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]

Click to enlarge the A-BAT concept

Toyota is going back to their compact truck roots with their 2008 Detroit Auto Show concept the A-BAT. The uni-body pickup has a four-foot bed that can be extended two feet forward via a fold down mid-gate and another two feet back with the tailgate down. Even with its extended cab, the A-BAT still measures 27" shorter overall than a current extended cab Tacoma and even 9" less than a regular cab Tacoma. In typical Toyota fashion these days the A-BAT uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive with a four-cylinder gas engine. There's no mention of the engine size or drive layout, but the short hood points to a transverse layout driving the front wheels. It will be interesting to see if this concept quiets some of the criticism Toyota has received from environmentalists since the debut of the Tundra last January. For a glimpse of the future, check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]