Newport Beach, California - Calty design studio has created a vehicle inspired by the urban DIY movement.
Do-it-yourself is enjoying a big revival as a new breed of entrepreneur is taking a can-do approach to urban regeneration. Toyota's Calty studio used their views to help design this small SUV, the Urban Utility concept car - U2.
The U2 has an open architecture and is made from robust materials that reflect no-nonsense practicality, with a roll-back roof and a tailgate that can be folded down to create a ramp. A rail system makes it easy for owners to customise the interior just the way they want it.
Calty president Kevin Hunter explained: "We saw an opportunity for a new approach, based on urban drivers' desire for flexibility, fun and manoeuvrability.
"We keep a number of projects under wraps while we explore ideas and projects - then showing something like this gives people a window onto the constant innovation going on at our studios, and a possible future vision for urban mobility."
CUSTOMISABLE INTERIOR
The Calty team conceived U2 as a flexible, functional gadget, drawing their inspiration from Californians traditional love of adventure and outdoor pursuits that involve plenty of gear and equipment. It needed to be easily adaptable for individual on-the-go needs, with details such as a retractable utility bar that can do anything from hold a desk to provide hooks for shopping bags.
The side windows flip up, so it's easy to reach in from the roadside, the rear seats fold up and the front passenger seat is foldable and removeable.
Toyota research found the fast-growing market for small SUVs is looking for greater usefulness, but a smaller vehicle footprint. The U2 is the size of a B-segment car, but has the functionality of a bakkie and the volume of a small panel van.
City streets call for a vehicle that can deal with bumper-to-bumper traffic, potholes and tight turns. The U2 is built on a very durable underbody, with customisable side panels and tough detail work such as its slightly chunky proportions and circular door handles.
It also has retracting roof panels, opening rear glass that slides into a drop-down tailgate that forms a load ramp with replaceable protective ridges.
Appropriately, the U2 will make its public debut at the World Maker Faire DIY expo in New York on 20 September.