Autoblog

Pickup, crossover and RWD coupe being considered for Scion?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Truck, Crossover, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota

Toyota A-BAT Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Scion is about to expand its initial three-model lineup with a rather intriguing new vehicle that's set to take on the Smart Fortwo as the microcar of choice for those looking to downsize as far as humanly possible. While the upcoming iQ is a pretty nifty machine, it won't be quite practical for a large number of drivers here in the United States.

Hence, it's not entirely surprising that Scion is reportedly considering a possible fifth, sixth or even seventh model. As before, talk of a small pickup truck is apparently on the table. Interestingly, Scion vice president Jack Hollis suggests that something like the Toyota A-BAT concept could be revived in Scion guise.

Another possible Scion model could be based on the love-it-or-(more-likely)-hate-it Hako Concept from the 2008 New York Auto Show. Finally - and certainly most interestingly for enthusiasts - a small, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe is also on the table for consideration. We know where we're casting our vote...

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Toyota A-BAT Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Pickup, crossover and RWD coupe being considered for Scion? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota A-BAT will remain a concept... for now

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Truck, Scion, Toyota

Toyota A-BAT Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales USA's vice president and general manager, told our man Mike Levine from PickupTrucks.com that the Toyota A-BAT is on indefinite hold. According to Carter, "We have a lot of top priorities right now, and A-BAT isn't one of them."

Although news of the A-BAT's imminent arrival was circulating as early as February, Toyota's decision to put the project on hold doesn't come as a surprise. With auto sales down overall - and pick-ups being hit particularly hard in the last year - the business case for a compact, hybrid truck would be hard to justify.

Originally, it was assumed the A-BAT would be sold as a Scion, but with the "youth" brand's renewed focus on smaller vehicles (ala the Scion iQ concept that debuted at the New York Auto Show), a pick-up would be in stark contrast to the rest of the line-up.

"The market has changed dramatically over the last 12 months." Carter told Pickuptrucks.com, "We always keep reprioritizing - under good economic or recessionary times - what our planning is. [For now, the A-BAT is] on the shelf."

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Toyota A-BAT Concept

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Toyota A-BAT will remain a concept... for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Toyota Prius coupe in the works

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Truck, Green, Toyota

Even though Toyota has made it clear that a separate Prius brand isn't a sure thing, that doesn't mean that more body styles of the iconic fuel miser aren't on their way. The latest speculative Prius variant comes courtesy of MotorTrend, which has mocked up a rendering of what a Toyota Prius coupe could look like. Although the idea of a 2+2 hybrid with a lower roofline and some sporting pretenses might seem odd given the Prius' main claim to fame, Toyota doesn't want to be left out in the cold when the also-hybrid Honda CR-Z goes on sale within the next two years.

Predictably, the coupe would share the same drivetrain as its five-door stable-mate, consisting of a new 1.8-liter engine (300cc larger than the current Prius) while returning fuel economy on par or exceeding the outgoing model. The coupe would be lighter than the sedan, allowing the 2+2 to be both quicker and possibily more fuel-efficient.

MT also mentions that the production version of the Toyota A-BAT is still in limbo as the automaker determines under which brand it wants to sell the hybrid pickup. It was originally thought the A-BAT would be offered as a Scion, but Toyota's pledge to only offer one generation of each model in its "youth" brand and the automaker's need to bring its CAFE numbers in check might mean that the A-BAT will don a Toyota badge when (if?) it goes on sale after 2010.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Rumormill: Toyota Prius coupe in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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