Scion Hako concept: boxy, bizarre

Posted Wed Mar 19 2008 4:30 PM by Nelson Ireson

The oddly-chosen teaser for the Scion Hako concept should have been a hint that the vehicle itself would be, well, unique. And that is about the most gracious way to describe the oddly boxy yet curvaceous creature that is the Hako concept. Inspired by the Scion xB, it takes that car's design premise to new heights.

Purely a design study, there are no drivetrain specifications for the Hako. The bizarre mixture of cubic and curvy is not the only contrasting element in the Hako's package, however. While the profile of the Hako is about as aerodynamic as a brick, Scion says the silhouette is "accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors" with integrated turn-signals. Race-car inspiration or aerodynamic concern for the side-mirrors seems a bit misplaced when viewed beneath the dominating plank of the right-angle roofline.

A vertical windshield indicates that the Hako is "ready to attack the road," and the hostile attitude is carried inside, where bright orange and metallic surfaces pound the eye into submission. Intended to provide easy-cleanup, the seats are upholstered in urethane and a rubber-like material, sure to enhance comfort on a hot and sunny day. The driver's seat and cockpit is inspired by video gaming, right down to the joystick-inspired shifter in the center console.

A full complement of technology, from Bluetooth to in-door video monitors that display the view from fish-eye cameras mounted in the A-pillars, completes the concept's ultra-modern outlook. While the Hako may have some very aggressively polarizing elements, it's refreshing to see a concept that isn't at all tied to the realities of production.

Gallery: Scion Hako Concept

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Reader Comments

Wed Mar 19 2008 5:03 PM
Sir Yappie says

i would take those rims in a heartbeat...they look awesome !!

a bitch to clean but who give a ....hahaha
Wed Mar 19 2008 6:24 PM
ohmy says

reminds of a mixture of things, the old xb, a 32 ford roadster in the windshield and front...the overall shape reminds me of a honda element when seen from the front 3 qter view
Wed Mar 19 2008 6:52 PM
MARK says

aerodynamic as a brick BUT I still would but one in a heart beat if they made it.
Wed Mar 19 2008 10:25 PM
bambam says

ford flex family? but aiming more to the future generation, who are not even at school yet.
is this going to have the same affect as the Chrysler PT cruiser?
Wed Mar 19 2008 11:09 PM
Rob says

This has got to be the most uninspired concept I have ever seen. Scion deserves to disappear.
Thu Mar 20 2008 7:18 AM
chris says

as ugly as this thing is, at least some one at scion is trying. more than we can say of toyota and the majority of lexus.

i'd rather talk to a mad man than wall. yes, i just equated toyota to a wall.
Thu Mar 20 2008 8:27 AM
MARIO says

Ugly, ugly, ugly...
Fri Mar 21 2008 4:21 PM
Tony says

Not sure why I'm saying this but I actually like it. would have been better if the windshield was slanted.
Mon Mar 31 2008 6:59 AM
visar says

Is that a stove on wheels or what???
Wed Jun 4 2008 3:23 PM
Luis says

Would not think twice on buying one if they come out.

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