be impressed. Too bad they don't get to keep the car. But what the hell, they still get the title of being the Scion Tuning kings, and what could be better?

By Ryan McKay

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