Scout Terra and Traveler electric trucks and SUVs unveiled

Volkswagen Group's new U.S.-based electric vehicle brand, Scout, has revealed an electric SUV and electric pickup truck concept scheduled to go into production in 2027.

The Scout brand is inspired by the original International Harvester Scouts, which were produced from 1961 to 1980, and the German automotive giant will succeed International Harvester in 2020 Since acquiring the company Navistar, it has become part of the VW Group's intellectual property.

The new Scout concepts are the Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck, and feature designs clearly inspired by the original Scout Traveler and Terra models. According to a company spokesperson, the concept's design is close to 85% of the production model.

The vehicle is based on a newly developed body-on-frame platform and is close to full size. The Traveler is 207.9 inches long, about 7 inches longer than the rival Rivian R1S, and the Terra is a massive 229.2 inches long, 12 inches longer than the Rivian R1T.

Dual motor all-wheel drive, solid rear axle, front and rear mechanical locking differentials, front sway bar disconnects, available 35-inch off-road tires, over a foot of ground clearance, and a vehicle ensures trouble-free Thanks to features like approach and departure angles, they are rugged from the get-go. Some scouts can even climb 100% grades.

The vehicles are expected to offer a payload capacity of nearly 2,000 pounds, with the SUVs featuring a split tailgate and the trucks a traditional drop-down tailgate that opens to a 5.5-foot bed. the SUVs weigh about 7,000 pounds and the trucks 10,000 pounds or more towing capacity is expected.

Scout did not provide many details about the electric powertrain, but said it has enough battery capacity for a range of more than 350 miles; a series hybrid option, which Scout calls the Harvester, uses a gas engine to charge the battery to recharge the battery and extend the range to over 500 miles. The electrical system is 800 volts and can charge up to 350 kw when using a DC fast charger. All Scouts will be equipped with NACS connectors to allow two-way charging.

Peak power was not disclosed, but torque will increase to almost 1,000 lb-ft, with some Scouts accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

The interior design, like the exterior, follows the same simple, purposeful theme, but offers all the technology buyers crave. Facing the driver is a square steering wheel and 12.3-inch digital meter cluster, while the center stack houses a 16.2-inch touchscreen display for infotainment. Toggle switches and knobs are located below this screen for easy access to certain functions, such as climate control, and Scout confirms that buyers will have a choice of individual front seats or bench seating. The SUV will also be available with a cabana top, allowing the entire cabin to be open-top. A glass roof will also be available.

Scout also confirmed that it will feature the latest Zone software architecture that Scout's VW Group parent company appears to be developing with Rivian in a deal announced in June Scout said that this software architecture will include wireless updates, remote diagnostics, and more services and personalization options than those found in a typical vehicle, he said.

Like the original Scouts, there will likely be multiple variants of the new Traveler and Terra; Scout has moved to trademark some of the early nameplates that International Harvester used on its Scouts The company has shown There are nearly 30 trademarks for International Harvester's first Scouts, including Scout 80, Scout 800, and Scout II, as well as package names such as Aristocrat, Rally, Snowstar, and Sportster.

Production will take place at a new plant to be built near Columbia, South Carolina. Nearly $2 billion is expected to be invested in the plant, which may produce vehicles for other VW Group brands and may share the Scout's platform. There is also the possibility of a rugged Audi SUV targeted at the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender.

Scout is already taking reservations for the Traveler and Terra. The company plans to establish its own sales and service network, selling directly to customers like Tesla, and said the vehicles will be designed so that about 80% of repair types can be completed outside of Scout's service centers.