What kind of tech do you expect enabled in the car or interface?

[Latrant]

Aaaah, yes. Yesterday I had my Tundra at the dealer for new tires and checking a bunch of things. At the end of the day it was done, and the front had moved in with moderate rain. I called home, 40 miles to the north and 1200' higher. I was told it had started to snow. The roads were warmish and bare all the way, but half-way home I crossed the rain-snow boundary. Within a few miles a message took over the forward dash telling me that proximity sensors were not working, then in another couple of miles the radar (collision, lane monitoring, speed) quit with a larger message. While I appreciate knowing when these systems are compromised, (they don't need to be, but that's a different issue), but I don't need a message that blots out most of the useful items on the centre dash. Sure I can push the Return button to clear them, but they are back within two seconds. Far preferable would be a single message, then change the LED behind the appropriate icon on the dash to red until the condition clears.

And the other issue? Any vehicle sold in the north should have (at least as an option) a "Hot Front End Package" which heats the lens/cover of the headlights and directionals, the proximity sensors, and the cover of the radar unit. And actually, why can't the computer notice that I'm going faster than 10mph and put the proximity sensors into suspended mode? They're only there for parking, I think.

Thinking about all the folks who believe their EV Scouts will be adventuring into all sorts of climates and terrains, there probably should be kill switches for all these sensors. While generally they are useful there are situations (like the above) where they verge on the dangerous. Tundra does have a kill for the proximity sensors (works for fields of tall weeds), it auto-resets each time the driving mode changes and that seems appropriate behaviour.

Summary:
Heated or self-cleaning surfaces for front facing lights and sensors, at least as a "northern option".
Parking Proximity sensor kill switch.
Parking Proximity sensor auto-off at speeds >10mph.
Single "disabled" warning, followed by icon colour change for disabled/compromised systems.
Radar sensor kill switch for weather or other situations where it is in appropriate, (with auto-reactivate).

I hope SM Designers and Engineers are reading this!

Systems need to work at the time of greatest need. Not just during perfect weather or during the test drive.

 

[ti_sage]

I can confirm CarPlay (probably wireless). It does have two wireless chargers. Also, from and rear ventilated and cooled seats are confirmed.

The Traveler will have a three-belt front bench, all of which will be heated ?

 

[LastDayScout]

The Traveler will have a three-belt front bench, all of which will be heated ?

Nothing was said about the center position on the bench seat having heating and cooling. Great question though! I’ll see what I can find out.

 

[J Alynn]

The Traveler will have a three-belt front bench, all of which will be heated ?

Good questioned. I’d assume but hadn’t thought about the center seat

 

[Latrant]

Good questioned. I’d assume but hadn’t thought about the center seat

Also, the center seat ‘controls’ could be the one seat that has them in the screen, since the person sitting there is……right in front of the screen. Also, because it will be used rarely, IMHO.

 

[TremmRG1]

I would like to see a blind spot camera that displays in the dash when the blinker is applied. My wifes Genesis GV70 has this option and it's an amazing.

 

[Chaz26]

With all the potential tech, the one other thing I want (and this really applies to all car manufacturers these days rather than just Scout), is the ability for the car to be able to continue functioning normally if something were to happen to the company (like Fisker and also with concerns over some legacy manufacturers futures as well). I'd still want the cameras, software etc. to be able to continue functioning as normal if there were no further OTA updates or if the server or whatever the manufacturers use is no longer available. Hopefully with third party technology to help should anything freeze or brick itself.

 

[Scoutsie]

With all the potential tech, the one other thing I want (and this really applies to all car manufacturers these days rather than just Scout), is the ability for the car to be able to continue functioning normally if something were to happen to the company (like Fisker and also with concerns over some legacy manufacturers futures as well). I'd still want the cameras, software etc. to be able to continue functioning as normal if there were no further OTA updates or if the server or whatever the manufacturers use is no longer available. Hopefully with third party technology to help should anything freeze or brick itself.

In the interest of being pragmatic, nothing suggests that Scout is headed in the direction of imminent failure. I get the concern, but I’d imagine that they sign contracts with similar expectations. I’d sure hope so, at least.

 

[Chaz26]

In the interest of being pragmatic, nothing suggests that Scout is headed in the direction of imminent failure. I get the concern, but I’d imagine that they sign contracts with similar expectations. I’d sure hope so, at least.

Oh, I don't think that either, it's more of a you never know what could happen years from now (hearing things about Nissan not doing so well these days for example). I don't have any concerns about this with Scout but I still think all manufacturers should consider this.

 

[TaconicBear]

Tilt down passenger mirror when in reverse. My Mini has it and every time I hop in my Silverado I wish I had it. Make parallel parking and curb parking so much easier. And reduces the amount of curb rash, and damages to rims.

I have down-tilt mirrors in my Tundra and honestly never notice it. The 360º camera view (drone view) on screen makes precise parking incredibly exact.

EXCEPT when the cameras are compromised by rain drops. I have noticed this on several vehicles, some cameras seem like they are self-cleaning while others always have blurry areas. Design engineers should be looking to locate cameras where the normal airflow can keep them cleared. Centre of tailgate cameras are the most vulnerable.

Which brings me to another observation. If the truck (aka, computer) knows the tailgate is open and flashes the "door open" warning on the dash, could it also be smart enough to turn off the tailgate camera so it doesn't keep broadcasting a picture of the license plate? (It really messes up the 360º drone view. ) Or maybe some really creative engineer could find a way to make that camera work so backing-up with the tailgate open could to save us from crushed tailgate tops.

 

[Vensley]

Keyless option to start vehicle (e.g. cell phone, card). Suspension lift and lowering options, compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android). Multi-color options for interior cabin, 3-memory driver settings. Heated and cool seats in rear. App for Scout to monitor vehicle settings like charging settings. Wireless updates to vehicle.

 

[Munsterlander]

If it would be Comma AI / Open pilot compatible, that would be awesome.

 

[AjzRide]

If it would be Comma AI / Open pilot compatible, that would be awesome.

I doubt any manufacturer sets out to be compatible with a 3rd party ADAS; in fact, that is counterproductive since they want to sell high-level ADAS as a subscription. The best we can hope for is that it happens by accident. Since the Scout will be based on Rivian, I've been keeping an eye on the Rivian development. They just had the first successful drive on a Rivian with R1 architecture last week, but no one has their hands on an R2 architecture vehicle yet to see if the work is transferable.

 

[Scoutsie]

Something like this got mentioned a long time ago, but some way to ping or signal other Scout owners in a non-disruptive way would be kind of fun. I have never gotten the stupid walkie talkie function to work on my Apple Watch and always remembered how much fun it was to use them as a kid talking to other kids in the neighborhood. Even using FRS radios while running events and whatnot is pretty fun. Something that you could use to say “hi!” to other Scout owners and only to say “hi!” whether it’s a Bluetooth ping or something that you can visually access to see a record of who you’ve passed (kind of like Streetpass on the Nintendo 3DS which was the best thing ever if you were once a nerd or perhaps knew nerds: you can ask them to confirm this). Wondering if this is still under consideration?

 

[Munsterlander]

I doubt any manufacturer sets out to be compatible with a 3rd party ADAS; in fact, that is counterproductive since they want to sell high-level ADAS as a subscription. The best we can hope for is that it happens by accident. Since the Scout will be based on Rivian, I've been keeping an eye on the Rivian development. They just had the first successful drive on a Rivian with R1 architecture last week, but no one has their hands on an R2 architecture vehicle yet to see if the work is transferable.

I guess my point was based on multiple users saying they didn't want advanced ADAS. Since Scout isn't targeting the spaceship of cars model, my opinion was only able having basic capabilities so a user could add more if they wanted. Obviously, if Scout has the full package from Rivian that would be great too.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I’m not sure this has come up, but let us disable the seatbelt chime. I don’t care if there is a warning on the screen, but there are times in a vehicle where I don’t need or want to wear a seatbelt. Please let me disabled the chime.

 

[J Alynn]

I’m not sure this has come up, but let us disable the seatbelt chime. I don’t care if there is a warning on the screen, but there are times in a vehicle where I don’t need or want to wear a seatbelt. Please let me disabled the chime.

I do t disagree but have a feeling this is a safety requirement to meet higher ratings. Think that will require something like a forescan or somewhere in a manual it should be a secret code. Like push this button twice while in this mode then turn UX side dial counter clockwise three clicks ……. Like rigging the slot machine in the Ocean’s movie-whichever number that was-13?

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I do t disagree but have a feeling this is a safety requirement to meet higher ratings. Think that will require something like a forescan or somewhere in a manual it should be a secret code. Like push this button twice while in this mode then turn UX side dial counter clockwise three clicks ……. Like rigging the slot machine in the Ocean’s movie-whichever number that was-13?

I'm pretty sure the owners manual in my Ram gives me the steps to disarm the chime (something to the effect of buckle/unbuckle three times in 60 seconds with the truck in accessory but not started). I'm hoping for something like this with the Scout. I understand the safety part of it, but I'd rather not have to use something like forescan to do it (I hate messing with any kind of computer programing).

The other option I'd ask for is to not have the truck's horn honk if you leave it running and get out with the key fob in your pocket. I had a Ford Raptor that would do that, and it drove me nuts. I'm just getting out to check the mail, I don't need the truck to honk at me!

 

[J Alynn]

I'm pretty sure the owners manual in my Ram gives me the steps to disarm the chime (something to the effect of buckle/unbuckle three times in 60 seconds with the truck in accessory but not started). I'm hoping for something like this with the Scout. I understand the safety part of it, but I'd rather not have to use something like forescan to do it (I hate messing with any kind of computer programing).

The other option I'd ask for is to not have the truck's horn honk if you leave it running and get out with the key fob in your pocket. I had a Ford Raptor that would do that, and it drove me nuts. I'm just getting out to check the mail, I don't need the truck to honk at me!

I agree though I think if car runs more than 15 minutes or so it should honk periodically unless in regen mode when powering a house during electrical outage. I recently was at an event where they announced someone let there car running at least 45 minutes. Not a tree hugger and believe natural selection should eventually eliminate clueless people but some people need a reminder-apparently . The event was 3-1/2 hours long so imagine had somebody not been by it twice to realize it was still running for 45-ish minutes and made an announcement.
Back to McD’s needing the hot warning on their coffee cups. Another layer of CYA because of clueless/sue happy people

 

[THil08]

I agree though I think if car runs more than 15 minutes or so it should honk periodically unless in regen mode when powering a house during electrical outage. I recently was at an event where they announced someone let there car running at least 45 minutes. Not a tree hugger and believe natural selection should eventually eliminate clueless people but some people need a reminder-apparently . The event was 3-1/2 hours long so imagine had somebody not been by it twice to realize it was still running for 45-ish minutes and made an announcement.
Back to McD’s needing the hot warning on their coffee cups. Another layer of CYA because of clueless/sue happy people

It’s like new appliances they all have reminders. My oven plays a song when it’s done preheating it’s like are people not aware anymore? Same with my wash and dryer they also play a song that are at least a minute long. And they all connect to an app it’s like how lazy have us as humans gotten in the past 10 years?