Toyota’s 420HP Yaris Hybrid-R Concept Proves that Hybrids Can Be Exciting!

If we were to go for a spin during a track day, a Toyota Yaris might probably the last car we would ever thought about bringing. But that might soon change as Toyota had recently revealed a very interesting concept that had our perception towards this harmless hybrid hatchback. Pumping it with more power and giving it an aggressive look, say hello to the 420-horsepower Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept.

Yes, you heard it right. This little hatchback that one will usually overlook has now been given a serious dosage of steroids by Toyota Motorsport GmbH, and the part that catches our attention the most is none other than the massive power it packs under the hood. Packing a highly tuned 1.6-liter direct-injected turbocharged engine, 300 horses are sent powering the front tires.

And where does the extra 120-horsepower come from? Throwing in two 60-horsepower electric motors – one for each rear tire – the transformation of a normal Yaris into the Hybrid-R Concept is complete.

Toyota said that the Yaris Hybrid-R Concept has the same technology like the TS030 Hybrid Endurance racecar, where the energy recovered during braking is stored in a super capacitor. The capacitor is located under the rear seat, where the Yaris Hybrid’s battery is usually positioned. There is even a third 60-horsepower motor situated between the engine and the six-speed sequential gearbox that acts as a generator during deceleration to feed the super capacitor and during acceleration to directly power the rear electric motors.

Toyota also took some time to make the Concept looks as good as its performance. A newly designed headlights, wider front grille and black and blue details contrasting with the white body color gives the Concept a more aggressive look. The flared fenders are necessary to fit in 18-inch TRD wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres.

 

Source