1982 Toyota MX-1

Throughout the decades, CALTY’s direction and role evolved alongside Toyota’s growth. The 1970s was the decade of discovery and research. The initial years at CALTY under studio chief, Executive Vice President Mamoru Yaegashi were used primarily for conducting research on future trends in design.

The 1980s introduced the studio’s shift toward exploring innovative design language and techniques. There was plenty of excitement within the design development teams who were given full freedom to push the envelope of artistic process and pure creativity in ways that had not been allowed in major studios at the time.

Back then the pinnacle of engineering and design was still high-performance sports cars, and in 1982 CALTY came up with their first. The Toyota MX-1 Concept was a mid-engine supercar with scissor doors and a large jet figher-like canopy.

The MX-1 actually reached a full-scale model, which was presented to execs including Eiji Toyoda. It was intended to be a halo sports car but, sadly, never reached production. Toyota did bring a mid-engined sports car to market the following year in the form of the AW11 MR2. Imagine how mind-blowing the MX-1 would have been.

В 1970-х годах Toyota решила завоевать рынок США, и для этого ей нужен был смелый дизайн, который пришелся бы по вкусу местным автомобилистам. Перед студией стояла задача изучать будущие тенденции в дизайне. Поэтому дизайнерам не мешали творить разную дичь.

К 1980-м годам студия переключилась на изучение новых техник дизайна, а вдохновение черпалось в автоспорте. В 1982 году студия представила MX-1 – среднемоторный спортивный автомобиль с дверями-ножницами.