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Adrian PatonCrikey! Scion Hako Coupe Concept
March 24th 2008 12:00
God help us if this 'thing' ever makes it onto our roads...
Scion has unveiled the Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at the New York International Auto Show and to say it looks somewhat quirky and 'different' would be a huge understatement. Developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global and youth-inspired trends (more like playing video games and watching YouTube) the Hako Coupe is a motoring interpretation of Japanese and American youth cultures with a unique twist.
Sure, the car turns head but from what we can see, it does so for probably the wrong reasons. Its bold and boxy styling cues must surely give it the drag co-efficient of a toaster despite its aggressive looking trapezoidal LED headlights that lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and the round fog lights - symmetrically placed high on the front bumper - have integrated turn signals. Slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors also feature integrated turn signals while wildly flared guards 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 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 centre 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 centre 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.
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
Tyre Size: 225/45 R18
Seating Capacity: 4
[Source: Toyota]
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