Toyota Racing with Carbon-Neutral Prius
Toyota has transformed the current Prius into a bona fide race machine. Subsequent to the unveiling of the customized GRMN variant in June, the company has presented a fully-fledged track car which recently took part in the Thailand 10-Hour Endurance Race.
This outrageous Prius gives off the appearance of a bona fide racing machine. The competition-ready Toyota is outfitted with an expanded front splitter, canards hovering at the sides of its nose, and substantial rear wing. Its 10-spoke wheels complemented by prominent slotted brake rotors are visible behind them. This model also appears to have been fitted with a significantly lower ride height than usual.
Toyota has yet to give away any details concerning the powertrain of their Prius race car. According to Car Watch Impress, the reconstructed motor is fueled by carbon-neutral resources and generates a higher level of energy than its counterpart for the streets. Additionally, it seems that the hybrid system relies on a more generous battery size and cooling setup have been reworked as well.
The Prius competition car wound up in eleventh spot in the overall rankings, out of 63 entrants and sixth in its class, after completion of the Thai race with a 21 lap gap to the victor. As of yet, there is no word from Toyota as to whether they will seek to enter the motor into another event or have concluded the endeavour as a one-off trial.
This Prius will be amongst multiple Toyota rally vehicles showcased at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon in January 13 – 15. Apart from this, the firm’s entries from renowned championships like the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship, Super GT to enumerate a few, will also be put on display.
Toyota has had a spot in the Super GT Series of Japan for numerous years with their Prius model, albeit the racing versions were totally distinct from the road legal cars. Their race cars featured engines ranging from 3.4liters to 5.4liters and also employed different hybrid systems, one of which comprised a supercapacitor. Even though this specimen probably isn’t powered by an octal motor, we’re still immensely pleased that it exists.
Source: Toyota
