Video highlights of this vehicle

What Is It?
Scion t2B

What's Special About It?
"The t2B combines the attitude of the xB with the comfort and sophistication of the tC," says Vice President of Scion Jim Farley.

Riding on an all-new platform, the t2B's reverse trapezoidal shape was created by the Calty Design Studio in Newport Beach, California, and built at Five Axis in Huntington Beach, California.

A wraparound windshield and the lack of B-pillars on the Scion t2B create a lofty loungelike interior. Two fixed vertical skylights run the length of the roof and the rear hatch's glass wraps the C-pillars, while allowing the hatch door to remain functional.

An asymmetrical-themed exterior provides two different side doors, a power-sliding door on the passenger side gains cabin access for both front and rear passengers and driver-side suicide doors mounted with speakers swing open 180 degrees projecting party music to the outside world.

Interior designer Bill Chergosky was let loose on the t2B's cabin to create a theatrical environment. An LED ticker runs the interior perimeter, changing colors as it circles. Seating for four is carved-out padded foam which molds to the occupant, and a red insert peeks through the driver seatback and bottom distinguishing it as the "hot seat." Close the doors and the sloping, padded door lining integrates along the seat bottoms.

In back, the rear glass doubles as a projection screen, which allows passengers and outsiders to take in the entertainment as well. If music is your thing, there are two MP3 docking stations above the three-tier floating center stack.

Performance seems secondary to the Scion t2B's engaging list of fun features, but if you must peer under the hood, you'll find a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Scion says the t2B is not intended as the successor to the similarly boxy xB, but was developed as a design exercise to determine public interest as Scion works to expand the brand.

What's Edmunds' Take?
If you thought the xB was interesting, the t2B is ready to take you to Funkytown. This is the coolest concept to come out of the New York auto show. — Kelly Toepke