Toyota A-BAT Concept: Hybrid Off-Roader

Motoring Channel Staff - 8/January/2008

Tokyo, Japan — The annual Detroit Motor Show is global event, so you'll see things like the new diesel V12 Audi R8, and the new Mercedes-Benz GLK.

But it's also an event where many car companies make their new car pitches to American drivers, and one such model is the Toyota A-BAT Concept.

As American car buyers move away from thirsty, large-engined pick-ups, vehicles like this one which feature an efficient 4-cylinder hybrid engine could become the new cash cow for many car companies.

Using the same Hybrid Synergy Drive as the Toyota Prius, this new concept shows that Toyota is serious about having a hybrid vehicle in every car category.

Designed by Toyota's American 'Calty' (California Toyota) studios in California, the new A-BAT Concept shows off a futuristic new look. It's sits up high on large 19-inch wheels and instead of the traditionally boxy shape, it features sleek angles that add a sporty, somewhat urban flavour to the design.

Calty chief designer Ian Cartabiano said he wanted to try a few new things with the Toyota A-BAT design, and this can be first seen in smaller details: "The bold grille showcases Toyota's reverse trapezoid and T-face theme in a new way.

Creative designer Matt Sperling says the overall design was inspired by "a NATO all-terrain military truck" and the Toyota Prius. Strange bedfellows, but there you go.

"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.

Some of the features of the new concept car that will debut at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show include the four-foot rear bed for carting bulky items, a transparent roof panel that slides open to allow for tall cargo in the cab, and also a 'pass-through' midgate, which can be folded down into the cab and increases the bed length by two feet.

The Toyota A-BAT Concept has seating for four passengers, and includes things like a first aid kit, AC/DC power outlet (for powering tools, camping gear etc), a flashlight, and lockable draws in the rear bed.

There's also a range of gadgets inside the vehicle, which Toyota is increasingly using on new hybrid models to highlight their technological nature. 

As such, the Toyota A-BAT Concept comes with a retractable portable navigation unit with a 7-inch screen and Wi-Fi Internet. It's also got a USB port and a hard drive. 

Like the Mazda RX-8, the Toyota A-BAT Concept features barn-style opening doors. The small rear doors hinge from the rear of the car for easier access to the rear seats.

Both the driver and front passenger have a large multi-information display screens to view the status of their high tech gadgets and HVAC and audio settings, and solar panels on the dash assist in the charging the navigation unit.

"This concept is the next evolution of the compact truck," says Kevin Hunter, the president of Calty Design Research, Inc. 

"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."

Based on monocoque or unibody platform, to give the vehicle car-like handling, the A-BAT Concept vehicle could be starting point for an all-new model.

"Driving from beyond the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people," continued Kevin Hunter. "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," concluded Kevin Hunter.

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