There's no space in the headline to tell you anything else about the concept, so read on.
Ahead of this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyota has revealed a new concept called the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, and it does not shy away from manga styling influence. The concept is part of a joint exhibit between the Japan National Tourism Organization, Mazda Motor Corporation, and Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Mazda is involved because it is the first Japanese manufacturer to achieve overall victory at Le Mans, which it managed in 1991, and this year is ideal for showing Japanese excellence in endurance racing since the famous French event is now in its 100th year. Mazda's achievement does not threaten Toyota because it is the only automaker from Japan still competing and is currently on a five-year winning streak.
But enough about the concept's inspiration and influence. Let's see what this special Toyota Prius offers.
The concept is 3.54 inches longer, 1.97 inches wider, and 1.18 inches wider than a standard Prius and boasts 1.57 inches wider tracks front and rear. A wide-track suspension setup has been fitted to fill the arches and make the most of the increased footprint, while special 18-inch Rays wheels wrapped in 235/50 rubber from Michelin give the concept a unique look.
New aero upgrades also feature thanks to new side skirts, front canards, rear bumper ducts, a large carbon fiber rear wing, and a rear diffuser that appears to be functional, or at least based on one that is. A carbon fiber hood and new multi-headlamps in the lower bumper add more drama, while red and black accents and badges further help the concept stand out from the production hybrid.
Unfortunately, nothing has changed under the hood. The hybrid system has not been fiddled with, and it seems we'll have to wait a little while longer for the 302-hp Prius GR Sport Toyota bosses dream of. Even with all the carbon accouterments, there is no mention of an overall reduction in weight.
So why does the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition exist?
Instead of plowing all its resources into electrification, Toyota believes in a balanced approach to the carbon crisis.
Toyota has showcased hydrogen fuel-cell technology in a version of its Crown sedan and the Mirai, hydrogen combustion in the GR Corolla, and synthetic fuels in a GR86, but hybrids are still important in the brand's approach. This variant of the Prius has likely been created to gauge interest in a high-performance version of the hybrid, which brand bosses say would be an easily achievable feat.
What is a challenge is changing the perceptions of many consumers who still associate the Prius name with something dreary and dull. With sexy styling, the latest generation is doing a lot to change that idea. If visitors to the Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend and commentators on social media come away enthralled by the idea of a performance version of the Prius, we think the long-rumored GRMN variant may yet happen.
Keyword: Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition Debuts As Hot Hybrid