Toyota Concept Vehicles - A-BAT
Toyota returns to its compact pick-up truck roots and takes them to a new level with the A-BAT concept vehicle. Developed jointly by the Toyota Motor Sales Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota's research and design centre in Newport Beach, CA, the environmentally advanced A-BAT, with its hybrid powertrain, provides versatility, roominess and style while featuring good fuel economy, advanced functionality, manoeuvrability, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle.
The A-BAT is geared for a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and transportation needs required a vehicle just as comfortable in the suburbs as on a country road. Whether hauling 4x8 sheets of plywood or loaded for a family camping trip, the A-BAT boasts a versatility and flexibility not before seen in a pickup truck.
The A-BAT rides on a unibody platform for car-like handling when navigating city streets and crowded parking lots, and smooth ride quality for highway trips and the everyday commute. In addition, its lightweight package coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology is designed to deliver excellent fuel economy, while solar panels in the top surface of the instrument panel capture sunlight and convert it into energy.
The A-BAT's rugged exterior has been matched to a bright and vibrant interior with an urban-rugged feel with the inspiration coming from high-end mountain bike frames. This included using lightweight construction materials, such as: carbon fibre and aluminium for the instrument panel and console and seats for increased structural rigidity while reducing mass.
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.
