CALTY Design Research, Toyota’s American design studio, is marking its 50th anniversary with the unveiling of a new concept vehicle, the Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC). Established in 1973 in El Segundo, California, CALTY was the first major automotive design studio on the west coast and has been responsible for a range of Toyota vehicles, from the 1978 Celica to the 2024 Tacoma.
The BLC concept vehicle is designed for rugged terrains and incorporates design elements from the original FJ40 Land Cruiser. It is the latest in a series of concept vehicles from CALTY, some of which have never been publicly disclosed until now. The BLC is equipped with in-wheel electric motors, airless tires, and a panoramic augmented reality dashboard display. It also features a glass canopy for enhanced visibility and a split tailgate configuration.
Over the years, CALTY’s role has evolved with Toyota’s growth. Initially focused on research, the studio later shifted towards innovative design language and techniques. CALTY has contributed to various production vehicles, including the Tacoma, Prius, and Avalon, and has also worked on designs that did not make it to production, such as a proposal for the fourth-generation Supra.
In 2004, CALTY established a design studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which led to the creation of North American-specific models like the Tundra and Sienna. The studio has continued to innovate, most recently with the highly anticipated 2024 Land Cruiser and Tacoma models.
As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, CALTY aims to remain at the forefront of design innovation. The studio comprises a diverse team of designers and specialists who are focused on integrating technology into future mobility solutions.