Motortrend
Toyota returns to its compact-truck roots with its latest concept vehicle A-BAT (Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck) making its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in January. The A-BAT uses a hybrid powertrain reported to provide modern versatility, roominess, and style for a new kind of buyer.
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, California. Together, they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and vehicle needs requires a vehicle that as of now isn’t available in the marketplace; in a word, they want a carlike anti-pickup. 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 also is key in making the A-BAT appropriate for today’s market.
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The A-BAT’s unique aerodynamic exterior was crafted by Calty project chief designer Ian Cartabiano and creative designer Matt Sperling. Leading their design philosophy was the term “vibrant clarity.”
The A-BAT features a four-foot bed, but has more functional flexibility than other pickup trucks in the segment. A translucent roof panel slides open to allow for tall cargo in the cab. When the passthrough Midgate is folded down into the cab the bed lengthens an additional two feet. An open tailgate provides an additional two feet of bed length. The A-BAT offers customers the versatility of hauling gear one day, then taking a family on for an outing to the lake the next.
Although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior, the interior team worked to create a modern look for the interior.
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.
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.
Whether the A-BAT will go into production depends on further market study, but there’s no denying the small-truck segment has been flat and will most likely keep shrinking. It’s clear Toyota is hoping this’ll be the vehicle grownup Scion buyers will gravitate toward when first looking at a Toyota vehicle. The high-tech hybrid angle would seem to make sense from that point of view, but beyond the cool factor, our bet is that young car guys won’t be looking for the most carlike truck on the market. We won’t hold our breath, but stranger things have happened. The bottom line is if this goes to production at a price point under $17,000, there may be a chance.
