Toyota To Unveil A-BAT Hybrid Pickup Truck
Taking yet another stab at both the truck and hybrid market, Toyota is set to introduce a new gas-electric hybrid compact truck at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Toyota’s A-BAT concept is said to be equipped with their third-generation gas-electric hybrid powertrain technology called Hybrid Synergy Drive. Imporved fuel economy and lower emissions are the name of the game when it comes to next generation vehicles, combine that with poor performance in the truck market for those two categories and you’ve got the potential for stellar unit sales.
This concept is the next evolution of the compact truck,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s North American-based research and design center, in a statement today.
The A-BAT’s trapezoidal styling takes its cues from the Prius, Toyota’s immensely successful best-selling hybrid. This unique truck has room for four, along with a four foot bed puts this right square in the ‘compact’ category.
Since folks usually want to ‘haul’ something with their pickup, Toyota ammended the concept with translucent roof panels that slide open for more room to fit tall cargo inside the cab. The bed can be extended by folding down the passthrough midgate into the cab for an additional two feet of length, and yet another two feet can be had by opening the tailgate. Good things really can come in small packages.
Solar panels mounted atop the instrument panel capture sunlight for energy conversion. This assists in charging the navigation unit, battery pack and backlit information displays. Large display screens for both driver and passenger help to track the status of all the on-board high-tech gadgetry.