Toyota A-BAT Concept

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What is it?
Toyota A-BAT Concept

What's special about it?
Toyota thinks it has identified yet another underserved segment of truck buyers. These individuals have such a unique lifestyle that not one of the 355 models currently on sale in the U.S. is capable of satisfying their needs. For those select few, Toyota has created the A-BAT concept.

"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," says Kevin Hunter, president of Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota's Southern California design studio.

To achieve this unheard-of ability to negotiate roads that are both paved and covered in dirt, the A-BAT concept rides on a lightweight car chassis. A 112.2-inch wheelbase suggests it's the same architecture found underneath the latest Highlander SUV. Toyota says the A-BAT also uses a Hybrid Synergy Drive system, although the lack of additional powertrain details suggests there's probably not much more than an engine cover with a hybrid badge under the hood.

A smaller overall size is another one of the A-BAT's nods to improved efficiency and maneuverability. Put the A-BAT side by side with an extended-cab Toyota Tacoma and the real truck would stretch more than 2 feet longer than the concept. A lower height and wider track gives the A-BAT a more street-worthy look, too.

Inspiration for the design of the A-BAT came from two unlikely sources — the Prius and a military truck. "The image of a NATO all-terrain truck inspired us to keep the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity," says the truck's chief designer Ian Cartabiano.

Creative designer Matt Sperling says he studied the profile of the Prius to come up with the design of the A-BAT's A- and C-pillars. "We studied the silhouette of the Prius and applied its trapezoidal shape to create an entirely new truck image," notes Sperling.

Every last design trick has been used to maintain the A-BAT's utility as a truck. There's a sliding roof panel to accommodate taller cargo and a fold-down midgate that can extend the 4-foot bed by an extra 2 feet. Lower the tailgate and you can bring home that sheet of plywood you've always wanted.

Like most concepts, the interior of the A-BAT is a mix of high-dollar materials and high-tech features. The seats, center console and dashboard use various combinations of carbon fiber and aluminum, while the door trim, armrests and seat cushions are made of a "tough, lightweight and comfortable" material according to Toyota.

A power pack in the center console is able to deliver both AC and DC power, so virtually any type of electronic equipment can be used on board. And there's no need to worry about running out of power, as there are solar panels on the dashboard that help recharge the batteries.

As implausible as it all sounds, the chances of a truck like the A-BAT finding its way into production are better than you might think. As the Tacoma has grown, there's now room for a true light-duty compact truck in Toyota's lineup. It wouldn't need big power or the ability to go off-road, just a small utility bed and decent mileage like the A-BAT. A new name would probably help, too.

What's Edmunds' take?
The idea of the A-BAT doesn't bother us, but its resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline and the Dodge Rampage concept leaves us wondering how well Toyota's designers thought this one through. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor