Italian designer Elad Barkan wanted to revolutionize the pickup truck market with his Counter Balance Concept Pickup Truck. With its debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show, the Counter Balance Concept Pickup Truck surprise many – despite its off-to-the-side placement at the show. It almost didn’t make the show as the original concept was destroyed in a fire.
The details are mixed as there are many regarding the design, but few regarding the running gear.
Completely unique in its design and execution, the exterior of this pickup truck boast a stepped “stadium seating” rear passenger compartment, 4-doors, an extremely deep – 5-foot (extendable to 7.5-ft) bed, front truck (where the engine usually goes) and extremely short overhangs due to the engine’s under-rear-seat location.
The bed is similar to the Honda Ridgeline’s as it has an in-bed trunk and a tailgate that can open two different ways; however, unlike the Ridgeline, (which opens traditionally and to the side) the Counter Balance Concept Pickup Truck opens conventionally and from the top.
While the design appears to be rather utilitarian, the structure, drivetrain and engine location beg a few (unanswered) questions:
- How would you fit an all-wheel drive (AWD)/four-wheel drive (4WD) system to a pickup truck with a mid-mounted engine?
- Given its short, hollow nose – how will a vehicle like this survive a crash-test?
- How much could a vehicle like this tow?
- On what platform would or IS it based on?
- Is it too radical for a major automaker to invest in?
The last question appears to be a “no.” There has been very little information regarding the Counter Balance Concept Pickup Truck since its 2009 debut. It’s impressive that the pictured prototype is a driver and that it made it to the 2009 NY Auto Show in the first place.
One final thought: Would an electric variation make more sense?
What do you think?
Here is another pickup truck concept with an extendable bed – Hyundai Santa Cruz concept.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCuisp9dtns
