Thumbs up or down? Toyota wants to know what you think about the A-BAT
The A-BAT hybrid concept truck that Toyota introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January doesn't look like anything on the road today. But what would you think about seeing one of these in the rearviewmirror? Alternately, how would you feel about cruising to work in one of these small trucks? These are questions that Toyota would seriously like to know the answers to, as a post by Ian Cartabiano, Calty Project Chief Designer, on Toyota's Open Road blog makes clear.
The A-BAT, which stands for Advanced-Breakthrough Aerodynamic Truck, has apparently garnered enough interest to make Toyota think a minute about possibly bringing the flexible and fuel-conscious vehicle to production. While Toyota isn't tipping its hand on this issue, Cartabiano is asking readers for their comments on the viability of a production A-BAT. If you feel strongly one way or the other, hit the Open Road and let Toyota know.
[Source: Open Road via Green Car Advisor]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John baldwin 8:47AM (2/25/2008)
it looks ridiculous
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Tim 9:13AM (2/25/2008)
Two Comments:
1) UGLY
2) No plug? NO SALE!
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D. See 8:53AM (2/25/2008)
Hello Honda Ridgeline!
Ugly.
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RWD fan 8:58AM (2/25/2008)
So this is what they did with the Baja since purchasing up Subaru?
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Dave 9:51AM (2/25/2008)
I don't care for the desing at all, very ugly in my opinion. I wonder what their focus group's opinion of the design is?
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snakesausage 10:00AM (2/25/2008)
I am in the market for a small pickup and I would not buy this. Thumbs Down.
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josh 10:48AM (2/25/2008)
There doesn't seem to be anything aerodynamic about that truck. It's huge. And Toyota truck sales have always sucked (but the hilux is excellent).
"what would you think about seeing one of these in the rearviewmirror?"
I would think I'm being stalked by the worlds first mentally challenged vehicle.
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Amber78 11:05AM (2/25/2008)
Has anyone seen this site:
www.condenet.com/promo/inmynature
It’s pretty interesting to me that Toyota (along with Diane Keaton…who knew?) is taking steps to be green. Also, they’re sponsoring this season of PBS’ Nature series—there’s a schedule on the site.
Just wanted to share :)
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GoodCheer 11:12AM (2/25/2008)
For a truck that has the word "Aerodynamic" in the name, it sure looks like a big rectangular block to me. (I made the same criticism of the initial Volt, and they changed the design just for me!!!)
While I think 95% of the people on this site like the idea of a small hybrid pickup, I personally find it ridiculous to put so much thought into making an energy efficient drive train, then putting it behind such a wind-blocker grill.
A also agree with Tim that new hybrid platforms should be looking to move forward with the technology (especially designs from the company that has close to 1M on the road already). Moving forward means plugging in.... let's get on it Toyota!!!
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GoodCheer 11:13AM (2/25/2008)
....Or I suppose I should say, I'd like to know cD and total drag numbers of this "aerodynamic" new truck design compared to other truck designs. I suppose they all suck rocks for cDs.
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zaedrus 11:16AM (2/25/2008)
This looks suspiciously familiar.
...like the GMC Denali XT concept?
The styling isn't terrible, but it's too chunky for my tastes.
And I've never been convinced of the short bed concept. A hatchback serves just as well.
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pditty 11:54AM (2/25/2008)
I simply love it, and I'm not even a truck person.
Hybrid 4cyl? Good aerodynamics? Looks great? Enough utility for most and is compact... Toyota reliability? Sign me up!
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KarenRei 12:50PM (2/25/2008)
Why not just paint it in Dazzle camouflage to make it even harder to tell which direction it's supposed to drive?
You know, if they tried hard enough, I bet they could find a way to make the hood even taller and the windows even stubbier. Because, of course, everyone likes tiny windows on their cars. At least, that's what almost all recent prototypes seem to indicate.
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AES 2:13PM (2/25/2008)
Toyota-
1) Stylistically, it's a copy of the Ridgeline
2) The GMC Denali concept looks a lot better and has more visionary technology in it.
3) Stick to what you're good at - midsize cars.
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Wildgoosechase73 7:16PM (2/25/2008)
I just want to know what it's payload and towing capacity is. Can I tow my boat?
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jamesFF 11:18PM (2/25/2008)
Some one should hit it with A Bat.
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rschaefer 7:13AM (2/26/2008)
how could the comany that made the original mini pick-up make something so ugly.
note to Toyota from a Tacoma owner:
*it's gotta have seating for four.
*it's gotta have a bed that can carry 8'x4' sheet goods
*it's gotta have 4WD available
*and it's gotta get at leat 30mpg.
*and it's gotta be not-ugly (hardest one for Toyota, I know)
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Cheese302 7:27AM (2/26/2008)
i want it, but not as a hybrid. give me a stick shift and a 4cyl or a diesel, and i will put 300k miles on one in a heartbeat. looks very useful and in my taste fairly attractive. i want a truck with four seats, but the ability to have the bed be extended like it is on the concept. i'm in
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Antonio 8:51AM (2/28/2008)
I like it. Sure there are a few things I am not too excited about...like the front end. Just looks too, "not toyota" Other than that....go for it, start pumping them out toyota, I would sign up to be one of the first owners. I love the hybrid concept. I been waiting for toyota to come up with a hybrid tacoma, but I don't think its going to happen, so I would settle for the A-Bat.
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Rick 1:54PM (2/26/2008)
TWO THUMBS WAYYYYYYYYY DOOOOOWWWNNNNN!!!!
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