CALTY Design Research Celebrates 50 Years of Toyota Innovation and Creativity in the US
CALTY Design Research, the American outpost of Toyota’s global design network, is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates 50 years of groundbreaking design and innovation. Established in 1973 in Southern California, CALTY has played a pivotal role in shaping the automotive industry, creating iconic vehicles such as the Toyota Celica and the Toyota Tacoma.
The design studio, which was the first major automotive design studio on the west coast, has continuously pushed the boundaries of design and technology. CALTY’s contribution to Toyota’s global design headquarters in Japan has been instrumental in creating fresh, creative inspiration for the brand.
CALTY’s journey began with a focus on research and exploration of future design trends. Over the years, the studio evolved, embracing innovative design language and techniques. Notable concepts, such as the MX-1 sports car and the Fun-Vii concept, showcased CALTY’s commitment to pushing the envelope of artistic process and creativity.
In the 1990s, CALTY made significant contributions to Toyota’s production vehicles for the North American market, including the Tacoma, Prius, and Avalon. The studio also worked on designs that didn’t make it to production, such as the fourth-generation Supra, which showcased CALTY’s vision for a “pure sports car.”
With the growth of production car development in North America, CALTY expanded its presence by establishing a design studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This move revolutionized local production design efforts and resulted in the creation of North American-specific models like the Tundra, Tacoma, Avalon, and Sienna.
In recent years, CALTY has continued to embrace Toyota’s commitment to creating exciting and fun-to-drive vehicles. Concepts like the Lexus LF-LC and the FT-1, which became the production version of the Supra, exemplify CALTY’s ability to merge cutting-edge design with driving excellence.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary, CALTY surprised the automotive world with the reveal of the Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC) concept. Inspired by a vehicle being developed by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota for lunar exploration, the BLC combines heritage design cues from the FJ40 Land Cruiser with futuristic capabilities. The concept showcases CALTY’s forward-thinking approach to mobility solutions.
Looking ahead, CALTY remains at the forefront of automotive design, continuously exploring new ways to integrate technology and movement into future vehicles. With a talented team of designers and specialists, CALTY is poised to lead the industry in creating innovative and inspiring designs for the next 50 years.
For more information about CALTY Design Research’s 50th anniversary celebration and its extraordinary design legacy, please visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.
In conclusion, CALTY Design Research’s 50th anniversary is a testament to its commitment to innovation and creativity in the automotive industry. The studio’s contributions have shaped the design landscape and continue to inspire future mobility solutions.