Toyota A-BAT Concept: Returning to its compact truck roots

Interior Sculpture

Although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior, the interior team worked to create a modern look for the interior.

"We balanced colors and fabrics that were bright and vibrant, but also captured an urban-rugged feel with their energetic and geometric qualities," says Alan Schneider, project chief designer.

"The inspiration behind the exposed structure on the interior was drawn from high-end mountain bike frames," says Daryl Harris, senior creative designer. "We applied lightweight construction materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum, to the instrument panel, console, and seats for increased structural rigidity while reducing mass."

The rigid, yet sculptured alloy center console runs between the two front seats and houses a portable power pack. The battery pack offers AC and DC for a wide variety of applications, including powering tools, electrical gear while camping, a laptop computer, small appliances, or assisting a vehicle jumpstart.

The door trim, shoulder, armrest, and instrument panel pads and seat cushions are made of a tough, lightweight, and comfortable material that can be selected for personalization. In addition, the colors are coordinated to enhance the sleek interior environment. The center console and door pockets feature carbon-fiber components to complete the durable and modern look.

The four-passenger A-BAT offers numerous seating and storage configurations. In addition to the rear seats folding down with the Midgate to extend the cargo bed length, the rear seat cushions can retract beneath the cargo bed to increase rear cab cargo flexibility. A removable storage tray beneath the rear seat offers tie downs and organizing compartments to secure loose cargo.

High Tech

Inside 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.

The driver and front passenger have a large multi-information display screens on the IP to view the status of their high-tech gadgets and HVAC and audio settings. The solar panels on the dash recapture energy from the sun to assist in the charging of the navigation unit, portable power pack, and backlit information displays.

"This concept is the next evolution of the compact truck," says Hunter. "We were able to create a compact truck that's utilitarian, has an original profile compared with 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."

Whether the A-BAT will go into production depends on further market study, but there's no denying the small-truck segment has been flat and will most likely keep shrinking. It's clear Toyota is hoping this'll be the vehicle grownup Scion buyers will gravitate toward when first looking at a Toyota vehicle. The high-tech hybrid angle would seem to make sense from that point of view, but beyond the cool factor, our bet is that young car guys won't be looking for the most carlike truck on the market. We won't hold our breath, but stranger things have happened. The bottom line is if this goes to production at a price point under $17,000, there may be a chance.