Spy Shots: A New Scion Sedan?

by Ronnie Schreiber

Published: November 2nd, 2013

Many automotive companies test cars and components for resistance to radio frequency interference not far from where I live in suburban Detroit. There are a number of radio and television broadcast antennas in the area, so it’s not uncommon to see camouflaged preproduction cars driving in the neighborhood or parked in the shadow of one of the radio or tv towers.

I was running over to my ex’s to give my younger daughter a ride to her teaching job, when I spotted this car. The driver was concerned about getting into trouble so I told him that I’d obscure his face, but I suppose he was a bit freaked out that I knew what he was doing there because he pulled away and drove around the corner. My first guess, based on the shape of the headlamp units is that it’s a sedan version of the Scion xD, which is currently sold here as a five-door (Toyota has a large R&D center in Ann Arbor and a technical center in Plymouth), though it doesn’t necessarily have to be a car intended for the U.S. continent.

Automotive suppliers with R&D facilities in southeastern Michigan will sometimes test foreign market cars in the same neighborhood. What do you think it is?

#PreproductionCars #Scion #SpyShots

Ronnie Schreiber

Ronnie Schreiber edits Cars In Depth, the original 3D car site.

More by Ronnie Schreiber

Comments

Join the conversation

8 of 129 comments

Lie2me on Nov 03, 2013

(scratches head)... Now I'm not sure what it is, but then again it's not the kind of car I'd be interested in anyway

Like Reply
- See 1 previous
- Marcelo de Vasconcellos on Nov 03, 2013
  
  I Cn't resist! But your kids or grandkids will!!! Sorry...
  
  Like
- Lie2me on Nov 03, 2013
  
  @Marcelo de Vasconcellos Qu'ils mangent de la brioche
  
  Like
Tresmonos on Nov 03, 2013

The yellow windshield labeling indicate it's a PD fleet car via Ford. The upper left or right labeling gives it away as Ford is the only OEM dumb enough to label a preproduction build to make their future product stand out further. In this case, it looks to be a TT build of some sort.

Like Reply
- See 3 previous
- 28-Cars-Later on Nov 03, 2013
  
  So you're certain its a Ford?
  
  Like
- Tresmonos on Nov 03, 2013
  
  @28-Cars-Later It looks like some sort of test mule. If it was a sensitive prototype, you would see canvas / 3D camo on it. Probably a regional A car with extreme carelessness was just partially unveiled (unlikely, but you never know). If I were a betting man, it has the snout of the global Fiesta / new Fusion, just blocked off to hide the aston grin and allow proper air flow. It's the new Ka. So it is probably someone at PDC crapping the bed and driving this around without full camouflage. Those damned FCG's and suppliers.
  
  Like
- Tresmonos on Nov 03, 2013
  
  @28-Cars-Later If Ronnie has a up close photo of the Tag # (The yellow label), he could really get the dude in trouble. If it's a Tag # with a W, it's a non saleable vehicle. If it has a T, it can be retrofitted with job 1 intent parts and made saleable. If it's a Y, it's saleable. I think thats the way it went... it's been a few months. I'm positive it's a Ford. Those yellow tag labels give it away. PDC fleet.
  
  Like
- Tresmonos on Nov 04, 2013
  
  @28-Cars-Later This could be a Figo or the fact that it doesn't have canvas camo leads us to believe it's significance has been reduced due to a cancellation or reveal event. I think this may be a Figo, based upon the door handles and mirrors.
  
  Like

Recent Comments

3SpeedAutomatic I'd like to see a sedan:[list][*]boxy in shape, avoid the windshield at a 65º angle BS[/*][*]tall greenhouse, plenty of headroom to sit straight up in the back seat[/*][*]V8, true dual exhaust, sans turbo, gobs of torque[/*][*]rear wheel drive, fully independent suspension, accommodate a stretched wheel base (livery service would go nuts)[/*][*]distinctive, tasteful colors (black, navy blue, claret, etc.)[/*][*]more substance, less flash on dashboard[/*][*]limited 5 yr run, get it while you can before the EPA shuts you down[/*][/list]
Bd2 Mark my words : Lexus Deathwatch Part 1, the T24 From Hell!
Michael S6 Cadillac is beyond fixing because of lack of investment and uncompetitive products. The division and GM are essentially held afloat by mega size SUV (and pick up truck GM) that only domestic brainwashed population buys. Cadillac only hope was to leapfrog the competition in the luxury EV market but that turned out disastrously with the botches role out of the Lyriq which is now dead on arrival.
BlackEldo I'm not sure the entire brand can be fixed, but maybe they should start with the C pillar on the CT5...
Bd2 To sum up my comments and follow-up comments here backed by some data, perhaps Cadillac should look to the Genesis formula in order to secure a more competitive position in the market. Indeed, by using bespoke Rwd chassis, powertrains and interiors Genesis is selling neck and neck with Lexus while ATPs are 15 to 35% higher depending on the segment you are looking at. While Lexus can't sell Rwd sedans, Genesis is outpacing them 2.2 to 1. Genesis is an industry world changing success story, frankly Cadillac would be insane to not replicate it for themselves.