Future Model: Scout Sport- Smaller, and more efficient, but still capable.

[CarTechGeek]

I know there are many requests for 2 door Scout as a direct analog to the Bronco/Wrangler 2 doors, but these really don't sell well, despite all the online requests.

That isn't what I have in mind. I'm thinking something more Rav4 like in size and efficiency. This is my ideal sized vehicle, and it is the #1 selling non pickup truck in the USA, so if you want to target a segment after the pickup and mid size SUV, it's a natural target (and would have much more sales than a 2 door Wrangler analog).

I know these are derisively referred to as "Cute-Ute", and universally they have quite low capability, but that is how Scout could stand out from the field. It doesn't have to match it's bigger brothers off road, just clearly best the "Cute Utes". Just a bit better ground clearance, better approach and departure, and crucially an available, real, rear locker would put it far ahead of the "Cute-Utes", while maintaining their practicality, drivability, and park-ability... That would be a stand out in one of the biggest market segments there is...

Call the Sport in comparison to Bronco Sport, or call it Eagle Scout...

 

[CarTechGeek]

Would be good but I suspect the range extender wouldn’t happen. Having the narrower wheelbase means less area under the vehicle so less batteries. Then taking away more for the generator would probably be tough to have a significant net gain. I think extender on that size vehicle would make more sense than the traveler but as said, I don’t know if cost and space would justify enough of a range gain

The Smaller one, could give up the Frunk for the RE engine, and have a significantly smaller RE battery. Say 75 miles of EV range, so a MUCH smaller battery.

Most people would probably consider 75 mile BEV Range plus Range extender acceptable.

Plenty of people are happy with the Rav4 Prime that only has 42 mil BEV range.

 

[Jamie@ScoutMotors]

We won't stop at just the two models we are initially launching with. I can't go into specifics but there are some very cool things on the drawing board.

 

[Chuckles]

We won't stop at just the two models we are initially launching with. I can't go into specifics but there are some very cool things on the drawing board.

Oh, you've made many people happy (and created a firestorm of speculation)!

 

[International Bulldog]

It's too bad the Suzuki Jimny isn't sold in the USA. They're pretty cool. I saw a bunch of them recently in South Africa. The Land Cruiser series 70 is still available there too.

View attachment 3627

My first thought was the Jimmy as well, but I noticed that no one has mentioned the fj cruiser. I think if you were to build something in that size range (two door with the half doors for ease of access and address the rear visibility issues that the fj had) it would appeal to those who want something smaller but not deal with the inconvenience of a two-door. That size might also make a removable top a possibility.

 

[Chuckles]

My first thought was the Jimmy as well, but I noticed that no one has mentioned the fj cruiser. I think if you were to build something in that size range (two door with the half doors for ease of access and address the rear visibility issues that the fj had) it would appeal to those who want something smaller but not deal with the inconvenience of a two-door. That size might also make a removable top a

Clamshell doors

My first thought was the Jimmy as well, but I noticed that no one has mentioned the fj cruiser. I think if you were to build something in that size range (two door with the half doors for ease of access and address the rear visibility issues that the fj had) it would appeal to those who want something smaller but not deal with the inconvenience of a two-door. That size might also make a removable top a possibility.

I like clamshell doors. I'm not an engineer, but I wonder if it's harder for them to meet side impact standards or just more of a pain in the butt to design? You don't see them very often in smaller vehicles. Honda had the Element and BMW the i3 with them. Or maybe people don't like having to open the front doors first to access the rear?

 

[CarTechGeek]

Clamshell doors

I think most people prefer regular doors. Many very small cars have slightly hidden rear door handles for a 2 door look if that is the intent with the clamshell rears.

I don't care much one way or the other. I almost never carry back seat passengers, and when I was thinking about buying a 2-door Jeep, the first thing I planned to do was remove the rear seats to make more cargo room.

 

[OleScout]

We won't stop at just the two models we are initially launching with. I can't go into specifics but there are some very cool things on the drawing board.

Finger crossed for a 2 door version with fully removable top,if this would occur, curious if the 80/800 or Scout would be the inspiration. I know, we haven't even released the current lineup and here we are already looking forward to future models. We're never content, haha.

 

[KarlT]

Is there some advantage to only two doors? Certainly can make a smaller 4 door?

 

[CarTechGeek]

Is there some advantage to only two doors? Certainly can make a smaller 4 door?

Minor technicalities, like fewer parts, and maybe a bit less weight, and slightly lower production cost.

But I don't think that has anything to do with why people want two doors.

I think people want 2 door because:

1: They assume that 2 door will be smaller, and they want smaller.
2: Styling matching some past 2 door.

I'm ambivalent on 2 doors. I want smaller and don't really care about 2 door or 4 door because back seats are kind of irrelevant to me.

But I also recognize that selling a 2door is a much smaller niche. Most people prefer the convenience of rear doors, and it's easier to sell 4 doors to someone that wants 2, than the other way around.

 

[eightOne]

Is there some advantage to only two doors? Certainly can make a smaller 4 door?

From the off-roader side of things, 2-doors are usually equated to a shorter wheelbase with better breakover angle, better maneuverability, etc.

 

[LastDayScout]

Agree. There were some rumors that they are planning but until battery sizes can shrink and still maintain range it may sit on the shelf greeting SM staff each day. I’m hoping 4 years later so I can justify purchasing that after the traveler

This! The Scout folks did talk about it as openly as they can. They want to do a two door, smaller, removable top. But, they know that the take rate will naturally be lower and the battery size currently needed for acceptable range just won’t fit. Not yet anyway.

 

[OleScout]

Is there some advantage to only two doors? Certainly can make a smaller 4 door?

Sex appeal, aka ascetically pleasing.

 

[pwrofgrayskull]

From the off-roader side of things, 2-doors are usually equated to a shorter wheelbase with better breakover angle, better maneuverability, etc.

This was my line of thinking as well. Shorter wheelbase will outperform in a lot of off road situations.

I would love SM to produce a 2 door. I loved my K5 Blazer. I loved my FJ Cruiser. With that said, I can’t say for sure I’d line up to get one. It would depend on a lot of variables. If it was the only way to get removable doors and removable top in a Scout…I would absolutely heavily consider it. I’ve had no trouble fitting several larger vehicles down tough trails though, so I’m not aching for a 2 door as much as I’d love to see more open-air options to compete with Bronco and Jeep. Again, I’d love to see a 2 door but at the end of the day if I’m honest with myself I can’t promise I would spend my hard-earned money on it unless there was a lot more to it than simply fewer doors.

 

[Mousehunter]

Jeeps started as virtually compact vehicles, gradually transitioned through mid-sized, and now most posters on this forum seem to think they are full sized (so I will say small full sized). Full sized SUV's have 2 more larger sizes, native 2 row (abet some cram in a 3rd row) and native 3 row). So honestly we have 5 different sizes on the market, from compact to small bus. The market bares them all, but I question if a single company can do it easily - it would take a very modern manufacturing system and direct marketing would not hurt. Even then, it might be best to do it over several years.

 

[CarTechGeek]

Jeeps started as virtually compact vehicles, gradually transitioned through mid-sized, and now most posters on this forum seem to think they are full sized (so I will say small full sized). Full sized SUV's have 2 more larger sizes, native 2 row (abet some cram in a 3rd row) and native 3 row). So honestly we have 5 different sizes on the market, from compact to small bus. The market bares them all, but I question if a single company can do it easily - it would take a very modern manufacturing system and direct marketing would not hurt. Even then, it might be best to do it over several years.

I don't consider Jeeps Full Sized, but I do consider the new Scouts Full Sized. The problem is that there is no formal definition.

But, we do have agreement on what a full size pickup truck is, and that is something about F150 sized. Which makes the Terra a full size truck.

IMO, an SUV, based on the same platform, as a Full Sized pickup Truck is a Full Size SUV. That Makes the Traveler a Full Sized SUV.

I have ZERO interest in a Full Sized SUV. Especially when they are pushing legal width limit (before requiring extra running lights) of 80". Even what is considered Mid-Sized today, is bigger than I'd like

I'd like something Under 180" long, and under 72" wide. You know something closer to the original Scouts, than these new full sizer versions.

 

[KarlT]

I don't consider Jeeps Full Sized, but I do consider the new Scouts Full Sized. The problem is that there is no formal definition.

But, we do have agreement on what a full size pickup truck is, and that is something about F150 sized. Which makes the Terra a full size truck.

IMO, an SUV, based on the same platform, as a Full Sized pickup Truck is a Full Size SUV. That Makes the Traveler a Full Sized SUV.

I have ZERO interest in a Full Sized SUV. Especially when they are pushing legal width limit (before requiring extra running lights) of 80". Even what is considered Mid-Sized today, is bigger than I'd like

I'd like something Under 180" long, and under 72" wide. You know something closer to the original Scouts, than these new full sizer versions.

An SUV under 180” is either a compact or subcompact by almost anybody’s standards. And those are very popular today. Although most compacts stretch to 182-185. Certainly most manufacturers have offer compact and standard sizes.
Did the old Scouts have much rear seat legroom? Where did they save length?

 

[CarTechGeek]

An SUV under 180” is either a compact or subcompact by almost anybody’s standards. And those are very popular today. Although most compacts stretch to 182-185. Certainly most manufacturers have offer compact and standard sizes.
Did the old Scouts have much rear seat legroom? Where did they save length?

I don't agree that length is the sole defining measurement.

I don't consider a the new Bronco 2 door that is about 76" wide, and nearly 5000lbs of curb weight to be compact.