Motor Trend has confirmed that the iQ will go on sale in the US either as 2011 or 2012 model but with few minor changes. For starters, the bumpers will change so they meet US standards; this will lengthen the vehicle by about an inch and a half. By using smaller rims, the iQ also be six inches shorter than concept pictured above. Since the Scion iQ will touted as a premium vehicle for urban areas, the interior will be receiving higher quality plastics.

Scion is also is not sure which engine the iQ will be fitted with. The engine bay can accept engines ranging from 1.0 liter 3 cylinder to a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine. The car will be a 3-seater, though a budding family could arrange a 3+1 seating configuration.

In surprising news, Toyota hinted that iQ's nearly identical electric brother, the FT-EV, will enter production in early 2012 but as a Toyota. The FT-EV will be an electric vehicle with at least 50 miles range and an 8-hour charge time. This vehicle also would also be Toyota's first mass produced electric car and the first Toyota to feature Lithium-Ion batteries.

Source: Motor Trend