X

Photos: Build-it-yourself Scion xB

If there is one blue-sky thinker among the major automakers it is Scion. Toyota's quirky subsidiary is always looking for wacky ways to push its edgy brand message, and at this year's SEMA show it unveiled one of the wackiest yet. Scion has teamed up with Ridemakerz, a manufacturer of build-it-yourself scale-model toy cars, enabling Ridemakerz customers to build their own version of the new Scion xB called the Ride. Customers get to choose every aspect of the car's appearance from its paint job to its rims and tires to its exhaust pipes. In the interests of thorough automotive journalism, we gave it whirl.

CNET Reviews staff
Scion_DIY_1_440.jpg
1 of 18 CNET Networks
This is how our tricked-out xB Ride ended up, but it took some serious work to get to this point.
Scion_DIY_2_440.jpg
2 of 18 CNET Networks
The first step in the Ridemakerz process involves choosing a body for your car. In addition to Scion, the retailer has partnerships with Ford and Daimler to offer build-it-yourself scale models of the Ford Mustang, Dodge Ram, and Dodge Challenger Concept. But as this was a Scion press event, we had only the xB to choose from.
Scion_DIY_3_440.jpg
3 of 18 CNET Networks
Turning over our xB's Comet Blue body, we discovered that the car comes prewired for lighting and sound. Customers can choose from one of five sound effects for their car, with options including sirens, squealing tires, and revving engines.
Scion_DIY_4_440.jpg
4 of 18 CNET Networks
Next comes the choice of chassis (or, in Ridemakerz speak, "chassiz"). Customers get the choice between "street" and "monster" chassis, and between a freewheel or radio-controlled motor (the latter is an extra $25). We opted for a freewheeling monster.
Scion_DIY_5_440.jpg
5 of 18 CNET Networks
Next comes the choice of rims and tires. At the SEMA event there were four bins full of different tires, but Ridemakerz staff told us that there are more options in their retail stores.
Scion_DIY_6_440.jpg
6 of 18 CNET Networks
We chose the Flamez rubber: a pair of smaller tires for the front wheels and a massive pair of drag-racing slicks for the bigger rear wheels.
Scion_DIY_7_440.jpg
7 of 18 CNET Networks
In each of its stores Ridemakerz has an assembly line, where customers (customerz?) screw together their cars' major components.
Scion_DIY_8_440.jpg
8 of 18 CNET Networks
We narrowed our choice of wheels down to the RZ Ninjas and RZ Pirates, opting eventually for the latter.
Scion_DIY_9_440.jpg
9 of 18 CNET Networks
The rims snap into the tires (or "treadz") by hand.
Scion_DIY_10_440.jpg
10 of 18 CNET Networks
With the chassis and body in place, the wheels snap onto the car's axles.
Scion_DIY_11_440.jpg
11 of 18 CNET Networks
The car is now ready for the its customization. Accessories include grille guards, spoilers, hood scoops, side pipes, and a lot more. According to Ridemakerz, there are more than half a billion possible combinations for the xB Ride.
Scion_DIY_12_440.jpg
12 of 18 CNET Networks
We opted for a roof rack with spotlights...
Scion_DIY_13_440.jpg
13 of 18 CNET Networks
But we passed up the hood scoop...
Scion_DIY_14_440.jpg
14 of 18 CNET Networks
...which attached itself to our car's roof using a magnet.
Scion_DIY_15_440.jpg
15 of 18 CNET Networks
...in favor of a blower to give our pint-sized xB some performance credentials.
Scion_DIY_16_440.jpg
16 of 18 CNET Networks
To go with our pirate wheels, we chose some appropriate stickers to add the finishing touches.
Scion_DIY_17_440.jpg
17 of 18 CNET Networks
And voila! With the addition of some quad side pipes, our very own personalized Scion xB Ride was ready for prime time. Customers can also create their own personalized license plate and receive a unique certificate of title.
Scion_DIY_19_440.jpg
18 of 18 CNET Networks
Scion made its own life-sized Ridemakerz model for the SEMA show, which drew some puzzled stares from attendees who didn't realize it was a scaled-up toy.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos