Toyota plans to unveil the Yaris Hybrid-R concept, which combines the powertrain from the Yaris Hybrid with technology from the TS030 Hybrid, the Japanese automaker’s racing prototype that participated in Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship.
The Hybrid-R powertrain is identical to the Yaris 3-door, anchored by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine generating 300 hp and outfitted with two electric motors enabling four-wheel drive. The total power output is 420 hp when taking into account the 60 hp electric motors attached to each rear wheel, which work as generators during braking and add power to the gasoline engine during acceleration.
A third 60 hp electric motor is between the engine and the 6 gear sequential transmission. Similar to how it works in the TS030 Hybrid, the energy from the braking is stored in a super capacitor, which is located under the rear seat in the Yaris Hybrid-R.
On the design front, Toyota took a more “aggressive and emotional interpretation” approach with Yaris Hybrid-R. Highlights in the exterior include new headlights, a wider front grille and black and blue details to contrast with the white body paint. The Hybrid-R concept features 18-inch TRD wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.
Inside, the sport steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and the driver can switch from “Track” to “Road” mode to accommodate driving conditions. The ‘Road’ mode reduces engine power while in ‘Track’ mode the car is maxed out to 300 hp from the engine with a maximum torque of 420 Nm as the rear electric motors can produce another 120 hp for up to 5 seconds.
Photo Credit: Toyota
