Designing the New Scout: Chris Benjamin on Rivian Comparisons, EVs, and the Future of Off-Roading
About this episode
Chris Benjamin, Chief Design Officer at Scout Motors, shares insights on the design philosophy behind the new Scout vehicles, including the Traveler SUV and Terra truck. He discusses the challenges of balancing modern design with the nostalgic elements of the original Scouts, emphasizing the importance of off-road capability and user-friendly features. The episode also touches on comparisons with Rivian, the significance of EVs and range extenders, and the upcoming production timeline. Benjamin's passion for automotive design and commitment to creating a unique off-road experience shines through.
In this episode of MotorTrend’s The Inevitable, hosts dive deep with Chris Benjamin, Chief Design Officer at Scout Motors, to explore his remarkable journey—from growing up in Queens and Miami, to working nights at Taco Bell while designing for Mercedes, to leading the rebirth of one of America’s most iconic off-road brands.
Chris reveals how the new Scout SUV and truck were designed, what he changed the moment he arrived, how Scout differs from Rivian and Jeep, what the EV vs. range-extender split looks like, and what the future holds for Scout Motors.
Expect raw career stories, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, and real talk about design, automotive culture, EV adoption, and off-roading.
mechanic
"...my dad immigrated here from Jamaica. He was a mechanic. He loved cars. He was always fixing them. I mean, for work, he fixed trucks, you know. But, you know, he always drove fast..."
A mechanic is someone who fixes cars and trucks. They make sure vehicles are working properly and can help with any problems that come up.
A mechanic is a skilled tradesperson who repairs and maintains vehicles. They work on various types of vehicles, including cars and trucks, and are essential for ensuring vehicles operate safely and efficiently.
Ford LTD
"...we had like a Ford LTD. We had an AeroStar at one point..."
The Ford LTD is a large car that was popular for families because it had a lot of space and was comfortable to drive.
The Ford LTD was a full-size car produced by Ford from the 1960s to the 1990s, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride.
Ford Aerostar
"...We had an AeroStar at one point. So, yeah. So domestics, you guys were into the, in American, American vehicles?"
The Ford Aerostar is a type of minivan that was made for families to have plenty of room for kids and cargo.
The Ford Aerostar was a minivan produced by Ford from 1986 to 1997, known for its versatility and spacious interior, making it suitable for families.
Nissan 240SX
"...he was driving a 240SX. So that was, that was fun. There was this one car for five kids..."
The Nissan 240SX is a sporty car that many people like to modify and race because it has good handling and is fun to drive.
The Nissan 240SX is a sports car produced by Nissan from 1989 to 1998, popular for its rear-wheel drive layout and tuning potential, especially among car enthusiasts.
drift
"...he would always like drift this corner. And it was,..."
Drifting is when a driver makes a car slide sideways while still controlling it, often done in races or for fun. It's a cool way to take corners fast!
Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control through a corner. It's popular in motorsports and car culture.
Nissan Silvia S13
"...it was a fastback. Fastback. This would have been S13 for the drift nerds."
The Nissan Silvia S13 is a car from the late 80s and early 90s that's great for drifting because it's light and has rear-wheel drive, which helps with control during turns.
The Nissan Silvia S13 is a popular sports car from the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout, making it a favorite among drift enthusiasts.
Ferrari F40
"...the first three matchbox that I bought, two of them were three U8 GTBs and one was a Lamborghini Cuntosh. Perfect. Yeah. I still have them."
The Ferrari F40 is a famous sports car made by Ferrari. It was built to be very fast and light, and it has a powerful engine that helped it become one of the best supercars in the world.
The Ferrari F40 is a legendary supercar produced by Ferrari between 1987 and 1992. It was known for its lightweight construction and powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
Lamborghini Cuntosh
"...the first three matchbox that I bought, two of them were three U8 GTBs and one was a Lamborghini Cuntosh. Perfect. Yeah. I still have them."
The Lamborghini Countach is a well-known sports car famous for its unique shape and doors that open upwards. It has a very strong engine and is considered one of the coolest cars ever made.
The Lamborghini Countach is an iconic supercar produced from the early 1970s to the early 1990s. It is renowned for its distinctive design, scissor doors, and powerful V12 engine, making it a symbol of automotive performance and luxury.
Daimler
"Well, let's jump into where you went after CCS because you have a really impressive career resume all over the place. But impressively, you went to Daimler right after, right, directly including, so two years in Irvine, and then you went to the mothership in Sindelfingen."
Daimler is a big car company from Germany that makes luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz. They are known for their high-quality vehicles and innovative designs.
Daimler AG is a German multinational automotive corporation known for manufacturing luxury vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz brand. It has a significant presence in the global automotive market and is involved in various aspects of vehicle design and production.
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
"The GST. GST Grand. Grand Sports Touring Concept, which became the R-Class. For the R-Class. Yes. So that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 02."
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a type of vehicle that is a mix between an SUV and a minivan, made for families who want more space and comfort. It was made from 2006 to 2013.
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a luxury crossover vehicle that combines elements of an SUV and a minivan, designed for family use and comfort. It was produced from 2006 to 2013 and offered various features aimed at enhancing passenger experience.
Detroit Auto Show
"...which became the R-Class. Yes. So that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 02. Yeah. In 02. Yeah. I remember it."
The Detroit Auto Show is a big event where car companies show off their newest cars and technology every year in Detroit. It's a place where people can see the latest in the automotive world.
The Detroit Auto Show, officially known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is an annual event that showcases the latest automotive innovations and vehicle debuts from manufacturers around the world. It is one of the largest and most prestigious auto shows in the United States.
Mercedes-Benz CLS
"... at all have, did you have to work on the vision CLS at all? No. No, I worked on the ocean drive, the..."
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a stylish car that looks like a fancy coupe but has four doors, making it easier to get in and out. It's known for being very luxurious and comfortable to drive.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a luxury four-door coupe that combines the elegance of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. Known for its sleek design and high-end features, it represents a blend of performance and luxury in the automotive market.
Mercedes-Benz Gclass
"up to it, but then I left before they decided to make it a show car. So he did all the full-size stuff. We got to keep moving here because we had to talk about stuff. I remember it was G-Class Sport Tour, right? That was going to be the name. And then last second, I figure why. There's some"
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a fancy SUV that looks a bit like a box on wheels. It's really strong and can go off-road, but people also love it because it looks cool and is very luxurious inside.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often referred to as the G-Wagon, is a luxury SUV known for its distinctive boxy shape and off-road capabilities. Originally designed as a military vehicle, it has evolved into a symbol of wealth and status, making it a popular choice among celebrities and affluent buyers.
Mercedes-Benz GLK
"...I mean, I did the interior of the GLK, the production interior..."
The GLK is a smaller SUV from Mercedes-Benz that is designed to be luxurious and comfortable while still being practical for everyday use.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK is a compact luxury SUV that was produced from 2008 to 2015. It is known for its stylish design and solid performance.
Volvo V40
"...jumped to Volvo where you did the exterior of the V40. You worked in both Gothenburg and in the California Design Studio."
The Volvo V40 is a small car made by Volvo that focuses on safety and style. It's designed to be a comfortable and reliable choice for drivers.
The Volvo V40 is a compact car produced by Volvo, known for its safety features and stylish design. It was designed to compete in the premium hatchback segment.
Chrysler Pacifica
"So first project was the Pacifica Minivan, right? I mean, GST Pacifica. They, they related,"
The Chrysler Pacifica is a type of minivan that has lots of space and is great for families. It has features that make it easy and comfortable to travel with kids.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It was designed to cater to the needs of modern families, offering versatility and comfort.
Jeep Wagoneer
"...esponsible for making the Macintosh system in the Wagoneer green instead of blue, isn't it green?"
The Jeep Wagoneer is a big SUV that can fit a lot of people and gear, and it's built to handle rough terrains. It's a mix of being tough for adventures and comfortable for everyday driving.
The Jeep Wagoneer is a full-size SUV that has been reintroduced to the market, known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities. It combines ruggedness with luxury, making it suitable for both family use and adventurous outings.
Ram 1500
"...t the Wrangler, the pre-facelift and the Ram, the 1500, those were both third of the way there, halfway..."
The Ram 1500 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or play. It's comfortable to drive and has a lot of cool features that make it stand out from other trucks.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, comfortable ride, and high-quality interior. It competes with other popular trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, and is often praised for its innovative features and towing capabilities.
Jeep Wrangler
"...tly you. So when Klaus left, when Klaus left the Wrangler, the pre-facelift and the Ram, the 1500, those w..."
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"I mean, we, we put that into the grand Cherokee, grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer, you know,"
The Grand Wagoneer is a larger, more luxurious SUV from Jeep. It offers a lot of space and comfort, making it great for families or long trips.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size luxury SUV that combines classic styling with modern technology and off-road capability. It is known for its spacious interior and premium features.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...y or the other. I mean, we, we put that into the grand Cherokee, grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer, you know, but we made..."
SUV
"...that's a cool SUV. And then if they're in and around other people that know the originals that go,..."
An SUV is a type of vehicle that is bigger than a regular car and can handle rough roads. They are great for families and outdoor activities because they have more space.
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle, a versatile vehicle designed for both on-road and off-road driving. They typically offer higher ground clearance and more cargo space than standard cars.
Scout
"...and it looks like a scout, you know what I mean? So for me, that was the big thing."
The Scout is an older type of SUV that was made a long time ago. It's known for being tough and good for off-road driving.
The Scout is a classic SUV model produced by International Harvester from the early 1960s to the early 1980s. It is known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities.
Ford Bronco
".... And then there have been other brands like the Bronco that were gone and have come back. Came back soo..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that was really popular a long time ago and just came back after being gone for many years. It's designed for people who love to go off-road and explore nature.
The Ford Bronco is an iconic SUV that was originally produced from the 1960s until the 1990s and has made a highly anticipated comeback in recent years. Known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, the Bronco has become a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"Like Land Cruiser. I'm a big Land Cruiser guy."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a strong and reliable SUV that can handle tough terrains. It's popular for both off-roading and comfortable driving.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a rugged SUV known for its off-road capabilities and durability. It has a long history and is often associated with luxury and adventure.
International Harvester Scout
"A lot of people don't know it, but the original Bronco in 1965 was an exact copy of the scout that came out in 1961. Yeah, 100%. And most people don't know that."
The International Harvester Scout is an older SUV that was made in the 1960s. It's known for being useful for both everyday driving and off-road adventures.
The International Harvester Scout was a compact SUV produced from 1961 to 1980, known for its versatility and off-road performance. It was one of the first SUVs and has a strong following among classic car enthusiasts.
range extended electric vehicle
"So range extended electric vehicle is Reeve, if that's the way you would say it. But it's not pure that. You get a pure EV or you get off for the range extended."
A range extended electric vehicle is an electric car that can also use a small gas engine to help recharge its battery. This means you can drive further without worrying about running out of battery power.
A range extended electric vehicle (REEV) is a type of electric vehicle that has a small internal combustion engine to generate electricity, extending the vehicle's range beyond what the battery alone can provide. This allows for longer trips without the need for frequent charging.
range anxiety
"It's just the infrastructure in this country isn't great and people get range anxiety. That's it."
Range anxiety is when drivers worry that their electric car will run out of battery before they can charge it again. This can make people hesitant to drive long distances in electric vehicles.
Range anxiety refers to the fear or concern that an electric vehicle (EV) will run out of battery power before reaching its destination or a charging station. This is a common issue for EV owners, especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
Rivian R1S
"...ell, these look a lot like the Rivian R1T and the R1S. How do you, what do you say to those people?"
Rivian R1T
"...nts about, well, these look a lot like the Rivian R1T and the R1S. How do you, what do you say to thos..."
The Rivian R1T is a new electric truck that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's designed for people who like outdoor adventures and can go off-road while being good for the environment.
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that has gained attention for its innovative design and advanced technology. It is part of a new wave of electric vehicles aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, offering impressive range and off-road capabilities.
Dodge Ram
"...ence is if you, if you like looking at F-150 or a RAM, even for that matter, the full size trucks are ..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can do a lot of different jobs, like hauling stuff or towing trailers. It's known for being powerful and useful for both work and everyday driving.
The Dodge Ram, now simply known as Ram, is a full-size pickup truck that has been recognized for its strong performance and versatility. It offers a range of engines and configurations, making it suitable for both work and personal use.
body on frame construction
"...solid rear axle, body on frame construction. That's the biggest architectural difference to the Rivian if we want to talk about that."
Body on frame construction means the main body of the vehicle is built on a strong frame. This is common in trucks and SUVs, making them tough and good for off-road driving.
Body on frame construction is a method where the vehicle's body is mounted on a separate frame. This design is often used in SUVs and trucks for durability and off-road capability.
Karma Revero
"I'm driving a Karma Revero this week. Surprisingly great."
The Karma Revero is a fancy electric car that also has a gas engine to help it go further. It's known for looking good and driving well.
The Karma Revero is a luxury electric vehicle known for its sleek design and performance. It features a unique powertrain that combines electric motors with a gasoline engine to extend its range.
Porsche Taycan
"...I took a, you know, a Taycan of Vegas with my kid went to charge it from like, you know,..."
The Porsche Taycan is a fast electric car that can go from 0 to 60 mph quickly. It's designed for luxury and has a lot of high-tech features.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sedan that offers high performance and advanced technology. It's known for its impressive acceleration and range, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
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