'meatwad79'
is a new GMI member who says he's actually the A-BAT's Creative
Designer, Matt Sperling. He goes to bat for the truck, explaining
the thought and rationale behind its design and intended purpose,
and says that the A-BAT did indeed start out as a compact
pickup concept for Scion.
We're
going to see if we can get an interview with Mr. Sperling next
week in Detroit, when the A-BAT is unveiled live at the auto
show.
Update
#2: 01-02-08 14:25 PT
Toyota
has published some design artwork showing how the A-BAT
concept came together. Here are select images.
Update
#1: 12-27-07 19:05 PT
Here's
exclusive video of Toyota's A-BAT compact pickup concept truck.
And
here's a look back at coverage from earlier in 2007 of a rumored
Scion pickup we've
heard about from sources. Could the A-BAT have spun off from this
program?
Asked
whether the compact A-BAT was a better fit for the youth-oriented
Scion brand instead of Toyota, the A-BAT's PR spokesperson, Allison
Takahashi, told PickupTruck.com that Scion doesn't have any hybrid
powertrains available in its current vehicle lineup. It made
more sense for the Hybrid Synergy Drive powered A-BAT to receive
a Toyota badge.
The
A-BAT could also be a way for Toyota to green up its truck image
with environmentalists, who have protested at the New
York and
Los Angeles Auto Shows that Toyota hasn't stuck to the earth-friendly
image it created with the Prius hybrid. 5.7-liter V8 engines
in Tundras and Sequoias are capable but thirsty motors.
Toyota Motor
Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., returns to its compact pickup truck roots
with its latest concept vehicle A-BAT. The environmentally advanced
A-BAT provides modern versatility, roominess and style in a compact
pickup architecture.
"Driving
from beyond the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people,"
said Kevin Hunter, president, Calty Design Research, Inc. "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."
The A-BAT
concept was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and
Calty, Toyota's North American-based,
research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif. Together,
they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities
and vehicle needs required a vehicle that as of now is not available
in the market place. The team created a new genre of compact vehicle
with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique
styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active
lifestyle. Advanced styling was also key in making the A-BAT appropriate
for today’s market.
The A-BAT
concept 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.
Translucent solar panels in the top surface of the instrument panel capture
sunlight and convert it into energy, showcasing the vehicle's "green"
character. Positioned below the Toyota Tacoma, A-BAT integrates truck
features with car fundamentals for an efficient and modern package.
The A-BAT's
unique aerodynamic exterior was crafted by Calty Project Chief Designer
Ian Cartabiano and Creative Designer Matt Sperling. They
integrated Toyota’s design philosophy, "Vibrant Clarity" into
the exterior by keeping the design forward-looking, crisp and functional.
The
concept's unique look is a combination of the large body surfaces,
intersecting tight surface planes, crisp lines and the trapezoidal profile. The
A-BAT's
19-inch wheels sit at the vehicle’s corners creating a tough and ready
stance.
"We
studied the 'trapezoid' silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota
Prius and applied it to create an entirely new truck image,” said
Sperling. He further enhanced the trapezoidal profile by placing
the cab forward, and using fast angle A- and C-pillars, shortened overhangs,
and a sleek front window.
"The
bold grille showcases Toyota's reverse trapezoid and T-face theme in
a new way," explained Cartabiano. "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."
"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," stated Sperling.
