Car and Driver has the report:
We’ve been eagerly anticipating the return of the Scout nameplate ever since Volkswagen announced it would revive the moniker for a new EV-based company over two years ago. While it will be another few years before the new Scouts actually hit the road, we finally have some concrete details of what to expect, as the resurrected brand has revealed two production-intent concepts, the 2028 Scout Traveler SUV and the Terra pickup truck.
Scout says its “priority was to honor the spirit of the original Scout,” which was among the first mainstream SUVs and was sold by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. The design isn’t overtly referential but still ties back to the original through the black “mask” on the front and rear fascias, emulating the classic SUV’s rectangular grille and indent in the tailgate.
These panels also incorporate the exterior lighting, with a thin LED strip that runs around the border of the blacked-out section and a pair of rectangular units forming the headlights. The LED daytime running light splits the headlights and passes behind the bodywork to reappear on the vehicle’s side. The same look is echoed on the taillights and recalls the Scout II’s side markers. The Terra and Traveler also pay homage to the original Scout with the shape of their side windows, which sweep upward along the bottom edge just before the rearmost pillar similar to the classic Scout’s rear side window.
The Terra and Traveler’s off-road mission is highlighted by front and rear bumpers which are separate from the front and rear fascias. Unlike the power-retractable units on many EVs, the Scouts use traditional mechanical door handles. While the modern renditions don’t feature the most distinctive styling, they come across as clean and handsome, with short front overhangs and a purposeful stance.
The two upcoming Scouts don’t just look rugged. Their styling will be backed up by a chassis and suspension designed for off-road performance, with the Traveler and Terra riding on an “all-new and proprietary” body-on-frame platform. The oddest bit is that both vehicles will have a solid rear axle, a setup no other current EV employs. Various suppliers have shown setups like this, with an electric motor incorporated into a solid axle, but until now, they seemed more angled toward the commercial segment. We’ll be interested to see how much of a penalty this is to ride quality. This sturdy setup is bolstered by a front anti-roll-bar disconnect as well as front and rear mechanical locking differentials. Although Scout hasn’t provided official numbers, the approach and departure angles are described as “competitive.”