Enter the completely revolutionary Toyota FT-4X Concept that today took the New York International Auto Show by storm. It’s a four-wheel drive toolbox penned by Toyota’s Calty Design Research Inc. in Newport Beach, California. With its long list of unique functionalities and a rugged charm compact design, the FT-4X is the seamless conduit of popular casualcore outings by anyone, anytime. «The Toyota FT-4X is not simply a concept where style meets function; it is a thoughtful, charming and engaging experience that adds real pleasure and convenience to the journey. We focused on how a crossover vehicle can add fun and value to casual adventures both in and out of the city, thinking about how someone would use it, and what they would love to do with it», said Calty President, Kevin Hunter.
«You can really tell that we had a blast designing the FT-4X because it looks fun to use and fun to drive. I love this idea of mechanical satisfaction because while we’re living in today’s digital world, we took something that’s based on physical movements and made that a large part of what this vehicle is. We want everyone to interact with this car and feel a sense of delight and excitement», described Calty Studio Chief Designer, Ian Cartabiano. Designers approached their work uncharacteristically. Rather than begin their styling processes at the nose or profile, they began at the rear.
For its exterior, stylists imbued an X Theme throughout the Toyota New Global Architecture C-Platform. Imagine this: at the center of a vertical X is a door handle, or, in essence, the widest part of FT-4X. This places the broadest area near the driver and passenger, creating a natural protective zone. At the rear, the bowed vertical X can be seen at the rear hatch, again placing the door handle at the center and creating a protective space. The cabin is sectioned into threes: Clean Zone, where the front passengers sit, and where rugged floor mats and door sills were inspired by Japanese sunoko slatted wood flooring; Wet Zone, also characterized by all-weather mats and located just behind the front seats, as well as below the rear second row bench seat and, Rear Cargo Zone.
