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View Full Version : Toyota A-BAT Concept Vehicle Revealed



Good Times
01-13-2008, 08:42 PM
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/toyota-a-bat-reveal-1280-7.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/toyota-a-bat-reveal-1280-30.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/toyota-a-bat-reveal-1280-24.jpg


After the first day of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show press days ended, some of us decided to take up Toyota on its invite to a reception at which we were greeted by the live reveal of the A-BAT concept hybrid pickup. Though images of the A-BAT were released some time ago and we know all about the unibody pickup's hybrid synergy drivetrain and Chevy Avalanche-like midgate, we were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves not hating the design as much as we thought we would. It's odd, for sure, but it's a concept and there's artistic license to be had there. The actual size of the A-BAT, however, is smaller than its chunky flanks and expanse of sheet metal suggest. It makes us long for the compact pickup segment to be revived with trucks that are actually, you know, compact. Like the new 2009 Dodge Ram, the A-BAT also features storage compartments in its bed rails, as well as a first-aid kit in the tailgate. Aside from the hybrid drivetrain, its green cred is further bolstered by solar panels embedded in the dash to drive the accessories. All good stuff, of course, but we just want a small pickup with one of those efficient yet torquey clean diesels everyone's talking about. Perhaps if Toyota hears our collective demand for such a vehicle, a version of the A-BAT might actually be produced.


Full Article Here (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-toyota-a-bat-concept-revealed-after-dark/)

Ok I don't get this.

* Hybrid
* Unibody

What in the world is Toyota thinking?

ecchamberlin
01-13-2008, 08:50 PM
Lance I don't see this as an off road concept. More of a Honda Ridgeline IMO. Ridgeline was a great idea and it has sold well and the owners of the really like them.

Most full size truck owners do not use them to their potential. Not even close. How many F150 owners do you see with a load of gravel or dirt in the bed. Or even a pallet of bricks. Honda came in with a utilitarian concept that still offers most of the capacity/capability of a entry level full size but one that handles better (IFS/IRS) and gets considerably better mileage.

This would sell also. Most people do not need a massive new tundra IMO.