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.

It doesn't look anything at all like the "silhouette of the [...] Prius" to me (as the article claims).

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

Nevertheless, I like the concept.

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!!

Here is some more information about the A-BAT:

http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/autoshows/naias2008/toyota/abat/page1.html

thanks!

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.

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?

There's an article on the vehicle from BusinessWeek with their usual, perceptive take on it:
BusinessWeek

Maybe I missed it, but, what does "A-BAT" stand for?

http://www.lexus.com/models/LSh/features/interior.html

I have yet to see one in real life. i've seen a dozen or so LS460s'.

I'm not talking about a Lexus. I'm talking about a Toyota, like the Prius, Camry and potentially A-BAT.

Actually, I think this thing is fugly.

Really, really fugly.

Hey, Toyota... little truck. Like the Tacoma, with HSD. Seriously.

Pretty interesting article on the A-BAT here as well.

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.

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.