From today’s perspective, the A-Bat seems like a distant past. This concept truck came a long time ago, in 2007. Since then, many things happened, but that doesn’t mean this concept won’t have any more influence on the automotive industry. Moreover, it looks like the Japanese manufacturer prepares a production version of this truck, which will come 13 years after the concept. According to the latest reports, the new model would come as the 2021 Toyota A-Bat Concept.
Of course, no one expects too many similarities with the concept version. Moreover, this truck is just a rumor and we are still waiting to hear something from the officials. Therefore, take the following paragraphs with a lot of reserves.
Specs
Pros
- Attractive design
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Great fuel economy
Cons
- Still just a rumor
Considering that the concept version of this truck was presenter a long time ago, we have no doubt that the new model won’t have too many things in common. Still, the base layout is expected to be the same. More precisely, the 2021 Toyota A-Bat Concept is about to ride on a unibody platform. This isn’t the most common design solution for a truck, but it’s becoming more popular these days.
The Honda Ridgeline uses it for a pretty long time, and it turned out to be a very successful design. Other companies, like Hyundai, Kia and BMW are also about to introduce such truck. The new model will be smaller than Tacoma, compact in size, Therefore, we expect it will ride on the company’s new TNGA platform.
Benefits from a unibody platform will be numerous. The new truck won’t be as capable as body-on-frame vehicles, but it will offer superior comfort and driving experience, which seems more important to a big number of truck drivers these days.
Exterior and Interior Design
The original concept version was characterized by a pretty unique aesthetics, which didn’t have too many things in common with Toyota’s design language of that time. In this case, we presume that the 2021 Toyota A-Bat Concept will stick closer to the brand’s design philosophy. However, we don’t know if this means taking inspiration from Tacoma, or passenger cars. Most likely, we will see a little bit of both worlds.
When it comes to interior design, we presume that the new cabin will look futuristic. Considering that it’s too early for something more specific, we will focus on the cabin’s size at this point. The original concept features a kind of an extended cabin layout. We presume that the new one will be a little bit bigger, probably a typical double cab layout, with four doors and two comfortable rows of seats.
2021 Toyota A-Bat Concept Engine
This could be another aspect where the new model would stick to the original. To remind you, the 2007 concept featured a hybrid powertrain, so the 2021 Toyota A-Bat Concept could go in the same way. Of course, we would see something much more up-to-date for this occasion. We could see either something completely new or something borrowed from the current powertrain lineup.
The second option sounds more likely in our ears and the first thing that comes to mind is a familiar Hybrid system from the RAV4. It is a pretty familiar system, that is based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Total output goes around 220 horsepower but more importantly, the fuel economy is amazing. Also, we won’t exclude the possibility to see a pure gasoline option in the offer as well.
2021 Toyota A-Bat Concept Release Date and Price
As we’ve already mentioned, the 2021 Toyota A-Bat Concept is just a rumor at the moment. While some reports suggest it could have a premiere already in the next year, keep in mind that we are still waiting to hear something from the officials on this matter.
