Toyota Celebrates 50 Years Of Its California-Based Design Studio

Design work on the original MR-2 was frozen in 1981, so this could be a coincidence. Later, Calty would design and build a mid-engined sports car concept out of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Gullwing doors and a swing arm steering wheel are two project highlights.

In the '90s, Calty was a significant contributor to some of Toyota's most important vehicles for North America. This includes the 1995 Tacoma, the 1997 Prius, and the 2000 Avalon. The studio is also responsible for the all-newTacomarevealed earlier this year. Calty's Hunter said the studio looked to the past for inspiration.

"We looked at our truck DNA and theToyota Baja race trucks for inspirationto capture the extreme spirit of off-road adventure. High lift, big tires, slim body, and a powerful athletic stance define the iconic Tacoma look, referred to as 'Tacomaness.'"

如果Calty,iconic fourth-generation A80might have looked very different.

The California-based design team wanted to turn the then-new Supra into a "pure sports car" instead of the grand tourer it had become. With an elongated hood - to accommodate the straight-six motor - a larger spoiler, wheels, and more, the Supra we know and love might have been something else entirely.

Toyota didn't ignore Calty's design, instead picking certain elements and incorporating them into the A80.

Calty soon expanded with another design studio in Michigan. Established 19 years ago, the Ann Arbor-based facility has been instrumental in creating staple North American models such as the Avalon, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra.

In the last decade, fun has been the name of the game, and that's been reflected in concepts such as the Lexus LF-LC, which became the Lexus LC, and the FT-1 concept, which morphed into the new GR Supra.

一个nd what has Calty got planned for the next fifty years?

"As we continue our journey from the automotive era into the mobility era, there is one thing I feel I can say for sure. Calty will be there at the forefront," said Simon Humphries, Toyota's Chief Branding Officer and Head of Design.