#Toyota uBox Concept, Designed By, And For, #GenZ [Auto Styling News]

Toyota, in collaboration with graduate students at Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research, have released what they think "Generation Z" will be driving in 10 years.

The "uBox concept" is a result of a two-year collaboration with Toyota Motor North America designers and engineers called "Deep Orange," and probably gives Toyota much needed feedback on what college-age future buyers have in mind when they enter the workforce and need transportation.

Most of Toyota’s North American vehicles are engineered in Southeast Michigan. The newest concept to wear the automaker’s famous badge, however, has its roots firmly planted in the red clay of South Carolina.

The program immerses students into every aspect of automotive development – from market research and design studies to engineering design and manufacturing.

"It's like automotive boot camp for the real world, and it wouldn’t happen without industry partners like Toyota," says Johnell Brooks, an associate professor in Clemson's graduate engineering program.

The typical customer for uBox is a young entrepreneur who wants a vehicle that can provide utility and recreation on the weekend but that can also offer office space or other career-centric or lifestyle uses during the week.

Close up of the front "buttresses" on the uBox concept.

The bold,  distinctive exterior design is meant to align with generation Z's personality trait to stand out, embodying a muscular stance that looks like it's sprung forward in motion, even when standing still. The rear side panel actually reminds one of the KIA Sportage, which is a good look.

The two "buttresses" on the front are like nothing seen on any car, and these alone set this vehicle apart, visually. Toyota officials say they were suitably impressed when students developed a unique pultrusion technique developed by the students that allows for these composite carbon fiber rails to be bonded with aluminum to support a curved glass roof.

They'd seem to cause an obstruction for the driver but, man, they do look bold, that's for sure. Of course if this is built as a self-driving car - and perhaps it should be - never mind that objection.

A versatile interior that can be rearranged for various activities, from working or operating a business, to hauling bulky cargo. A low floor allows for reconfigurable, removable seats on sliding tracks that can be nested. (How removable seats would make it through the rigorous safety protocols of an actual car company is unknown. But that hasn't stopped MANY concepts from imagining this before.)

Vents, dashboard display bezels and door trim that can be personalized and made with 3-D printing technology, and an online community is envisioned, where owners can share design ideas - and that is an extremely plausible scenario, given this interconnected generation's ease with social media.

The thing is powered by a compact, dual-purpose, all-electric powertrain and emission-free stationary energy to power consumer electronics, power tools or other devices through various 110-volt sockets located throughout the interior and exterior.