Toyota's Urban Utility concept will make its public debut in NY City later this month.
With millions of people from Boston to Berlin and Beijing moving back into cities, automakers are trying to rethink what that might mean for the automobile. One possible example is Toyota’s new Urban Utility concept.
Also known as the U2, the prototype is meant to “redefine urban utility,” the maker says, by balancing the need for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles with those that can continue to appeal to “Americans’ love of adventure.”
Developed at the Japanese maker’s Calty Design Research Center in Newport Beach, California, the U2 adopts an extremely flexible “architecture” that allows for a wide range of cargo and seating configurations, a fold-back roof, even a tailgate that can turn into a ramp.
“Toyota saw an opportunity for a new approach to an urban vehicle based on increasing re-urbanization of our cities and urban drivers’ desire for flexibility, fun and maneuverability,” said Calty chief Kevin Hunter, suggesting it is “one possible future for urban mobility.”
The interior of the U2 is designed for urban entrepreneurs and adventurers, says Toyota.
Whether Toyota actually plans to put the Urban Utility concept – or something like it – into production remains to be seen, but once you get past the somewhat over-styled exterior, the basic layout starts to look familiar. Other manufacturers have been toying with various concepts for city-based vans, from the less-than-successful Chevrolet HHR to the latest incarnation of the Ford Transit Connect, which was originally developed for use by small business owners in Europe but then migrated to the American market.
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A schematic of the Toyota U2 reveals that it can be used as a people-mover, holding up to four passengers. At the other extreme, even the front passenger seat can be removed to provide expansive space for cargo hauling.
“The Toyota U2 concept is a flexible, functional gadget that owners can customize according to individual, on-the-go needs,” the maker explains. “The retractable utility bar can serve unique uses, such as holding a desk or grocery bag hooks. Side windows flip up for easy access from roadside.”
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A schematic shows the various ways the interior of the Urban Utility concept can be configured.
Other features include a utility rail system that can hold everything from baskets to bike stands, as well as that fold-down ramp that can make it easier for a driver to roll heavy cargo into the vehicle, rather than having to lift it up.
Though the exaggerated exterior design – with its beefy fenders and playful round door handles — would likely be toned down in production, there are a number of intriguing details, including:
- Retractable roof panels;
- A sliding rear glass that folds into the tailgate – much like with old station wagons;
- Protective, replaceable ridges on the tailgate.
The Toyota Urban Utility concept made its debut at a private conference in San Francisco, and will have its public unveiling at the World Maker Faire in New York City on September 21st and 22nd. It seems likely Toyota will watch the reaction closely to see if it might also have an opportunity in this newly emerging market segment.
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