Toyota A-BAT concept could head to production while Tundra diesel stalls
Click above to enlarge the A-BAT concept
Toyota has thrown all of its green eggs (sorry, no ham) into one basket: hybrids. That trend seems set to continue as the major automaker is now considering building the radical hybrid-powered A-BAT compact pickup that was debuted in concept form earlier this year in Detroit. That small pickup would slot below the successful Tacoma, which has grown in leaps and bounds with the past few redesigns and is no longer the Ranger competitor it once was. According to Automotive News, suppliers are now bidding on assorted systems for the truck, though Toyota has not announced anything official. Both a four cylinder and a hybrid powertrain would be on the menu. We can get behind the idea of another small truck option in the States, but it sure does seem like odd timing considering how far the overall pickup market has fallen in the last year. Interestingly, Toyota has reportedly canceled plans for a small diesel engine for its full-size Tundra pickup, citing those aforementioned sad sales statistics. If the market ever picks back up, the automaker claims it can move quickly to revive the now stalled program. The hybrid A-BAT could help offset some of the poor CAFE fuel mileage statistics that the Tundra currently scores, and will now continue to post thanks to the lack of a fuel-saving diesel option.
Update: Toyota Group VP for Communications Irv Miller told ABG that there is no official confirmation either way on the Tundra diesel. The company is currently re-evaluating all its truck programs and he couldn't offer a date when a final decision would be made.
[Sources: PickupTrucks.com, Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jude Brown 12:20PM (9/22/2008)
As long as there is enough utility. I need to go to the hardware store, grad 3- 4 sheets of drywall and throw a tile cuter in the back. 35 MPG COMBINED or more and you can sign me up. I could care less about 4X4, AWD, or how it does off road. I need a gas miser basic utility truck.
Reply
Xander 4:55PM (9/22/2008)
From what I can see it's a near Ridgeline clone. Two rows of seats, suicide rear doors and a very short bed. Unless you can somehow fold down/remove the rear seats and open the back of the cab it would be fairly useless as a work truck. I couldn't use it myself as I need enough headroom to haul small motorcycles, ATV's and such.
I'm afraid it looks nearly as horribly angular as the Ridgeline, too bad as some of the Camino/Ranchero's these things remind me of were pretty nice.
geekmorgan 12:48PM (9/24/2008)
you can fold down the back seat and the tailgate. this little truck would be awesome if they don't deviate too much from the concept. I'd really consider one as a daily driver that can do it all (except go offroad)
Jon 4:39PM (9/22/2008)
I agree with Jude. I think this is a market that automakers are missing.
If this car gets made, either it or the mahindra 2 door diesel hybrid will be my next car.
Reply
Nick 6:24PM (9/22/2008)
I hope they'll make the windows larger. I can't stand being trapped in a truck/suv with narrow windows that you can't look out of.
The larger the vehicle, the more I want visibility.
Reply
Perry 1:08AM (9/23/2008)
If they could make a small pickup with near the mileage of a prius it would attract alot of guys who hate the looks of a prius.
Reply
Don 2:51AM (9/24/2008)
I have a 96 T100, wanted a FJ for knocking around but the gas mileage was not what I expected. The ABAT could kill 2 birds with one stone. Tone down the hard looking seating and don't have blind spots like the FJ.
Reply
2000TUNDRA 4:57PM (4/08/2009)
Toyota,
1st should get rid of the new FJ body (and it's designer) he obviously never drove it in a city. (blind spots and you have to stop at least 5 cars back to see the traffic lights.)
2nd Put A-BAT on the new FJ chassis or for that matter putting just about any body on the FJ would improve it. (I would even take one with a Corolla body on it)
3rd Don't make the A-BAT a wimp
Just the thoughts of a Proud Toyota owner (the Tundra is my 3 Toy truck and my family's 8th Toyota (6 of them, brand new)
Reply