Yamaha Cross Hub Concept is a Tiny Truck for Urbanites
Motorcycle maker goes in a completely different direction
Kelly LinWriter
Yamaha Cross Hub Concept is a Tiny Truck for Urbanites
Motorcycle maker goes in a completely different direction
Kelly LinWriter
The small truck segment has seen a resurgence in recent years. Although the Toyota Tacoma was the only real player for a little while, the arrival of the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and the upcoming Ford Ranger signal a healthy future for the category. But what about tiny trucks like this bizarre creation from Yamaha?
Like many of today's smaller trucks, the Yamaha Cross Hub Concept appeals to those with recreational lifestyles. The pickup is "aimed at connecting the 'active' and 'urban' in the lifestyles of Yamaha enthusiasts," the company said in a press release.
Yamaha claims the rear has enough room to carry two motorcycles. Inside the cabin, there are four ultra-slim seats arranged in a diamond layout to maximize the use of the space. The vehicle measures just 14.73 feet in length, 6.43 feet in width, and 5.74 feet in height.
The pickup is based on a platform mashup of two previous concepts created by Yamaha: the 2013 Motiv and 2015 Sports Ride. Both of these vehicles were made in collaboration with McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray, although Yamaha didn't join forces with him this time around. The previous concepts share Murray's iStream manufacturing technology that is said to lower the cost of vehicle production. No powertrain information has been revealed on the pickup, but we imagine it could get away with a very small engine.
Will tiny trucks take off just like tiny crossovers have? It's seems pretty unlikely (especially in the 'States), but we love seeing these concepts anyway.
Source: Yamaha
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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