Toyota To Unveil A-BAT Concept

Anthony Fontanelle
January 3, 2008

The North American International Auto Show is just around the corner and automakers are already giving hints as to what vehicles they will be showing off at the biggest automotive show in the continent. Japanese automaker Toyota announced that they will be unveiling the A-BAT concept. The A-BAT is the latest concept vehicle from Toyota and it is made with environmental protection in mind. The NAIAS will be kicking off on Monday, January 14.

Kevin Hunter, the president of Calty Design Research Inc., had this to say according to The Auto Channel: "Driving from beyond the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people. 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. This compact truck is as comfortable for long commutes as it is for road trips. It can accommodate outdoor toys and home improvement supplies. Plus, customers benefit from the hybrid powertrain's low emissions and fuel economy."

According to The Auto Channel's report, the A-BAT concept was developed by TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, a research and design center based in Newport Beach, California. Together, the two groups pinpointed a group of buyers considering their lifestyle activities and the vehicle that they need for such activities. After identifying the needs of the said group, the A-BAT was designed to be able to give what that certain demographic needs. The concept truck is suitable for those with active lifestyles according to the designers of said vehicle.

Matt Sperling, Calty's Creative Designer, had this to say: "We studied the 'trapezoid' silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota Prius and applied it to create an entirely new truck image. The image of a NATO all-terrain military truck inspired us to keep the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity in this compact package."

Calty's Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano added: "The bold grille showcases Toyota's reverse trapezoid and T-face theme in a new way. The bed is defined by the C-pillar and is clearly separated from the cab to allow it to stand out from the rest of the profile."

Alan Schneider, Project Chief Designer, also added: "We balanced colors and fabrics that were both bright and vibrant, but also captured an urban-rugged feel with their energetic and geometric qualities."

Darryl Harris, Senior Creative Director, supplied: "The inspiration behind the exposed structure on the interior was drawn from high-end mountain bike frames. 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." Just like Toyota's creation, this concept can be expected to be as reliable as the Volkswagen lower valance.

Source:  Amazines.com