14 Jan 08
Toyota is to add hybrid power to its pick-up truck range. The A-BAT concept is smaller than the Tacoma truck currently sold in the US, though larger than the Euro-market Hilux; it has a car-derived unibody construction, and is aimed mainly at suburban practicality-seekers rather than hardcore off-roaders and business users. It uses a new version of Toyota's hybrid powertrain with a four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motors, developed from that of the Prius, and carbonfibre and aluminium components help to keep its weight down.
Styling of the A-BAT, developed at Toyota's Calty studio in Newport Beach, California, is said to have been influenced by both the Prius and a NATO military truck. It can seat up to four people in varying interior configurations, and its equipment includes roof-mounted solar panels to collect energy to run the sat nav and info displays, a sliding under-floor storage drawer, a sliding roof panel and fold-down mid-gate, and lockable compartments in the truck-bed sides. The exposed structural elements are inspired by high-end mountain bike frames.
Further features include a portable AC/DC power pack, portable/retractable sat nav unit with Wi-fi, digital hard-drive for music files, and easily-customisable interior fabrics and upholstery.
Calty president Kevin Hunter says: "Driving from the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people& 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."
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