For nostalgia fans, the old International Harvester consumer SUV (build before we called them SUVs) is being revived under the banner of the Volkswagen group of brands as SCOUT. 2 versions announced. An SUV and a Pick Up truck. Apparently both will be available either as all electric or as Plug In Hybrids.
Articles are suggesting 325-350 miles range for the EV, 500+ miles for the PHEV. Battery technology for the PHEV will be different than the EV.
VW is aiming to make these true off road capable vehicles. Which makes sense. Stellantis group has the JEEP brand. Ford has the BRONCO. Land Rover has an extensive line up of capable off roaders. VW brands currently have nothing that is a true off road vehicle.
Prices are supposed to be about $60,000 and they are still approximately 3 years away from production?
FULL STORY AT Car & Drive LINK ABOVE ^^^
View Photos
Articles are suggesting 325-350 miles range for the EV, 500+ miles for the PHEV. Battery technology for the PHEV will be different than the EV.
VW is aiming to make these true off road capable vehicles. Which makes sense. Stellantis group has the JEEP brand. Ford has the BRONCO. Land Rover has an extensive line up of capable off roaders. VW brands currently have nothing that is a true off road vehicle.
Prices are supposed to be about $60,000 and they are still approximately 3 years away from production?
FULL STORY AT Car & Drive LINK ABOVE ^^^
2028 Scout Traveler SUV and Terra Pickup Have Retro Charm, Range Options
- Scout Motors has unveiled a pair of production-intent concepts that preview the upcoming Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck.
- Both will offer two all-wheel-drive powertrains: an EV with a claimed 350-mile range and a series plug-in hybrid with a gas engine and over 500 miles of range.
- Scout production will start in 2027 at a new factory in South Carolina, with a targeted base price below $60,000.
We've been eagerly anticipating the return of the Scout nameplate ever since Volkswagen announced it would revive the moniker for a new EV-based company over two years ago. While it will be another few years before the new Scouts actually hit the road, we finally have some concrete details of what to expect, as the resurrected brand has revealed two production-intent concepts, the 2028 Scout Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck.
Sharp Design
Scout says its "priority was to honor the spirit of the original Scout," which was among the first mainstream SUVs and was sold by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. The design isn't overtly referential but still ties back to the original through the black "mask" on the front and rear fascias, emulating the classic SUV's rectangular grille and indent in the tailgate.
View Photos
Scout Motors
These panels also incorporate the exterior lighting, with a thin LED strip that runs around the border of the blacked-out section and a pair of rectangular units forming the headlights. The LED daytime running light splits the headlights and passes behind the bodywork to reappear on the vehicle's side. The same look is echoed on the taillights and recalls the Scout II's side markers. The Terra and Traveler also pay homage to the original Scout with the shape of their side windows, which sweep upward along the bottom edge just before the rearmost pillar similar to the classic Scout's rear side window.
The Terra and Traveler's off-road mission is highlighted by front and rear bumpers which are separate from the front and rear fascias. Unlike the power-retractable units on many EVs, the Scouts use traditional mechanical door handles. While the modern renditions don't feature the most distinctive styling, they come across as clean and handsome, with short front overhangs and a purposeful stance.
Off-Road Chops
The two upcoming Scouts don't just look rugged. Their styling will be backed up by a chassis and suspension designed for off-road performance, with the Traveler and Terra riding on an "all-new and proprietary" body-on-frame platform. The oddest bit is that both vehicles will have a solid rear axle, a setup no other current EV employs. Various suppliers have shown setups like this, with an electric motor incorporated into a solid axle, but until now, they seemed more angled toward the commercial segment. We'll be interested to see how much of a penalty this is to ride quality. This sturdy setup is bolstered by a front anti-roll-bar disconnect as well as front and rear mechanical locking differentials. Although Scout hasn't provided official numbers, the approach and departure angles are described as "competitive."
. . . see the link above for photos and complete story
