Scion

Toyota continues to test the waters by introducing new products and lines of vehicles that the Japanese automaker has never done before, at least for the North American market. Scion, which is the company’s youth-oriented line of vehicles offers the most edgy wheels while Lexus appeals to the nouveau rich. The Toyota brand itself features vehicles somewhere in the middle.

At the New York Auto Show in March 2008, Scion unveiled the Hako, a vehicle developed by the Toyota Design Division as a result of their study on youth trends from around the world. The photos that follow is the result of that study.

The Hako’s roof is nothing but unusual:

The Hako has a tremendous amount of glass and the driver looks as if he would be sitting behind the controls of his favorite video game. Quoting Scion:

“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.”

Speaking about video games, this is what you see on the front passenger’s portion of the dashboard; also take a close look at the foot pedals:

Last of all, the rear passenger seating section has an embedded screen on the side of the cabin. I wouldn’t be surprised if this same screen finds itself planted on the seatback or pulled down from the roof if the Hako ever gets the green light for production.

The Hako’s design is geared to reaching today’s youth who are looking for some different and personal. Unlike generations in the past who settled for strip entry level wheels, the Hako is likely to include a bunch of optional equipment as standard items including some of the latest technological gadgetry.

(Source: Scion Public Relations)