We Asked AI to Render a Modern Toyota Stout (Here’s What Happened)
Apparently, the AI we tapped to render a modern Toyota Scout has a thing for old Gulf racing liveries. And axles. Lots of axles.
At the moment, everyone is waiting for Toyota to reveal the next generation of the Tacoma. Thanks to some patent drawings from Brazil, we have a decent idea of what it will look like. Plus, there are loads of good theories about the powertrain — which likely won’t come with a stick. But there have also been rumors that Toyota is looking to revive the Stout nameplate, and might release a compact — possibly even electric — truck to lure buyers looking at the Ford Ranger and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
So in the interest of science, I decided to ask an AI to generate versions of what a modern Toyota Stout would look like. Now, there are numerous programs availible that will render images from text or visual prompts. But after seeing the success a gearhead buddy had with Midjourney, which you can use through Discord, that’s the one I decided to try.
And the results? Well, let’s call them curious, and just like with penicillin, a mistake produced a great result. Let’s take a look.
Attempt One
This series is the only one where I used a reference pic, a red press shot I grabbed from Toyota’s media site, and it’s the wildest of the bunch. After the prompt, I provided a link to the image, and asked for a “modern version of a 1966 Toyota Stout.”
For the record, I didn’t say anything about adding an extra axel — the bot did that all on its. And while I don’t think these look particularly Stout-like, I do really like the last two versions, which are sporting something akin to an old Gulf livery. How cool would these look as a race car carrier?
Attempt Two
OK, this is where I messed up. I typed “Scout” instead of “Stout” — but this is my favorite set of the bunch. I also didn’t specify that these be done in a photorealistic style, but I think the bot chose some great backgrounds.
For what it’s worth, I think this little off-roader is adorable, even if it looks more like a burly cousin of the Nissan Pao than a Toyota. I would happily rock any of these — but the first and third versions are my favorites. The brass wheels made me think of the Land Cruiser Heritage Edition.
Attempt Three
This set was done asking for a modern Stout, in a photorealistic style. Like the set above, I think it’s more restomod than modern, and once again, there’s another Gulf-style treatment. I do really like the third option. While I think it’s a little off the mark regarding classic Stout cues, I particularly like the grille treatment. I also thought it was interesting that the bot randomly jumped forward a couple of decades, and drew something which Marty McFly might have coveted.
Overall, I think playing around with the Midjourney software reinforced my belief that going retro could be a big hit for any modern interpretation of the Stout — particularly if it becomes electric. But what do you think? Let me know, and make sure to tell me what other dead models you’d like to see Toyota revive!
Photos: Toyota