NYIAS: the Counter Balance

UDMan

Wandering around on the floor of the New York International Auto Show, I came across this curious truck thingy hiding in the back of the lower level at the Javitts Center. It was tall, yellow, and crudely put together. So of course, I had to know more about it. And so, here is the background on this, um, unique vehicle called the Counter Balance. Continue reading after the jump.

It is suppose to be a compact truck, with a mid-engine layout. The rear seat is placed on top of the engine compartment, offering the rear seat unparalleled visibility, or in other words, stadium seating. So, what is the nose of this truck for? Why, it’s a storage compartment, to keep packages dry in case of inclement weather. The truck has a couple of interesting features though, including a tailgate that converts into a ramp, or a pickup bed that can be expanded to 7.5 ft.

According to their website, the Counter Balance can have a variety of engines installed, from a frugal 4 Cylinder to a big honking V-8. The engine pictured on their site is an older V-8, but I have yet to figure out what engine it is. I had a (very) brief conversation with Elad Barkan, the designer of this truck, but he was packing it in for the day, and I got very little information on the truck.

All I can say is that this prototype is in really rough shape, and most of the CarDomain members could perform better fiberglass work. Barkan could be forgiven somewhat because he lost his first prototype to an all consuming wild fire (at a location that was unspecified…), and went on to build a second prototype. So, did Elad Barkan design a practical, midsized, functioning pickup truck that will re-define what we think a pickup truck should be? Let me know by leaving a comment or two.

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Posted at 1:11 am in Counter Balance, Mid Engine, NYIAS 2009, Truck, udman

Comments

Aidan_Weisz
Jun 21, 2009 at 3:15 pm

This is very, very, very nice! Reminds me of my Hot Wheels collection. Apart from its impressive contour, I love the classy windows and windscreen. Why didn’t I think of this in my recent auto glass repairs in Maryland.

worster
May 11, 2009 at 10:53 am

Barkan lost his first Counter-Balance truck in the wild fires north of San Diego, October 2007. He reproduced his vehicle from scratch in one year with a budget that most of us call subsistance level. That he was able to get to the NY show at all must be credited to his tenacity and dedication.

lifeonacloud
Apr 15, 2009 at 8:13 am

That looks like a giant turd.

moparornocarman
Apr 12, 2009 at 7:23 pm

A mid-engine would seem to make the pick-up a more practical year round vehicle. The stadium seating is kind of cool, but the over all lines seem clumsy

NWSilverado
Apr 12, 2009 at 6:04 am

I think with a little fit and finish this thing could become great…

lejourinator
Apr 11, 2009 at 5:04 pm

Isn’t that the pick-up truck from “Broke Back Mountain”?

Honestly this is a good concept but it aint gonna replace a real pick-up truck…

ccg08
Apr 11, 2009 at 12:37 am

i dont know, i kind of like it. its a switch from the norm and has some potential…

1lowscort
Apr 10, 2009 at 11:59 am

If this is the picture you are speaking of:
http://www.barkandesign.com/Barkan_Design/Safety_files/Safety.jpg

Then it is the Cadillac Northstar engine.

fortyfordsedan
Apr 10, 2009 at 7:02 am

I dont really see anything revolutionary here, its just a cab over engine 4 door truck. GM had a concept similar to it probably almost 10 years ago. I guess the upside is it makes for a shorter wheelbase although that doesnt seem to be a huge concern, otherwise I would imagine Chevy would have sold more rear steer pickup trucks.

DJs-zj360
Apr 10, 2009 at 5:14 am

Does he get his design ideas from Matchbox and Hot Wheels? Cause I swear I had one very similar to this when I was younger. And that passenger compartment just looks bizarre. Tires could use more meat too.