Toyota unveils U2 Urban Utility concept
New Urban Utility concept, the U2, from Toyota’s Calty design studio is inspired by DIY motoring
Toyota’s Calty design studio in California has created a new small SUV inspired by the DIY revival in America’s cities. Unsurprisingly called the Urban Utility concept car – or U2 for short – it pairs an open architecture with back-to-basics styling made from robust, easily replaced materials.
Designed as a flexible gadget for on-the-go needs, the vehicle's key features include roll-back roof panels and drop-down bootlid that folds down to form a ramp. Toyota appears to have ease of access in mind with this prototype – although vehicle security may need some work – as the side windows also flip up, making it easy to reach in from the roadside.
Inside, there’s a retractable, dash-mounted bar that can hold a desk or carry shopping, plus fold-up rear seats, a removable front passenger seat and specially designed gearshift switch. There’s no word on what the Urban Utility is powered by, but the Japanese manufacturer promises good fuel economy in keeping with city driver priorities.
The Calty team sought to capture Americans’ traditional love of adventure and outdoor pursuits, whilst also ensuring the concept could deal with the bumper-to-bumper traffic, potholes and tight turns that are typically encountered in a modern city. Alongside the space-maximising customisation options, the Toyota’s U2 gets durable underbody and bodywork panels, including replaceable protective ridges on the bootlid and adjustable sides.
“Toyota saw an opportunity for a new approach to an urban vehicle, based on the increasing re-urbanisation of our cities, and on urban drivers’ desire for flexibility, fun and manoeuvrability,” said Calty president, Kevin Hunter.
“Calty keeps a number of projects concealed while it explores ideas and projects. Revealing something like the U2 gives people a window onto the constant innovation that is happening inside Toyota and our studios, and a possible future vision for urban mobility.”
A full public debut is set for the World Maker Faire in New York over the weekend of 20-21 September.
