Re-think Headlight Design

[dleepnw]

I'm not a huge fan of the 4 array headlight design, looks too similar to the ones Porsche uses. Also kinda looks like a merge of the Porsche and Bronco lights. IMO, its not actually that distinctive/iconic.

I do really like how the DRL blends into the side/parking light and the light bar that wraps around the front/rear grille. Very distinctive.

More than that, I'm concerned about how they are inset and there is a "ledge" in front of each light. This is going to accumulate snow and cover the light. LEDs don't generate much heat so its going to melt off. This being an adventure vehicle, a lot folks who live in and travel to places where it snows are not going to be happy about this.

I'd recommend making the headlights flush so there is no ledge, having a heating element or maybe a washer (though this will be least effective).

Update:
Case study - Cybertruck with this issue. Scout, hope you’ve got a plan to accout for this: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/...cumulate-and-block-the-headlights-230818.html

 

[Rampy]

I'm not a huge fan of the 4 array headlight design, looks too similar to the ones Porsche uses. More than that, I'm concerned about how they are inset and there is a "ledge" in front of each light. This is going to accumulate snow and cover the light. LEDs don't generate much heat so its going to melt off. This being an adventure vehicle, a lot folks who live in and travel to places where it snows are not going to be happy about this.

I'd recommend making the headlights flush so there is no ledge, having a heating element or maybe a washer (though this will be least effective).

What’s snow???

Fixed running boards also have lots of snow/ice buildup to the point they are worthless and even block the door

 

[RebelliousPeasant]

Personally I really like the look of the lights but as a Canadian who sees a lot of snow every year I do share concerns about snow buildup over certain parts of the vehicle. Specifically the headlights and radar/cruise control sensors. My Ioniq 5's cruise control is basically useless when it's snowing (which is arguably when you need it most!) because the radar in the front gets caked with snow and then stops working so the car throws up errors until I stop somewhere and kick the snow off.

Heating elements in key locations that are activated with the mirror defrost would be great. You could even steal an aviation theme for it and call it a "deicing switch" or something, make it a toggle switch.

 

[oldgeeksguide]

I'm not a huge fan of the 4 array headlight design, looks too similar to the ones Porsche uses. More than that, I'm concerned about how they are inset and there is a "ledge" in front of each light. This is going to accumulate snow and cover the light. LEDs don't generate much heat so its going to melt off. This being an adventure vehicle, a lot folks who live in and travel to places where it snows are not going to be happy about this.

I'd recommend making the headlights flush so there is no ledge, having a heating element or maybe a washer (though this will be least effective).

“looks too similar to the ones Porsche uses” - you say that like it’s a bad thing

 

[J Alynn]

“looks too similar to the ones Porsche uses” - you say that like it’s a bad thing

I keep thinking Porsche as well but having seen it in person it has a definite defined look that isn’t Porsche. Now I did notice on the front lights, at night it has the very thin border ring of lights around the grill area. At first glance it looks like individual diodes. Upon closer look the plastic inserts for grill have a perimeter like a postage stamp so it creates the look. Part of me thinks this edge should be smooth as it cheapens the look of the lights. Like hot spots every 3/4”. It’s not tolerable but for high quality string of LED’s the finished look is perceived as cheap LED’s. Just my opinion

 

[dleepnw]

“looks too similar to the ones Porsche uses” - you say that like it’s a bad thing

I love the overall look of Porsches but hate the 4-array headlight in some of their models

 

[J Alynn]

I love the overall look of Porsches but hate the 4-array headlight in some of their models

Ironically I do too but on the Scout it takes on a different feel. Dont know why

 

[mrjjlanglois]

I’m also not happy with the headlights. When I see them I see Kia and Porche. I’m disappointed they aren’t round or square. Frankly, for me, it cheapens and weakens the entire front end.

 

[Lowengaard]

I would much prefer round headlights like the original scouts had.

 

[LastDayScout]

I have mixed thoughts. I was hoping for a round or rounded edge rectangular light. I had a 1980 Scout II that had the "square" lights, so I am kinda partial. But, I will say that the lights shown on the concepts look way better in person than in pictures. It is hard to describe, but the color is not offensive even though I hoped for a more old school yellowish white. The lights are "IH" logos on their sides. Very cool touch. Yes, there are several manufacturers using that 4 light matrix like Porsche and Hyundai. So, I hear that argument. I do hope that what ever design they end up with is timeless, not trendy. I do expect the basic design will be roughly the same though.

 

[R1TVT]

I have mixed thoughts, but the front-end has grown on me... I was sort of expecting something more along the lines of what Toyota did with the LandCruiser re-launch with a modern round light.

But I am also reminding myself that the Scout would have evolved in any number of ways over the last 40+ years, and that the light design really needs to stand-apart from the Toyotas and Broncos. I'm sure whatever goes to final production will be excellent and stand-out!

I agree with the sentiments about snow and ice, and perhaps a heating element that runs around the entire rectangle encompassing the front light and "grill" area could be an option. I would love to see a cold weather package with some heating elements and a just slightly narrower wheel choice to support dedicated snows for better traction. Maybe some additional protection / paint protection for those of us in areas where they salt and sand.

 

[OleScout]

Personally I like the design, It wasn't what I was expecting. It seperates itself from the competition with round headlights. At night, I sensed a nod to the "IH" logo as it's faintly looks like it. Not sure if that was intended? One thing will be sure, you'll know the Scout when you see it in your rear view mirror.

 

[mikeallerellie]

I would much prefer round headlights like the original scouts had.

The headlights are a miss. Still time for a redesign to respect the original front grill and light design.

 

[KarlT]

Just avoid anything like the Rivian. Cartoonish at best, downright ugly at worst.

 

[LastDayScout]

Just avoid anything like the Rivian. Cartoonish at best, downright ugly at worst.

While Ruvians front end is very distinctive, it’s not my favorite either.

 

[R1TVT]

Just avoid anything like the Rivian. Cartoonish at best, downright ugly at worst.

I thought that at first, but it grew on me.

The first time I saw another Rivian in my rear view mirror directly behind me on the HWY at night, I got it. You can't miss it. And that was (and still is) a HUGE win for Rivian in sea of headlights that are all boring (even if Rivian's headlights look a little more alien).

All that said, I think I like the Scout lighting elements better... The Terra's lights have a bit more edge and ruggedness to them - I think it is part of the throwback flare they put into the lighting. If so, kudos to the Scout design team for that.

 

[KarlT]

I thought that at first, but it grew on me.

The first time I saw another Rivian in my rear view mirror directly behind me on the HWY at night, I got it. You can't miss it. And that was (and still is) a HUGE win for Rivian in sea of headlights that are all boring (even if Rivian's headlights look a little more alien).

All that said, I think I like the Scout lighting elements better... The Terra's lights have a bit more edge and ruggedness to them - I think it is part of the throwback flare they put into the lighting. If so, kudos to the Scout design team for that.

It’s good to hear a Rivian owner say that they like the headlights. I just feel like I’m looking at a face.

 

[Harris005]

The headlights are a miss. Still time for a redesign to respect the original front grill and light design.

The grill and headlights were where my focus was as it came out. Immediately I was disappointed not to see the SSII round head light look. However, seeing it in person quickly won me over. I now think they nailed it with a 2027 look! I have struggled with the Chevy truck front end look changing through the years as well, but usually find myself settling in and liking them. Guess it is just chalked up as something new and takes a bit to get use to and ultimately love. Change is tough.....but change is good!

 

[Logan]

I actually like how Rivians look. And I don’t own one. I think that might make me an outlier .

I like the scout design too. Although If im honest im less enthusiastic about the actual headlights, and am likely responding more to the general front end design. Not that it’s bad, but its more generic.

 

[Scoutsie]

While watching the reveal, I definitely “meh”-ed in my head a bit about the lights not being round. After hearing the explanation of it being a theoretical Xth generation model over several iterations that would have kept happening over the past 40 years, they made more sense.

They don’t have to be round. I seem to recall that the last Scout has rectangular headlights, so it tracks. If you injected me with sodium pentathol and demanded the truth from me RIGHT NOW, I’d say I’d prefer the round lights of the original Scout II. That said, I don’t think they’d look right on the EV Traveler or Terra. Someday, those lights could be design elements that people of the future really like. As long as they light up the road enough so I can see the paint lines or the ghosts of the paint lines clearly, they’re doing their job.