A Few Capabilities Requests

[cerps343]

I understand we can't have everything but adding to the wish list/looking for commentary from those in the know about whether it is something planned. I would love to see air suspension offered for comfort and ride height adjustment as well as all 3 lockers (front, center, and rear) and rear wheel steering. I've seen the capability of that crab walk feature on the Hummer EV and it's quite neat. Something that could help make the Scout more like a Boy Scout/Girl Scout, always prepared

 

[Chuckles]

I understand we can't have everything but adding to the wish list/looking for commentary from those in the know about whether it is something planned. I would love to see air suspension offered for comfort and ride height adjustment as well as all 3 lockers (front, center, and rear) and rear wheel steering. I've seen the capability of that crab walk feature on the Hummer EV and it's quite neat. Something that could help make the Scout more like a Boy Scout/Girl Scout, always prepared

Air suspension will be offered. Front and rear lockers are available. There's no drive shaft connecting the front and rear Motors so there's no need for a center differential.

 

[mainescout]

Don't forget AM/FM radio.

 

[Hankerson37]

I would love some type of battery heater when optioned with the Gas Harvester. Batteries here in MN in the winter not being able to charge or charge at a far slower rate when extremely cold is an issue.

 

[cerps343]

I would love some type of battery heater when optioned with the Gas Harvester. Batteries here in MN in the winter not being able to charge or charge at a far slower rate when extremely cold is an issue.

I know Teslas have that option, and I thought it was something most EVs do. I haven't really done much research in the EV market to know for sure though.

 

[Goose]

I’m the opposite, I really do not want air suspension. It’s just one more point of chronic failures that I would rather avoid. An adaptive coil spring suspension on high trims (Raptor style) or regular shocks on low and mid would make me happy. Since Scout has said something like 80% of these trucks could be serviced by the end user, that would also make sense. A buddy installed a 4” lift on his gladiator in about half a day, can’t tinker like that with air suspension.

 

[Rocket13foxtrot]

I'm sort of in the middle on this. Rather than commit to a complete air suspension, an airbag spring assist option would be welcome just for those towing/payload instances where the back was loaded down... Like something out of these offerings. Maybe wouldn't be difficult to incorporate from an engineering perspective.
https://www.airliftcompany.com/products

In general, I'd like to see this as simple and functional (=inexpensive) as an EREV vehicle in the late 2020's can be. That's why I'm also not a fan of any "neat," "gee-whiz" features that aren't options or even require excessive engineering commitment ($) like heads up displays, power opening everything, or needless sensors. I saw the latest Ford Explorer actually had its safety rating downgraded or something of the sort because it didn't have sufficient alerts for the driver with regard to back seat seatbelt non-usage. And the Ioniq 5 N was crucified because the upgraded, bolstered sport seats were not power-adjustable. Don't get me started on collision warning alerts and uncommanded braking inputs. I had a rental Kia EV6 one time (which I thought to be a decent vehicle) but was nearly rear-ended when a car in front of me - which I saw and determined not to be a threat - braked to turn right and the car slammed on the brakes and beeped at me. Scared the hell out of me. Every vehicle I have that has that "feature," I turn that stuff off now... So what's the point?

I think there are a lot of good ideas that come from the forums. But I also don't want Scout to feel like every single idea has to be standard or even engineered for as an option... That we might not still be interested if it's not cutting edge 2027 with all the bells and whistles. Because I won't be interested if it IS all those things, and costs $100k. Looking at you, Bronco Raptor.

HOT TAKE/OPINION: I'm sure some of you will off-road this thing to the extreme but like Ford acknowledges with the Bronco Raptor (don't quote me, it's Camisa, if you've seen his review), something like 90 percent of their customers won't. Me, I need a swiss army knife of a vehicle that I can drive daily without huge gas penalties, and may *occasionally* find myself in situations where lockers, ground clearance, and aggressive-ish treads will be entirely sufficient. Need it to tow a bit and carry junk around, with enough interior space (and material resilience) for my family and their crud. Enough power to be interesting. Make living with it easy (phone key/app/connectivity/OTA updates). And make me want to look back at it after I park and walk away... That block is checked.

 

[Bschurr]

I'm sort of in the middle on this. Rather than commit to a complete air suspension, an airbag spring assist option would be welcome just for those towing/payload instances where the back was loaded down... Like something out of these offerings. Maybe wouldn't be difficult to incorporate from an engineering perspective.
https://www.airliftcompany.com/products

In general, I'd like to see this as simple and functional (=inexpensive) as an EREV vehicle in the late 2020's can be. That's why I'm also not a fan of any "neat," "gee-whiz" features that aren't options or even require excessive engineering commitment ($) like heads up displays, power opening everything, or needless sensors. I saw the latest Ford Explorer actually had its safety rating downgraded or something of the sort because it didn't have sufficient alerts for the driver with regard to back seat seatbelt non-usage. And the Ioniq 5 N was crucified because the upgraded, bolstered sport seats were not power-adjustable. Don't get me started on collision warning alerts and uncommanded braking inputs. I had a rental Kia EV6 one time (which I thought to be a decent vehicle) but was nearly rear-ended when a car in front of me - which I saw and determined not to be a threat - braked to turn right and the car slammed on the brakes and beeped at me. Scared the hell out of me. Every vehicle I have that has that "feature," I turn that stuff off now... So what's the point?

I think there are a lot of good ideas that come from the forums. But I also don't want Scout to feel like every single idea has to be standard or even engineered for as an option... That we might not still be interested if it's not cutting edge 2027 with all the bells and whistles. Because I won't be interested if it IS all those things, and costs $100k. Looking at you, Bronco Raptor.

HOT TAKE/OPINION: I'm sure some of you will off-road this thing to the extreme but like Ford acknowledges with the Bronco Raptor (don't quote me, it's Camisa, if you've seen his review), something like 90 percent of their customers won't. Me, I need a swiss army knife of a vehicle that I can drive daily without huge gas penalties, and may *occasionally* find myself in situations where lockers, ground clearance, and aggressive-ish treads will be entirely sufficient. Need it to tow a bit and carry junk around, with enough interior space (and material resilience) for my family and their crud. Enough power to be interesting. Make living with it easy (phone key/app/connectivity/OTA updates). And make me want to look back at it after I park and walk away... That block is checked.

I think you nailed it @Rocket13foxtrot
Auto manufactures are beholden to the NHSTA testing requirements and frequently add features/functions that aren’t needed or appreciated by some consumers but are required to achieve the highest rating which translates into sales (read $ for continued model success).

I own a Bronco Raptor and it’s a nice combination of on-road civility and extreme off-road prowess. It is not my DD, I wheel it frequently and love its utilitarian features and the wash out interior but, when not out on the trails, I wish it had some better creature comforts like cooled (not just heated) seats, power folding mirrors, rain sensing wipers etc. But, I don’t want the Scout to be an over done Land Rover (I have one of those too but, it’s a pavement princess) type vehicle.

Scout needs to stay true to its roots as a utilitarian SUV for the masses (for today’s culture).

 

[Trailguide79]

I think you nailed it @Rocket13foxtrot
Auto manufactures are beholden to the NHSTA testing requirements and frequently add features/functions that aren’t needed or appreciated by some consumers but are required to achieve the highest rating which translates into sales (read $ for continued model success).

I own a Bronco Raptor and it’s a nice combination of on-road civility and extreme off-road prowess. It is not my DD, I wheel it frequently and love its utilitarian features and the wash out interior but, when not out on the trails, I wish it had some better creature comforts like cooled (not just heated) seats, power folding mirrors, rain sensing wipers etc. But, I don’t want the Scout to be an over done Land Rover (I have one of those too but, it’s a pavement princess) type vehicle.

Scout needs to stay true to its roots as a utilitarian SUV for the masses (for today’s culture).

Do you think Bschurr that utilitarian has changed......in expectations.......from the late 1970's to now?

I know that no A/C would be a deal breaker in 2027, when commercial lawn mowers have it on many models.

I only ask the question because some options are really cheap with the current software.....yet would return a bevy of convenience and safety. 360 degree cameras is one that would be inexpensive, and fortunately "ventilated" (not air-conditioned) seats aren't major engineering feats.

I would be surprised if the Scout came with a different suspension than air-ride from the factory, IIRC it has a built in air compressor, and Scout literally went out of business because it didn't advertise to the gals. Average ladies are 5'3", and Rivian already has kneel features that would make a juggernaut like Scout far more accessible to ladies, and short folks.

I think since Scout is no longer fancy farm equipment, it will need a lot more creature comforts to attract and retain customers.

However, out the box it appears to at least be as customizable as a wrangler from the factory and aftermarket standpoints. I know I am excited.

 

[Bschurr]

Do you think Bschurr that utilitarian has changed......in expectations.......from the late 1970's to now?

However, out the box it appears to at least be as customizable as a wrangler from the factory and aftermarket standpoints. I know I am excited.

Exactly - expectations are different 50+ years later and will continue to morph. My “utilitarian” comment was more about staying true to International Harvester’s OG roots for the Scout to be a rugged SUV and not making the new models luxury SUVs.

I am totally stoked for the REX which is exactly why I don’t peruse my Hummer EV reservation and abandoned my Rivian R1S order.

 

[RMK!]

My request is that Scout Team learn from Rivian's (and others ) mistakes which are:

1. Poor positioning of the charge port for the must have Tesla Supercharging support (make all models native NACS)

2. Poor charge curve leading to much longer charge times.

3. Poorly designed and implemented route planning and charger routing.

4. Don't have a -40% net profit loss per vehicle.

See, easy peasy ...