2008 New York Auto Show: Scion Hako Coupe Concept

• Looks like: A modern-day '32 Ford coupe
• Defining characteristics: Boxy shape, vertical windshield, wraparound side windows 
• Ridiculous features: Video screens galore in the cabin
• Chance of being mass-produced: This is the brand that brought the xB to the U.S., so a boxy coupe isn't out of the question

Scion says its Hako Coupe concept was inspired by its xB, and it isn't hard to see similarities between the boxy wagon and this concept. Both models have a vertical grille, and the Hako Coupe goes even further with a completely vertical windshield. The concept's short side windows wrap around the rear end, and the greenhouse is topped by a roof that looks a bit like a toupee.

"We love that slammed, sinister look," said Jack Hollis, Scion’s vice president.

Look inside the concept and you might think the brand put in some mismatched seats, but the use of an orange driver's seat and a black passenger seat is intentional and intended to separate those areas of the cabin. Numerous video screens are sprinkled around the cabin — there are two in the dashboard for the entertainment system and four more in the doors and the rear of the cabin — and the driver can use exterior cameras to record passing scenery, providing a visual record of a trip.

The Hako Coupe is one unusual-looking concept car, but it sure does stand out from the crowd, and that's not easy to do these days. Somehow, someway, I find myself drawn to the look; let us know what you think of it in the comments, and check out the gallery below.

Comments

[ziggy]

For some reason toyota can sell ugly. I am not saying this is ugly but I'm sure many will. I think that if they produce it, they'll be able to sell it...some how.

[Dave T.]

this is ugly

[J]

Flintmobile, anyone?

[Mike B.]

So I'm in the target generation and I very much like the xB. All things considered, I should probably like this too, right? Wrong. This is not hip, not cool, not something I'd even wanna be seen in -- let alone spend my money on. Aside from the illuminated steering-wheel-center design, the Hako Coupe is absolutely hideous.

And what's with that shifter lever?! Umm... I don't wanna touch that....

Sorry, Scion. Try again.

[Juan Carlos]

great. the xb was worse than the azteck and now this hideous thing is worse than the xb. but they wil sell like hot cakes because people think toyota is from the gods.

[Brian O'Donnell]

Also in the target demo. I like the xB, and own a Tc. This ... thing ... is hideous. Oh, they'll sell some, but definitely not to me. It seriously looks like two different designers collaborated by taking the bottom half of one's design and slapped on the top of the other.

"We love that slammed, sinister look," said Jack Hollis, Scion’s vice president.

... what drug are you on, sir?

[wacko jacko]

um, no. give us the bB and nobody gets hurt, okay?

[Adrock]

I think the exterior has potential. Its the stance and the throwback factor that I think could work. But the rest of the exterior and the ENTIRE interior is way too concept and would never make it into production. I think if the thing had the muscle to back up the stance (which it probably doesn't) it could be a popular. Think of a xB with larger wheels, tires and body flares, with a 250HP turbo 4. That wouldn't be popular?

[John S.]

Come on! I'm a Scion owner, this is a disappointment. I was hoping for something that may point in the design direction of a new Tc, not a flint-mobile.

[sam]

This concept is very extreme, definitely grabs attention. I like it and hope Scion makes it. Im sure the interior will not make production. Thats the only thing i dont like about this concept. All u Hako haters think its ugly, huh? I would hardly call the original xb or tc beautiful...give this car a chance- it has a hell of a lot more design than those or most cars on the market, like it or not.

This shows that just because Scion allegedly has a hip (?) image that they can just build the most awful looking thing and someone will like it. To be fair- I hated the first Xb, but the current one is okay- but where were all these scion people when the Aztec was around. You guys shunned a very ugly vehicle that was actually useful- and from what I hear is reliable too (not that scions aren't) what gives? LOL

Broq