Driving the Scion Superhighway

September 9, 2007

Los Angeles - Two weeks ago Scion owners got an e-mail telling them that Scion was throwing the perfect summer getaway. It was called the Scion Superhighway. (Click here to see photos from the event.) The message invited owners to join with their Scion brothers and sisters for a rally on Sunday September 9th. Owners were to meet at Dodger Stadium, then take a drive up the coast to a "secret location". Only a limited number would be able to participate so early sign-up was encouraged. Those who didn't sign up quickly enough found that the limit was reached early.

On the big day, Scions started appearing almost out of nowhere. As they neared Dodger Stadium, they found that Sunset Blvd was blocked off for another event. Drivers had to locate another entrance, which was difficult for those who don't know the area.

Scion owners finally arrived at the designated lot. And they kept on coming. One at a time, two by two, by fives, dozens. Workers directed drivers where to park. Each driver was given a packet with rules and regs, and directions to the secret location. A numbered magnetic sign was placed on the driver’s side door of each vehicle.

It was clear that xBs and tCs ruled the day. The small - in size and number - but mighty xA represented. Scion's brand new offering for 2008, the xD, was in the house though only two or three examples spoke for the line. All told, close to 400 Scion vehicles converged on the Dodger Stadium staging area. (354 cars actually made the drive up the coast.)

Car clubs came out in force with drivers representing Scion Evolution, So Cal tC, Scion Image, Scikotics, and Team Sciontific. People came from as far away as San Diego, Northern California, Oregon and Phoenix, Arizona to participate in the rally. Solo drivers, couples, families, and friends showed up. Owners walked around, checked out the other cars, met each other, and just took in the first Scion Superhighway event.

The call time was 8am. By 9:30, many participants began to have the same idea and started looking for restrooms. There weren't any. Not even a port-a-potty.

With the meeting and greeting winding down, drivers were ready to literally get the show on the road. Word got around about a possible 10:30 departure. That soon became 11am. Rumors swirled that the convoy was waiting for the camera chopper to arrive. Impatient, drivers started revving engines and honking horns. The horns had sounds as varied as the vehicles that housed them, ranging from standard to ‘oogah’ to one that sounded like an air horn from a train's locomotive.

Finally the helicopter arrived at 11:15. Relieved drivers jumped in their rides and fired up their engines. It took 20 minutes to empty parking lot. The departure could have been executed a little better. Directional signage would have prevented a wrong turn by 50 or so drivers. Stopping traffic for 5 minutes would have allowed all of the participants to exit at same time without getting separated. And it would have made for a better photo from the chopper with all 350 cars hitting the road together.

One of the first signs of the effect the massive parade of Scions had was on an elderly Asian couple walking down the street. They watched as one after another Scion rolled by. The husband pointed them out to his wife, almost in disbelief at the number of cars. The convoy got plenty of looks, many approving, most curious as to what was going on with this endless line of Scions.

When the group entered the south Harbor Freeway, they had to merge in with a motorcycle caravan of at least 100 members. They appeared to be out for their Sunday ride. Fortunately no feathers were ruffled. The Scion line peeled off onto the northbound 101 and the rally was on.

It was a beautiful day for a drive up the California coast. Ocean in view. Few, if any clouds in the sky. The only visible haze stayed offshore, hovering over the oil rigs. Temps were in the low to mid 80's. A perfect day to drive with the sunroof wide open. Drivers rolled along this storied highway for close to two hours en route to their secret destination.

At the Las Positas exit, three kids sat wide-eyed in their yard as hundreds of Scions drove by them. At the light, three xBs with lifts cut loose, bouncing and tilting, showing off for the kids. The xB in line right behind them didn't have hydraulics, but that didn't stop the passenger from bouncing up and down in her seat pretending that it did.

The secret location turned out to be Elings Park in Santa Barbara. Nestled in the hills, hidden from the road, the secluded park provided the ideal location for the Scions-only shindig. When the caravan drove up, Scion had the party ready and waiting to jump off. A big stage complete with DJs anchored the scene, with the DJs holding down the hosting duties. There were carnival games, plenty of food and drinks, and a plenty of space to walk around. In the center of it all was a big tent with truckloads of free gear inside. Owners scored T-shirts, exclusive Scion sampler CDs, hats, socks, and badge-holders. Scion had xB, tC, and xD project cars on display.

Show cars parked in a designated area. Owners walked through the area checking out the various ways owners tricked out their rides. Modifications ran the gamut from simple to sick. Judges roamed the rows of entrants, taking notes and in many cases asking owners to demonstrate what their vehicles could do. Occasionally a “chuff, chuff” sound was heard coming from a car as the owner raised or lowered their ride. Trophies were awarded for best in class in categories such as interior, exterior, and engine modification.

Scion had some serious give-aways. Throughout the afternoon, 5 sets of rims were given out to lucky owners. xA and xB owners got to pick parts for their vehicles from a stack of parts in the tent termed the Scion xA/xB Parts Yard. Toward the end of the event, Scion wheel covers were given out.

Scion sure knows how to treat their customers. Events like this make owners glad they bought one. Events like this make people who saw the rally want to buy one. Judging from the smiles on the faces of those who participated and the response on the owner forums, the first Scion Superhighway was a huge success.