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A-BAT - inspired by Prius

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Technogeek, Dec 28, 2007.

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  1. Technogeek

    Technogeek New Member

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    #1 Technogeek, Dec 28, 2007
  2. ozyran440

    ozyran440 New Member

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    There's some nice shots of the new beastie here.

    Personally, if Toyota rolls this out into production, I might very well consider replacing the wife's Prius with one.
     
    #2 ozyran440, Dec 28, 2007
  3. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Could this be the first real hybrid truck? I like it. I'm not a real truck guy myself, but this looks nice.

    And though I'm not willing to replace a Prius with a truck like ozyran indicates, I think you're coming close to something: those who don't want the Prius because they are "truck people." Now they have something. Rather than replacing a Prius with a truck, they can replace their conventional car with a truck.

    [Edit]
    Having looked more closely at the album ozyran linked to, it makes me smile to see the hybrid badging.

    Though I'm going to need to see some mileage numbers.
     
    #3 TonyPSchaefer, Dec 29, 2007
  4. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    It doesn't look anything at all like the "silhouette of the [...] Prius" to me (as the article claims).
     
    #4 daniel, Dec 29, 2007
  5. sulman

    sulman Introspectator

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    My impression exactly. Perhaps a Prius that slammed into a brick wall.

    Nevertheless, I like the concept.
     
    #5 sulman, Dec 29, 2007
  6. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    i guess for an intro "sneak peak" type article its not bad... but i want SPECS!!

    what is the configuration of the batteries? what is the mileage estimates, vehicle weight??

    what a tease!!
     
    #6 DaveinOlyWA, Dec 29, 2007
  7. Technogeek

    Technogeek New Member

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    #7 Technogeek, Dec 29, 2007
  8. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    thanks!
     
    #8 DaveinOlyWA, Dec 29, 2007
  9. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    I see the Prius influence. Short nose and along the roof line. Put a hatch over the back and you've got a Prius on stilts. Taller, but similar silouette.

    This is fine for the Weekend Warriors that need a commuter car during the week and a truck to haul stuff from Home Depot on the weekend. And College guys that needs a truck for their image.
     
    #9 Godiva, Dec 29, 2007
  10. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    As a truck, the front is fine. As a hybrid, it is far too blunt.
     
    #10 TonyPSchaefer, Dec 29, 2007
  11. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    I like a lot about the truck. Toyota continues it's efficiency by using every available storage area. The drawer storage in the cargo area walls is great. Especially if there is a way to lock them. And I really like the way the rear seats can slide away to make the behind the seat area spacious, or you can lower the midgate to extend the cargo area.

    The only thing I don't like is the yellow color. I think it's bilous and will turn off all but the very young buyers. Fine for Scion but not for Toyota. I'm also not thrilled with the futuristic angular framework being exposed. I'm also fearful the seats will be more uncomfortable and less adjustable than the current Prius. Perhaps if the interior were in black or gray, the futuristic design wouldn't be so hit you in the face as the yellow.

    They need to market to more than 20 year olds. But all in all I think it's a great start to the first hybrid truck.

    Now, how about a hybrid full-size car with more luxury seats; fully programable and adjustable and bun warmers?
     
    #11 Godiva, Dec 29, 2007
  12. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I'm right there with you on that. I thought the exact same thing when I saw those pictures. But then I remembered that this is a concept version. I'm sure there will be the more conservative and traditional options when it comes to market.
     
    #12 TonyPSchaefer, Dec 29, 2007
  13. JackDodge

    JackDodge Gold Member

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    There's an article on the vehicle from BusinessWeek with their usual, perceptive take on it:
    BusinessWeek
     
    #13 JackDodge, Dec 29, 2007
  14. hschuck

    hschuck Member

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    Maybe I missed it, but, what does "A-BAT" stand for?
     
    #14 hschuck, Dec 29, 2007
  15. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    #15 V8Cobrakid, Dec 29, 2007
  16. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    #16 Godiva, Dec 29, 2007
  17. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    Actually, I think this thing is fugly.

    Really, really fugly.

    Hey, Toyota... little truck. Like the Tacoma, with HSD. Seriously.
     
    #17 Rae Vynn, Dec 29, 2007
  18. ozyran440

    ozyran440 New Member

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    Pretty interesting article on the A-BAT here as well.
     
    #18 ozyran440, Dec 29, 2007
  19. Technogeek

    Technogeek New Member

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    Thanks for the link to the BusinessWeek article on the A-BAT. This little truck is growing on me, and it looks very interesting and leading edge. I hope Toyota is planning to use the upcoming next-generation HSD technology in this truck. I also hope this is a hybrid-only vehicle just like the Prius. I wouldn't want a Tacoma with a hybrid option, I'd rather have a hybrid-only A-BAT with leading-edge styling and technology, and great mileage.
     
    #19 Technogeek, Dec 29, 2007
  20. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    Ah, that's what I was trying to remember. El Camino. A cult car/truck/car. Only the A-BAT is taller and more angular.

    I sure hope they come up with a better name than A-BAT when it finally goes into production.
     
    #20 Godiva, Dec 29, 2007
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