Brand in Brief: Scion

As Edmunds.com explains, when Toyota realized early in the 21st century that it was losing market share in the younger demographic, the company took a chance and decided to spin off a new brand, called Scion. The first Scions, the xA and xB models, were introduced for the 2004 model year and both were immediate hits, snapped up by 20- (and 30-) somethings looking for high quality, fun and affordable wheels. The boxy yet funky styling of the Scions provided a lot of passenger and cargo room for the cars' small footprints, making them ideal choices for campus and urban residents alike. No-haggle pricing, a simple and well-equipped model lineup and a variety of dealer-added options (including neon cupholder lighting) combine to make the purchase of a Scion an enjoyable experience.

Currently, Scion offers three models, the tC, xB and xD. Edmunds.com reports that the tC is a front-wheel drive coupe that sells in a range from $15,000 to $17,000 for the 2008 models. The xB is the unique, box-like vehicle that is considered either a wagon or hatchback, depending on the source. The 2008 xB sells in a range from $15,600 to $16,600, according to Edmunds.com. Finally, Scion also offers its xD model, a tiny sedan that starts at just over $14,000. For more information, visit Edmunds.com.

Replace those wiper blades now

Spring is here. Sunshine. Birds chirping. And, oh yes, rainstorms. Plan now to replace your worn windshield wiper blades in preparation for the inevitable rain. Twin Cities-based Galaxy Auto Centers advises drivers not to wait for a rainy day to replace worn blades. "Road film, poorly adjusted wiper arms and rubber deterioration are the biggest causes for wiper-blade failure," states Galaxy's website. In addition, Galaxy advises, "Clean your windshield with a good quality glass cleaner and make sure that the wipers contact the windshield at a 90 degree angle. Test the clearing capabilities of the blade. If streaking still occurs, replacement of the blade is necessary." Visit Galaxyautocenters.com.

GSTA Rod and Custom Show at State Fair Coliseum Saturday and Sunday

The place: The Coliseum, State Fairgrounds. The time: Tomorrow (9-9) and Sunday (9-8). The event: The 52nd Annual Gopher State Timing Association Rod & Custom Spectacular, featuring 100 of our area's best street rods, customs, restored beauties and motorcycles.

But that's not all. The country's third oldest independent car show, hosted by the state's oldest organized car club, will have legendary Minnesota drag racer Doc Halladay and the newest version of his Plymouth Arrow funny car, rumbling and roaring "cacklefests" involving John Loukkas' 1957 red fuel coupe and other dragsters (weather permitting), a 999-mpg car and more. Admission is $10 ($5 for ages 7-15). Free parking on site. For more information, call 651-464-5250 or visit www.gstarod-custom.com.

Porsche plans for smaller SUV

Porsche's plans for an SUV smaller than the Cayenne may be on the fast track now that the company is increasing its stake in the Volkswagen Group from 31 percent to more than 50 percent, reports Auto Week. Porsche had been actively seeking to cooperate with Audi on a new, five-seat SUV for several years. The plan was to use the upcoming Audi Q5 - to be unveiled at this month's Beijing motor show - as the basis for the new small Porsche SUV. Meanwhile, Audi is set to unveil its new seven-speed double-clutch S-tronic gearbox in the Q5. Following its debut in the Q5, the new gearbox will be launched in other Audi models, initially appearing in Quattro models, including the new A4 due out in September, before finding its way into front-wheel-drive models later.