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Toyota is on a roll. It's the only manufacturer whose mid-size and full-size pickups sales volumes are both up in 2007. So how to keep the momentum going?

Word has it that Toyota is seriously thinking about giving its youth-oriented Scion brand a small two-door unibody pickup with design DNA based on the Scion Fuse sports coupe concept, seen earlier this year at the New York Auto Show.

The Scion xP runabout would join Scion's other cars - the xB, xD, and tC. The xP would be a stepping stone for Gen-Y buyers, who could move from the urban hipness of a Scion pickup into the larger utility of a Toyota Tacoma or Tundra as they start families and careers.

From the side, the pickup has a low, aggressive stance with a race helmet inspired wraparound window that provides a panoramic view. The visor-like windshield is balanced by strong C-pillars, adding a sense of security and protection.

The idea of a future Scion pickup with a high level of performance and additional hi-tech features just might see the light of day.

Power is provided by Scion's 161-hp/163 lb-ft 2.4-liter DOHC four banger. This fuel efficient engine offers plenty of kick for a two-person hauler. It's also plenty of fun, with a 5-speed manual transmission and 6,500-rpm redline.

And when the car is parked, you can sweep your foot over an infrared sensor in the rear bumper to activate the tailgate, which drops down and becomes a bench for sedentary friends. You'll need something to drink, so the rear console houses a detachable beverage cooler. This arrangement is paired with rear foldout speakers for an unexpected social environment.

The xP's base price would start around $12,000 - almost $1,500 less than a Ford Ranger.

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