Scout Motors introduces the next era of rugged trucks and sport utility vehicles with the unveiling of two production-intent concept vehicles, the Scout Traveler SUV and the Scout Terra truck. The new Scout vehicles are designed and engineered in Michigan and will be manufactured in South Carolina.
“Two years in the making, the day has finally come to share the next generation of Scout vehicles with the world,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO, Scout Motors. “The original core idea — rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty — is more relevant than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalize this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work.”
Scout Motors’ first priority was to honor the spirit of the original Scout vehicles. The new Scout Traveler and Scout Terra take inspiration from the design and utility of the original Scout vehicles manufactured by International Harvester from 1961-80.
The Scout Traveler and Scout Terra will be built on an all-new and proprietary body-on-frame platform with a solid rear axle that is designed to deliver credible capability and off-road performance. The platform is projected to deliver more than 10,000 pounds of towing on the Terra truck, over 7,000 pounds of towing on the Traveler SUV, and nearly 2,000 pounds of payload on both models.
In addition, the platform is intended to offer up to 35-inch tires, over 1 foot of ground clearance, nearly 3 feet of water fording capability, a front sway bar disconnect, front and rear mechanical lockers, competitive approach and departure angles, and robust suspension options. Scout vehicle capability will largely be controlled through a tactile experience. From mechanical door handles, to grab bars, to switches and dials, Scout vehicles will provide a real hands-on user experience.
Both the Scout Traveler and Scout Terra will be configurable with 100 percent battery electric or gasolinefueled range-extended energy systems to give customers the confidence they need to electrify on their terms. Fully electric variants are anticipated to offer up to 350 miles of range, and range-extended variants are projected to offer more than 500 miles of range through a built-in, gas-powered generator.
Both energy systems will preserve the Scout Traveler and Scout Terra off-road characteristics as well as the packaging benefits of electric propulsion. Both Scout energy systems are designed to be flexibly integrated into the platform and into the production process, ensuring Scout Motors can respond to evolving market demand.
Scout vehicles will include a four-wheel-drive system made up by an electric drive unit on each axle. Fully electric Scout vehicles are targeted to climb 100 percent grades and accelerate 0-60 mph in as quick as 3.5 seconds made possible by an estimated nearly 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. All Scout vehicles will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS), 800-volt (V) architecture, up to 350 kilowatt charging capability, and will be capable of bi-directional charging.
Scout vehicles will leverage a modern zonal software architecture, enabling over-the-air (OTA) updates, remote diagnostics, and enhanced customer lifetime value. The in-vehicle experience will benefit from the software architecture through snappy touchscreen interfaces, high-resolution camera views, and the ability to personalize experiences.
The Scout Traveler and Scout Terra are designed as versatile multitools with durable materials and flexible cargo areas throughout. Both vehicles will include a front trunk capable of fitting golf clubs, a gym bag, and a small cooler, as well as powering multiple devices with 120V and USB-C power outlets. The Scout Terra will feature a 5.5-foot pickup bed which offers two 120V power outlets and one 240V power outlet—power for heavy-duty tools at a jobsite or to keep your home appliances running during an outage. In addition, the Scout Traveler split tailgate offers easy access to cargo and protection from the elements when opened, shielding both passengers and cargo from the weather.
The Scout Traveler and Scout Terra will offer an optional extended range electric vehicle (EREV) energy system, called Harvester. A proprietary Scout EREV energy system will unlock freedom on the road while still delivering off-road capability. With a small internal combustion engine added to the energy system, the gas-powered engine will recharge the vehicle’s high voltage battery, extending the range to more than an estimated 500 miles while maintaining the electric drive system’s instant response and off-road performance.
Entry models starting as low as $50,000 with available incentives, and retail prices starting under $60,000, Scout Motors is now accepting reservations for the Scout Traveler and Scout Terra.
Consumers can visit scoutmotors.com to make a reservation to order their vehicle. After placing a $100 fully refundable reservation fee, then selecting their preferred Scout vehicle model and energy system, customers can reserve a spot in line.