Pics Aplenty: Toyota reveals every angle of A-BAT hybrid pickup concept

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Toyota Returns To Its Compact Truck Roots With The A-BAT Concept Vehicle

January 2, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., returns to its compact pickup truck roots with its latest concept vehicle A-BAT. The environmentally advanced A-BAT provides modern versatility, roominess and style in a compact pickup architecture. The A-BAT will be on display at the Toyota exhibit in Detroit at the 2008 North American International Auto Show beginning Monday, Jan. 14.

"Driving from beyond the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people," said Kevin Hunter, president, Calty Design Research, Inc. "We've taken Toyota's truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a vehicle capable of maneuvering the suburbs as well as dirt roads. This compact truck is as comfortable for long commutes as it is for road trips. It can accommodate outdoor toys and home improvement supplies. Plus, customers benefit from the hybrid powertrain's low emissions and fuel economy."

The A-BAT concept was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif. Together, they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and vehicle needs required a vehicle that as of now is not available in the market place. The team created a new genre of compact vehicle with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle. Advanced styling was also key in making the A-BAT appropriate for today's market.

The A-BAT concept rides on a unibody platform for car-like handling when navigating city streets and crowded parking lots, and smooth ride quality for highway trips and the everyday commute. In addition, its lightweight package coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology is designed to deliver excellent fuel economy. Translucent solar panels in the top surface of the instrument panel capture sunlight and convert it into energy, showcasing the vehicle's "green" character.
Positioned below the Toyota Tacoma, A-BAT integrates truck features with car fundamentals for an efficient and modern package.

The A-BAT's unique aerodynamic exterior was crafted by Calty Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano and Creative Designer Matt Sperling. They integrated Toyota's design philosophy, "Vibrant Clarity" into the exterior by keeping the design forward-looking, crisp and functional.

The concept's unique look is a combination of the large body surfaces, intersecting tight surface planes, crisp lines and the trapezoidal profile. The A-BAT's 19-inch wheels sit at the vehicle's corners creating a tough and ready stance.

"We studied the 'trapezoid' silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota Prius and applied it to create an entirely new truck image," said Sperling. He further enhanced the trapezoidal profile by placing the cab forward, and using fast angle A- and C-pillars, shortened overhangs, and a sleek front window.

"The bold grille showcases Toyota's reverse trapezoid and T-face theme in a new way," explained Cartabiano. "The bed is defined by the C-pillar and is clearly separated from the cab to allow it to stand out from the rest of the profile."

"The image of a NATO all-terrain military truck inspired us to keep the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity in this compact package," stated Sperling.

The A-BAT features a four-foot bed, but has more flexibility than the standard pickup truck. A translucent roof panel slides open to allow for tall cargo in the cab. When the pass-through midgate is folded down into the cab the bed lengthens an additional two feet. An open tailgate provides an additional two-foot of bed length. The A-BAT offers customers the versatility of hauling a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood one day, then taking a family on a camping trip to the lake the next.

The bed has features perfect for work and play. These include tailgate lighting for illuminating the load in the bed, a first aid kit and flashlight integrated into the tailgate, sliding tie downs, and an AC power outlet. Items such as sports and leisure equipment can be stored in the lockable drawers in the bed walls. The concept also has additional storage that is accessible through sliding doors conveniently placed in and outside of the truck bed. For even more storage capacity the A-BAT comes with a large sliding drawer beneath the bed, accessible without opening the tailgate.

Although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior, the interior team worked to create a modern look for the interior.

"We balanced colors and fabrics that were both bright and vibrant, but also captured an urban-rugged feel with their energetic and geometric qualities," said Alan Schneider, Project Chief Designer.

"The inspiration behind the exposed structure on the interior was drawn from high-end mountain bike frames," added Daryl Harris, Senior Creative Designer. "We applied lightweight construction materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum, to the instrument panel, console and seats for increased structural rigidity while reducing mass."

The rigid, yet sculptured alloy center console runs between the two front seats and houses a portable power pack. The battery pack offers both AC and DC for a wide variety of applications including powering tools, electrical gear while camping, a laptop computer, small appliances or assisting a vehicle jump start.

The door trim, shoulder, armrest and instrument panel pads and seat cushions are made of a tough, lightweight and comfortable material that can be selected for personalization. In addition the colors are coordinated to enhance the sleek interior environment. The center console and door pockets feature carbon fiber components to complete the durable and modern look.

The four-passenger A-BAT offers numerous seating and storage configurations. In addition to the rear seats folding down with the midgate to extend the cargo bed length, the rear seat cushions can retract beneath the cargo bed to increase rear cab cargo flexibility. A removable storage tray beneath the rear seat offers tie downs and organizing compartments to secure loose cargo.

Inside the A-BAT has a retractable portable navigation unit with a seven-inch diagonal screen and Wi-Fi internet. Other advanced features include a port for portable device assistant synchronization and a hard drive for digital music.

Both the driver and front passenger have a large multi-information display screens on the IP to view the status of their high tech gadgets and HVAC and audio settings.

The solar panels on the dash recapture energy from the sun to assist in the charging of the navigation unit, portable power pack and backlit information displays.

"This concept is the next evolution of the compact truck," said Hunter. "We were able to create a compact truck that's utilitarian, has an original profile compared to other pickup trucks, has a 'small, but tough' character and is economical to operate. The A-BAT is a fun-to-drive, practical package that reflects Toyota's environmental sustainability message."

TOYOTA A-BAT CONCEPT PICKUP TRUCK
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVETRAIN
Four cylinder gas engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive®

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 181.3
Overall Width: 74.4
Overall Height: 64.0
Wheelbase: 112.2
Bed Length: 48.0
Bed Length with Midgate down: 72.0
Bed Length with Midgate and Tailgate down: 96.0
Wheel Size: 19-inch
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/p...hybrid-pickup/

[eurohazard]

I just threw up in mouth a little bit. Every other teenage girl in America will want one! It's the hottest thing since the Del Sol, or the Suzuki X-90.

[CharmCityES]

i keep saing it...
weres the damn spots coupes?
wheres the supercharged camry?

and above all



why do we need this?

[HL2k]

if they release it, just please change the name

"oh look there goes another a-bat!"

:|

[dtacow]

The only reason I've heard of that people want smaller trucks back is for the off-road-ability, which this concept appears to lack. (Unibody construction, etc.)

[Dave Russell]

Yikes!!!it almost makes that Honda thing look good. Heeeyyyy I've got an idea....what if we came up with a concept vehicle that was...are you ready for this-GOOD LOOKING/NOT BUTT-UGLY/SIMPLE AND EASY TO MAINTAIN/AS RELIABLE AS A TOYOTA SHOULD BE WITH NO QUIRKS THAT THE DEALER SEZ OH YEAH ,THEY ALL DO THAT.....whadda ya say Mr. Kevin Hunter????? P.S. Was that you that did the kicked-up wheelwell openings on the Tacoma? At least the guys at G.M. liked it enough to put them on the Canyon Oy-vey!

[toyfan4ever]

This is just another reason while after buying Toyota's for almost 30 years I am switching to a Honda.

Toyota, I have had enough of your stupidity...this A-BAT thing has done it for me. When you come out with a true sports car I will again think about buying a Toyota again. Until that time you will find me at a Honda dealership.


See ya !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Salty_Dog]

Looks like a lot of styling cues were taken from the Honda Ridgeline.

[Streaker]

Man, that's ugly!

[100$ GUY]

Its ugly, but what makes him Fugly its that they even copied the honda pantyline!

How come people with such talent and time spent can come up with something like this?

[payo360]

the funny part is that ridgeline, avalanche, and not this a-cell battery are very tacky. fortunately mitsubishi didnt follow the same trend with the raider. this vehicle looks like it meets the demands of the bandwagon trend. some noodle in toyota must have said "look what honda has.. we can the same and better" and they fuck up its future reliability by making it hybrid. GM is about 5 minutes away of having toyota by the balls with working on electric vehicles that dont rely on the engine for commuting. and honda still has their crowds in with sports cars. unless toyota comes out with more appealing vehicle for the consumers they earned in the pre-millenium, they are going have a difficult time keeping a young and old crowd favoring them. the scion line is also another mistake. they are cheap.. and nothing sporty. the only good thing about scion is that its very inexpensive.

[kanai]

this reminds me more of the isuzu vehicross, in style and function in that it's a niche vehicle. i agree its not gonna win over the hardcore off-road folk, but they can always get a taco or fj...its funny that someone brings up going to honda, have fun in that new accord or element while you're there. the only appealing auto in that line-up is the s2k. we'll see how reliable the new volt is, it's not like that technology has been on the road as long as synergy drive. lets not forget that this is a concept, its not like its gonna hit dealerships tomorrow or anything.

[wonger]

i like it hehe.. but than again i like the ridgeline as well. only thing i dont like on the ridgeline is the interior

[AndeyHall]

Did they merge with Honda or something?

[AndeyHall]

I'm all for new sharp looking cars and SUVs, but when you make a truck, it needs to look like a truck. I could just see somebody at the dealership sayin "Yeah, I want a truck...but I wanna look as much like a panzy as possible. How about that A-BAT over there."