New York 2008: Scion Hako Coupe concept
click the Hako concept for a high-res gallery
Apparently Scion got the message from fans of the first generation xA and xB when the replacements grew larger and heavier. Today they debuted a new concept called the Hako Coupe at the New York Auto Show. The Hako was created by Toyota's Tokyo design team with an eye on vintage American design. Frankly I think it just looks weird. Nonetheless it is smaller and it sounds like Scion is seriously considering this thing for production as a new addition to the lineup. At 145.7in the Hako is 9in shorter than the xD although Toyota didn't give any other technical details. The interior is packed with all kinds of techno goodness such as video cameras and interfaces for ipods and other gadgets. Scion made a point of mentioning that they wanted a polarizing design that wouldn't necessarily appeal to everyone, but those who like it would love it.
Gallery: Scion Hako Concept
[Source: Scion]
SCION REVEALS HAKO COUPE CONCEPT
AT THE 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
NEW YORK, March 19, 2008 -- Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show.
Scion's Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.
"Scion's Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today's youth," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB's iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box."
Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car's geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako's aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.
The Hako's silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept's boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a "Scion" custom tread.
The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a
-moreSCION
HAKO 2-2-2-2
flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.
The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.
Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.
The orange driver's seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako's entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth® connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area.
Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars. While the vehicle is parked the driver and passenger can edit the scenes captured by the cameras to show their friends where they have been and perhaps even post the clip online for others to see.
"As you know, polarizing style fits in well with our lineup," said Hollis. "And of course we love a good box. We'll listen to the feedback from this concept to help us determine how our brand could evolve and grow over the next five years."
SCION HAKO COUPE CONCEPT VEHICLE
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 145.7
Overall Width: 68.1 without side mirrors
74.0 including side mirrors
Overall Height: 57.5
Wheelbase: 94.5
Ground clearance: 4.0
Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size: 225/45 R18
Seating Capacity: 4
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 6:17PM (3/19/2008)
Love it or hate it, you have to admit that if it gets to the showrooms in anything like that form, Scion will be the world leader in concept fidelity, or niche market styling, or something.
I can see a bit of hotrod ford in it...
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e.c.sharpe 7:10PM (3/19/2008)
I love it, but won't having a bolt-upright windshield make it noisy at speed?
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ug 7:35PM (3/19/2008)
OMFG! Didn't automakers stop making windshields with a 90' angle some time around World War I?
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Warner Young 7:28PM (3/19/2008)
Given how boxy looking many of the Scions have been, it's interesting to see the Japanese team are simply calling this thing "Hako" (that's Japanese for "box").
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meme 12:37AM (3/20/2008)
I take back everything I ever said about the Millner being hideous. Seriously. Wow. Why not just strap on a bubble dome, perhaps coat it in feathers, maybe paint a shark face on the front.
Seriously, how can people say the Aptera is ugly, and then promote *this* offense against the eyes?
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emdee 5:29AM (3/20/2008)
I love it. FINALLY car companies have the guts to make something that looks different! I'd have one any day.
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Yggdrasilly 2:38PM (3/20/2008)
Looks like Herman Munster having a midlife crisis.
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Winzy 7:44PM (3/20/2008)
The moment I saw this car I threw up in my mouth a little. Scion said they did youth research to design this car. If so, the youth of today must be pretty F**ked up. Scions sales are dropping like crazy and this crap is the reason why. If you think this car is cool in anyway you shouldn't even talk about anything that has to do with cars.
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ding 10:41PM (3/20/2008)
Finally! A car that will contain ALL my clowns!
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Nacon 7:32AM (3/24/2008)
The front is cool, the back is cool too.....
but 90* angle windshield? wtf?
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