A Bat Outta Toyota

Bringing a much-needed rethink to the left-for-dead small pickup segment is the A-BAT concept, a hybrid-powered mini-truck design exercise from Toyota. The A-BAT -- for advanced breakthrough aero truck -- looks something like a downsized Honda Ridgeline from outer space. The unibody design features a 4-foot bed that can be expanded to a 6-footer by dropping the midgate, as well as a handy pullout underbed drawer.

Although some may consider Toyota’s concept too much of a stretch for production, there’s something to be said for a small, light hauler that combines hybrid fuel economy with expressive styling and the utility of a Swiss Army knife.
(Bernd Weissbrod / EPA)