Ideas for Scout Engineers

[midwestscout]

Hi Scout engineers,

Below are some ideas for standard or optional features:

-add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
-include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
-pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app
-include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models.
-include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options.
-heated/cooled/massaging seats
-excellent sound system with subwoofer
-flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models
-include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating
-ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
-include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric, I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
-allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
-include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving.
-rain-sensing windshield wipers
-auto high/low headlight beams
-include 7 and 4 pin towing connections
-power sunshade on the glass roof option
-solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
-allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
-use Google maps
-have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps
-matte black exterior color option
-matte black front and rear skid plate finish options
-relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.


Thank you for listening!

 

[AAW83]

Hi Scout engineers,

Below are some ideas for standard or optional features:

-add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
-include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
-pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app
-include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models.
-include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options.
-heated/cooled/massaging seats
-excellent sound system with subwoofer
-flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models
-include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating
-ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
-include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric, I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
-allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
-include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving.
-rain-sensing windshield wipers
-auto high/low headlight beams
-include 7 and 4 pin towing connections
-power sunshade on the glass roof option
-solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
-allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
-use Google maps
-have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps
-matte black exterior color option
-matte black front and rear skid plate finish options
-relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.


Thank you for listening!

Add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
I agree that there should be steps built into the tailgate for the Terra so help people especially like me with 2 bad knees to better have access into the truck bed.
Include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
This would be a great option nowadays as almost everyone has a smartphone and it would be nice to carry one less thing like a key fob in our pockets unless you carry a bag or purse with you.
Pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app.
This would be very handy especially for those times where either the climate is very cold or hot.
Include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models.
This should be standard equipment option as most vehicles these days have this feature as standard.
Include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options.
For me, this is an absolute must as I use Waze and iTunes on Apple Carplay all the time especially Waze to notify me of real time traffic delays, closures, police patrol, etc. Also would be great if it was wireless.
Heated/cooled/massaging seats.
Definitely a must, at the least, heated and cooled seats in both front and rear seats. I have standard optioned massage seats in my driver seat of my Genesis GV70 and driver and passenger seats of my Cadillac Escalade ESV and it’s nice to have but I don’t think it is a must. Definitely can be an option item.
Excellent sound system with subwoofer.
The one thing that I personally look for in a vehicle is a very premium surround sound system especially for those outings with friends or long road trips. Music is life to me and I do not go a day without listening or singing to music. With that said, Scout must have a very awesome sound system with a powerful subwoofer and technology to match.
Flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models.
I am not sure if this would matter especially if the Harvester engine is only there to serve as a generator for the battery while driving instead of as part of the powertrain.
Include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating.
I think they will include this as I saw a clip of a hidden storage compartment with a slide back lid in the frunk that looks like it would be used to either store charging cables or refrigerated products.
Ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 average adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
I agree but maybe increase weight capacity to at least 750 lbs. as the percentage of Americans who are overweight is 74%, 43% of those people are obese.
Include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric. I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
I can see your perspective but I also think that it’s very unique for the brand as no other brand really gives thought to the headliner. Either way, it doesn’t bother me unless it’s white or cream colored.
Allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
I don’t mind all leather as it can make the interior look very classy and luxurious but I prefer more of a mix of materials especially in the areas of the seats that makes contact with most of your body like your back and rear. I have half alcantara and half leather seats in my Genesis and it is the best combination in my opinion. The alcantara is not cold or hot to the touch and keeps you gripped into the seats. The surrounding leather serves as a luxurious accent. I actually like the interior styling and color scheme Scout has created but I would love to see alcantara or an alternative fabric in the parts of the seats that makes contact with most of your body.
Include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Should be standard equipment.
Auto high/low headlight beams.
Should be standard equipment. One thing I would add would be an option for adaptive headlights so when you’re driving at night, the headlights turn and illuminate in the direction you turn.
Include 7 and 4 pin towing connections.
Power sunshade on the glass roof option.
Either a power shade or electrochroamatic glass.
Solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
Allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
May be for some people but I can do without this.
Use Google maps
If they have the ability to integrate wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto or if they come up with their own native community system like Tesla and Rivian, Google Maps may not be needed or redundant.
Have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps.
Not familiar with this but I am sure that those who are avid off-roaders would appreciate this.
Matte black exterior color options.
I am sure they will have matte color options especially in popular colors like black, white, silver, etc. They showed the Terra in a matte dark navy blue color.
Matte black front and rear skid plate finish options.
I would love if they had like a black pack option like a lot of other brands offer that would black out parts of a vehicle that would otherwise be a chrome or metallic finish.
Relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.
I wouldn’t necessarily want them to relocated the power outlet but I would maybe hope they would have outlets both on the exterior where they have it currently as well as in the interior rear cargo area.

Other standard or optional features I would also like to see offered:
1) In Rear View Mirror Camera - Enable to see what’s behind you when driving especially if you have rear passengers blocking your vision or if you have the Traveler, being able to see around the rear spare tire mount.
2) Blind Spot Turn Signal Camera Displayed in Instrument Cluster - Additional safety when changing lanes, you would be able to see what is in your blind spot with a camera view that pops up in the instrument cluster similar to the Genesis/Hyundai/Kai products and now in the Rivians.
3) Remote Smart Park Assist - Being able to move your vehicle in and out of tight spaces especially when some has parked too close to you. With the size of the Scout vehicles, it could be very helpful because a lot of people nowadays just don’t care about parking etiquette.
4) Head Up Display - Didn’t see this mentioned during the reveal but would love to have this feature.
5) Augmented Reality and Night Vision - I love this feature as the AR for example could help show your driving directions in real time on screen so you don’t miss a turn and the night vision would help improve night time driving safety by showing you things you cannot in the light.
6) Rear Wheel Steering - Help improve turning radius although I am not sure how this will impact true off-roading capabilities.
7) OEM Rear Entertainment Display Screens - I can see this option being something useful for families who are looking for good size true long range EV SUV that can also keep the kids in the rear occupied.
8) Rear Occupant Detection - Don’t know how it happens but it does. This will alert owner of rear occupants before exiting the vehicle just in case they forget.
9) Pet Mode - Since Scout mentioned riding with your pet with the bench seat option, I assume they will have this option so that you can leave your pet in the vehicle and feel comfortable doing so.
10) Sentry Mode - This is what Tesla has and can be helpful. A vehicle security system that keeps cameras and sensors active to detect and deter threats like vandalism, damage and theft when the car is parked or off. Would give everyone piece of mind.
11) Power Remote Folding/Unfolding Rear Seats - Being able to do this from the rear cargo area to eliminate doing it manually.
12) Reclining Rear Seats - Giving your rear passengers added comfort especially on long road trips.

 

[Jamie@ScoutMotors]

Wait the traveler doesn't have a 240V outlet!? What??

I would recommend starting a new suggestion topic for just this suggestion so people can up-vote it.

 

[TaconicBear]

I'll take a pass at the list presented above. Not to be argumentative, but to let the engineering team know that there are differences on some of these items;

-add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
-include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
-pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app
-include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models. This should also integrate with a security system, similar to Gear Guard on a Rivian, or Sentry Mode on a Tesla
-include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options. There is no excuse to not feature Android Auto / CarPlay in a new vehicle.
-heated/cooled/massaging seats. I have these in one of the vehicles that I own. I also had heated seats in my '73 Saab 99. I have never used them.
-excellent sound system with subwoofer. As an option, OK. But please, this should not be a requirement. One man's "excellent" is another man's garbage. Also, a vehicle is not a sound studio. Save your money and invest in a home studio.
-flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models
-include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating
-ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
-include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric, I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
-allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
-include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving. NO! Do not waste time on this! If you don't want to drive, hire a cab, or get a chauffer. Tesla has been promising FSD for over a decade, and what they have does not work.
-rain-sensing windshield wipers
-auto high/low headlight beams. As an option, OK, but I prefer to operate the vehicle and all of it's systems/displays myself.
-include 7 and 4 pin towing connections
-power sunshade on the glass roof option
-solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
-allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
-use Google maps
-have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps
-matte black exterior color option
-matte black front and rear skid plate finish options
-relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.

And I'll add something that would give me a compelling reason to buy a Scout; Heads Up Display! It would be great to see your speed, and basic indicators (turn signals, warning lights, and - if possible - navigation instructions, projected on the inside of the windshield.

I like your attitude, many of these things take away from the experience of driving, and are frankly scary when I think of the other vehicles' drivers with whom I'm sharing the road.
- I do find the heated/cooled seats helpful. I have spine issues and muscles sometimes spasm in reaction, so the heat is therapeutic. Also my passengers are frequently in their 80s or 90s: bodily temperature regulation is not as good for the aged. Both heating and cooling helpful.
- The idea for full leather seats makes heated/cooled seats almost impossible; they depend on maintaining a open duct through the top layers of the fabric. I expect they'd be mutually exclusive options -- if offered. The cooling option has a secondary benefit of producing a positive airflow to quickly dry seats that get rained or spilled upon.
- I wish I could agree with the "invest in a home sound studio" comment, but as a classically trained musician I have long since recognized that the people who design sound systems for vehicles have mastered the advantage that having a known chamber gives them. Short of sitting in the middle of the symphony orchestra on (some) stages, the JBL setup in my Tundra matches life experiences excellently. It allows me to critically listen to the sound engineering as well as the musicians' performance. I know it's not for everyone, but an option I need because in my life drive time is the only time/place I have to listen seriously.
- I agree totally with your 'keep your hand on the wheel" thoughts. I've played with "lane assist" and find it fun, but also that there are so many conditions and situations that cause it to fail.
- Having at least one 120v access in the passenger seat area is important to power the laptop, and also having a 12v access would be useful for powering any of the many appliances and accessories already on the market. Presumably the cover over the plug panel would provide a rain shield. But having both 120v and 12v access inside the rear cargo area would allow certain appliances (like a mini-fridge) to run while driving.
- I, too, was under the impression that hi-low automatic switching of headlights was required; but it appears that it can be easily overridden. I rely on it, yet I do have a few situations where I need the override, but it wouldn't bother me if the override had an automatic reset after maybe 10 minutes. Last evening I was driving my '66 Scout (old dim yellowish headlights) against a steady stream of city folk headed back from their weekend retreats. I'd guess about 1:8 were blasting high beams into both the car ahead and me going the opposite direction; that's what got me thinking about the timed reset.

 

[TaconicBear]

I would recommend starting a new suggestion topic for just this suggestion so people can up-vote it.

Why do I not see any discussion of 12v outlets? I don't mean USB, but something that will fit all the mini-fridge and cup warmer and similar appliances that are already widely available in the camper/travel market. AND a 12v outlet (with more amps) to run a winch.

 

[brianlmccann]

I would recommend starting a new suggestion topic for just this suggestion so people can up-vote it.

I have added this to the suggestion forum!

 

[n8rs]

Truck rear window was said to go down but they did t demo it

If you scroll down on their website to the part where the dots appear on the truck there is one dot that show the rear window is retractable

.

 

[Chuckles]

Wait the traveler doesn't have a 240V outlet!? What??

So far, the 240 has only been shown/mentioned for the Terra.

 

[brianlmccann]

So far, the 240 has only been shown/mentioned for the Terra.

I added a suggestion to vote on, as Jamie requested. Vote, vote, vote!

 

[TXAN777]

I'll take a pass at the list presented above. Not to be argumentative, but to let the engineering team know that there are differences on some of these items;

-add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
-include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
-pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app
-include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models. This should also integrate with a security system, similar to Gear Guard on a Rivian, or Sentry Mode on a Tesla
-include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options. There is no excuse to not feature Android Auto / CarPlay in a new vehicle.
-heated/cooled/massaging seats. I have these in one of the vehicles that I own. I also had heated seats in my '73 Saab 99. I have never used them.
-excellent sound system with subwoofer. As an option, OK. But please, this should not be a requirement. One man's "excellent" is another man's garbage. Also, a vehicle is not a sound studio. Save your money and invest in a home studio.
-flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models
-include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating
-ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
-include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric, I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
-allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
-include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving. NO! Do not waste time on this! If you don't want to drive, hire a cab, or get a chauffer. Tesla has been promising FSD for over a decade, and what they have does not work.
-rain-sensing windshield wipers
-auto high/low headlight beams. As an option, OK, but I prefer to operate the vehicle and all of it's systems/displays myself.
-include 7 and 4 pin towing connections
-power sunshade on the glass roof option
-solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
-allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
-use Google maps
-have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps
-matte black exterior color option
-matte black front and rear skid plate finish options
-relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.

And I'll add something that would give me a compelling reason to buy a Scout; Heads Up Display! It would be great to see your speed, and basic indicators (turn signals, warning lights, and - if possible - navigation instructions, projected on the inside of the windshield.

I completely agree with this except the heated seats you've obviously never been cold and needed to warm up quickly... these help greatly. They're also great if you have a sore back... lol

 

[dtothek]

Absolutely love the ethos this company is promoting right now! American brand, old school brand coolness, tough out of the box, American made, forward thinking...just to name a few things. Honestly, right out of the gate, I'd suggest the KISS principle. Keep It Simple Stupid. Absolutely nailed the design (interior and exterior). People have a ton of fun ideas, but I imagine the biggest deal breaker for most people would be price. You start adding massaging seats, FSD, and what amounts to "the truck better make me coffee in the morning", you kill the product right out of the gate because of price. Execution of all the ideas stated during the reveal is paramount. It's one thing to have a cool design, but if the fit and finish are lacking, it will greatly diminish the brand and show people that quality is not as important.
I believe this company has a tremendous opportunity to knock this out of the park and is off to a fantastic start. Stay in your lane, don't get sidetracked with tons of features and trying to be a jack of all trades but a master at none. Build a solid foundation first, execute on promises, and for goodness sakes, KISS.

 

[Bluscout27]

As mentioned, 150 miles of range on pure battery with the Harvester option.

It be nice if the battery capacity could be closer to 200 miles.

 

[Bluscout27]

I’m not totally sold on the tap-brakes-to-start thing (still wondering why someone came up with the thought to do it this way and where it originated. Was it to give you the feel of kickstarting a motorcycle?) Also thinking about the time I spent in an aircast this summer, and while I could drive as long as my left foot wasn’t engaged, would I love that my foot was needed to start the car? If I had a prosthetic, arthritis, plantar fasciitis or even just wore a really rigid shoe, would I want this? Just spitballing. Still trying to accept that this exists.

And thanks for seat clarity. Yes to a comfy seat. I don’t know if they’re making them in-house or ordering them to spec (the latter?), but humbly suggest the densest non-memory foam.

I currently own two EV from different manufacturers, none are Tesla, but I like that when I open the door and sit in either car most infotainment systems are up and running. And when Im ready to drive I press on the Brake like any any ICE car when your ready to put it in Drive all the major systems turn on and off you go without double tapping or pressing any buttons.

 

[KarlT]

Nice to see you guys using “green” check marks because this says “money, money, money.” Sounds like all the bells and whistles my $80k non EV truck has. Maybe we should make a list of all the things we can do without to lower the price?

 

[Bluscout27]

I completely agree with this except the heated seats you've obviously never been cold and needed to warm up quickly... these help greatly. They're also great if you have a sore back... lol

Other EV manufactures use heat seating to also help warm the driver /pax and it help reduce the amount of energy consumed to warm the cabin.

 

[TBoneTX]

Apologies if these have already been mentioned but two things,

1. If you are going to use some cool lane keeping/car sensing tech do not follow Ford's example of putting in a tail light that can be stolen in minutes. I have had multiple friends with stolen tail lights and it costs thousands to replace those. Make expensive parts difficult to steal.

2. For the Harvester engine. It would be really cool if the oil drain plug and filter were easily accessible so I can change the oil instead of having to go to a service center or spending hours removing skid plates and squeezing my hand into tiny spaces.

 

[Scoutsie]

Apologies if these have already been mentioned but two things,

1. If you are going to use some cool lane keeping/car sensing tech do not follow Ford's example of putting in a tail light that can be stolen in minutes. I have had multiple friends with stolen tail lights and it costs thousands to replace those. Make expensive parts difficult to steal.

Booby traps. Oh, you stole the tail light? Enjoy the screeching alarm, blinding lights, or pyrophorric chemicals that render the whole thing useless unless you trigger a failsafe before removing any parts.

I can confidently suggest that because I have no idea what it takes to implement that.

 

[Action-Jackson1]

I would love a crack at this also…
YES- means yes
MEH- either way/ no strong opinion

YES -add rear bumper corner built-in steps to allow access to stepping up into the truck bed, similar to the Chevrolet Silverado/Colorado.
YES -include a digital key option to use a smartphone as a passive key for entering/locking the vehicle.
YES -pre-heat/pre-cool cabin remotely via smartphone app
-include 360 degree camera options on both Traveler and Terra models.
DON’T CARE… USE YOUR OWN LIKE RIVIAN/ TESLA THEY ARE AS GOO OF NOT BETTER - include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as available options.
YES -heated/cooled/seats… massaging COULD CARE LESS
PLEASE BUT NOT A DEAL BREAKER -excellent sound system with subwoofer
MEH -flex-fuel capable for harvester electric/gas powertrain models
YES! -include a drain plug in the front trunk for ice/beverages for camping/tailgating
UH… YEAH -ensure the load capacity on both tailgate and suv tailgates can handle 2 adults sitting on them, say at least 500lbs.
MEH -include an option for a plain-colored interior headliner fabric, I'm not a fan of the pattern shown on the reveal vehicle.
MEH -allow an option for full-leather seats instead of the leather/fabric combination.
YES, LATEST VERSION OF TESLA FSD IS PRETTY AMAZING (EVEN FOR A HOT RODDER/ DRAG RACER IT REALLY IS GREAT ON A LONG DRIVE OR COMMUTE -include an option for at least hands-free driving if not both hands and eyes free driving.
YES -rain-sensing windshield wipers
YES -auto high/low headlight beams
MEH -include 7 and 4 pin towing connections
MEH (CERAMIC TINT WORKS ALSO) -power sunshade on the glass roof option
NOT A BAD IDEA -solid roof option for those that don't want either the retractable or glass roofs.
YES! -allow Netflix, Amazon Prime, and others for playing tv shows and movies when parked.
I HATE GOOGLE… (NO OFFENSE/ NECESSARY EVIL/ NO COMMENTS PLEASE) -use Google maps
MEH -have an option to use something like OnX for off-road trail maps
LIKE IT -matte black exterior color option
LIKE IT -matte black front and rear skid plate finish options
BOTH? -relocate the household power outlets on the suv from the same area where the charge port is located to just inside the rear cargo area so that they are out of the weather in case it's raining.

 

[TaconicBear]

Rain Sensing Wipers — I somehow seem to have missed the promise of immense convenience of this feature in my 70 years of driving. There have been knobs on the dash, draw knobs up overhead, switches on a stalk, etc. I'd like to think I've mastered them all -- but 'mastered' is probably too strong a term. Having experienced the majority of those 70 years of driving in the North (remember we still get snow, ice, slush) I know that this newfangled feature needs a kill switch, or omit/manual setting in the computer settings. The equipment must have torque sensing kill-switch so it doesn't burn out the motor when glued to the windshield by frozen rain, or stuck in the inevitable block of frozen *** if they are located in a trough. They also need an instant-on toggle for when the snow-plow goes by in the opposite direction and covers the car in sand bearing slush. AND a quick shut-off so the embedded sand doesn't scratch the windshield too much.

Actually, if I'm still alive and alert enough to be driving when the Scout EV finally comes to my driveway, I think I'll still be able to handle a stalk and switch just like on all my recent vehicles. Every thought I have about rain-sensing leads to complications and added expense. KISS applies, and usually means less expensive too.