Following its presentation at the Los Angeles motor show, Toyota has unveiled more new details of the bZ Compact Suv, a concept car that anticipates a production model coming in the next few years that will be positioned in size below the electric bZ4X. The exterior was created by the design team at Toyota’s ED2 style centre in Nice, the interior by designers at the Japanese headquarters. “This car represents something new for us. Its angular and radical styling is highly futuristic, but at the same time consistent with the brand image,’ says Ian Cartabiano, who worked on the project at ED2 as President and now serves as Vice President at Toyota Calty design centre in California.
The aerodynamic shape of the concept enhances its futuristic look, with the wheels pushed as far as possible to the extremes of the bodywork to achieve an aggressive ground-footprint, giving the sensation of being in motion even when stationary. Reduced and tapered overhangs emphasise the car’s high-tech spirit, while the exterior dimensions of the passenger compartment, which are small compared to the rest of the body, provide an agile look and low air resistance.
The angular styling extends to the interior with premium finishes that result in a unique look. In particular, the design team envisaged several eco-friendly details, such as seats made of recycled and plant-based materials, perfectly in line with the Beyond Zero spirit. The on-board personal assistant allows the driver and passengers to interact with the car via audio signals or visual inputs generated by ambient lights, which float around the cabin, responding to requests or commands from the front or rear passengers.
