Toyota unveils 'Ring ready Sports Hybrid
GRMN petrol-electric hybrid concept to grab attention at this weekend's Nürburgring 24-hour endurance raceToyota will show its GRMN (Gazoo Racing tuned by Meister of Nürburgring) Sports Hybrid Concept II at Germany's 39th Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race this weekend.
The 'MN' part of Toyota's latest concept pays tribute to Hiromu Naruse (1944-2010), a Toyota test driver and chief of the Gazoo racing team who lost his life testing the Lexus LFA supercar near the 'Ring last year.
An updated version of the concept Toyota debuted at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, the GRMN convertible is a mid-engined, petrol-electric hybrid featuring what it says is "advanced styling" and an improved sports-hybrid all-wheel drive system.
The bulk of the GRMN's motivation comes from a 182kW, 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine driving the rear wheels. The engine, usually found in front-wheel drive models like the Toyota Aurion, retains its transverse layout for what its designers claim provides improved manoeuvrability and more fun behind the wheel.
Up front, a small (37kW) electric motor drives the front wheels.
The GRMN concept weighs less than 1500kg and is 4350mm long, 1890mm wide and 1200mm high, with a 2575mm wheelbase.
Toyota launched the world's first mass-produced petrol-electric vehicle, the Prius, in 1997, and the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept is said to be the latest step in the company's ongoing research and application of hybrid technologies to racing and sports cars. .
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
