To mark the golden jubilee of Calty Design Research, Toyota’s American design studio, the automotive giant has launched an electrifying concept: the Baby Lunar Cruiser (BLC). This enigmatic electric SUV takes cues from the FJ40 Land Cruiser, a beloved classic, and melds them with groundbreaking technologies suitable for moon exploration. The BLC serves as a symbol of Toyota’s relentless pursuit of innovation, transcending earthly confines and reaching for celestial aspirations.
The exterior of the Baby Lunar Cruiser seamlessly blends the past and the future. It inherits the rugged DNA of the FJ40 Land Cruiser, yet modernizes it with a glass canopy designed to provide a panoramic view of lunar landscapes. With the integration of the TOYOTA insignia on the grille and a sophisticated network of cameras and sensors, the vehicle exhibits a balance between heritage and futuristic functionalities.
The interior is no less revolutionary. A dashboard-spanning augmented reality display immerses the driver in a sensory-rich experience. Augmenting this are spaceframe seats, adjustable for maximum comfort and functionality, along with M.O.L.L.E. panels that add a layer of versatility. This makes the BLC not just a vehicle, but a dynamic environment tailored for moon expeditions.
It’s not all about looks, however. The Baby Lunar Cruiser comes with unique technical features that set it apart. The inclusion of four in-wheel motors promises to deliver exceptional control, while the use of twin joysticks over a conventional steering wheel speaks volumes about Toyota’s vision for space-age maneuverability. And let’s not overlook the airless tires, designed to tackle the treacherous terrains of our Moon.
While it might seem that the BLC belongs to the realm of imagination, its features could very well inform Toyota’s future SUV models. The vehicle’s split tailgate configuration and interior flexibility, for example, could find their way into upcoming Earth-bound models, underscoring the reciprocal relationship between innovation and tradition at Toyota.
By collaborating with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on projects like the Lunar Cruiser, and now introducing the Baby Lunar Cruiser, Toyota doesn’t just dream of the future – it actively builds it. Whether we’ll see the BLC cruising the lunar surface or not, its very existence fuels curiosity and raises expectations about what lies ahead in both automotive design and cosmic exploration.
The Baby Lunar Cruiser reflects a masterful union of Toyota’s respect for its past and an audacious leap toward an extraterrestrial future. As CALTY Design Research celebrates 50 years of innovation, the BLC serves as a fitting tribute, encapsulating decades of design philosophy while offering a tantalizing glimpse of what the studio – and indeed, humanity – might achieve in the years to come. Also be sure to check the best concept cars from largest automakers.
