Summary
- The Toyota GR Prius is a game-changing concept car that reimagines what a hybrid vehicle can be, with bold design changes and improved aerodynamics.
- While the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition hasn't been confirmed for production yet, it could potentially be released in the future, offering a range of improvements over traditional Prius models.
- Toyota remains committed to the Prius and the hybrid market, with plans to potentially introduce a fully electric version of the Prius by the end of the decade. The brand is investing in solid-state batteries and hydrogen electric motors to stay at the forefront of emission-free driving.
Introducing the unexpected: the Toyota GR Prius, a daring creation that has reimagined what a hybrid vehicle can be. When Toyota introduced the Prius in 1997, it was synonymous with eco-friendliness and fuel efficiency, catering to practical family needs. Yet, it never ventured into the realm of sportiness. That is, until now.
Recently, Toyota unveiled a jaw-dropping surprise: the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition. This game-changing concept car, a brainchild of Toyota's motorsports division, Gazoo Racing, emerged from the fifth generation of the Prius. We've seen Prius make great strides in perfecting the hybrid and EV concept, with this newest model no different.
Drawing inspiration from the victorious GR010 Hybrid race car, Toyota took bold steps to transform the Prius. Carbon fiber replaces the conventional hood, and a redesigned front bumper features a distinctive honeycomb mesh. The tribute to the Le Mans heritage is evident with a multi-headlamp arrangement that enhances nighttime driving. Aerodynamic elements like canard winglets and a functional rear wing are added, improving the car's downforce and aggressive appearance. Toyota has been working towards a more elegant Prius for many years, with this all-new GR being a hybrid' crème de la crème.
The Prius Continues To Evolve
Recently at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France, Toyota unveiled its concept for the all-new Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, which is much different than what we've seen thus far from the company. Of course, the Prius put Toyota on the map in the EV and hybrid space and has since been one of the most successful models in history. Therefore, with a special version in the works, we're excited to see what this means for the future of America's favorite hybrid.
With reported features, including improved aerodynamics and traction by way of exclusive performance aerodynamic parts, a carbon-fiber hood, wide-track suspension, 235/50R18-inch tires, and exclusive aerodynamic wheels: this all-new Prius could be what every EV driver needs heading into the next few years. Notably, the Le Mans GR Edition Prius boasts a redesigned front and back end, with a sportier, sleeker look than what Toyota has given us up to this point.
However, this is a brand-new concept, so there's not 100 percent confirmation on release, specs, or much else besides a few photos and upgraded elements. Again, these special-edition vehicles are hard to track until the official statements and production timelines come out.
How The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition Is Different
- Toyota's newest reveal boasts a new exterior design and improved aerodynamics.
- The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition would likely use much of the same tech as the Prius Prime.
Besides having a much different appearance than traditional Prius models, the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition has a reimagined interior, exterior, and motor/battery. Its proven motor, powered via a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain, gives this car the edge. The Centennial GR will feature many of the same internal specs as already-slated-for-release Prius models, like a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The two power sources develop 194 horsepower, a big improvement from the last gen's 121 horses.
Moreover, this concept vehicle should boast an impressive range, although these exact figures have not been released. We'd speculate if this comes to the market, Toyota would give the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR around 600 miles, including 44 miles on electricity. After all, this concept car would be a hybrid, not a full EV: so you can still fill up at the pump.
Toyota has been more sheepish in switching from PHEVs and traditional hybrids to fully electric production, mainly because of the continued success of the Prius. Typically, carmakers don't want to ruin a good thing, especially when it's a significant selling point for the brand. Again, that's not to say this won't ever happen, considering the brand has alluded to the idea of incorporating the option into future production. We'll have to wait and see.
What The Future Holds For The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition
After all, is said and done, we still don't have 100 percent confirmation of this vehicle coming to market or even entering production. Toyota did reveal, however, that this Prius was created to celebrate 100 years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so this could be a one-off concept. However, automakers have often dropped concept designs and eventually produced them for the masses: so don't lose hope yet.
The newest 24 Hours of Le Mans might not be coming to production or market. We're hopeful Toyota will see this as an opportunity to capture the racing market: but as of now, this is not a confirmed model to be released.
Prius remains a staple for Toyota, so even in smaller batches, this car will likely make its way to the market in a few years. If we had to speculate, we'd bet on this GR hitting roads closer to 2026-2028. Perhaps even as a full EV. The Prius Prime is already making waves in the plug-in hybrid space, so this, as a limited edition release, would be great press for Toyota. We're seeing many auto brands do special collections and limited drops for vehicles in the higher price range, so Toyota could make this one of the more costly Prius models.
Whatever they do, we'll be excited to see if the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition sees the production line. As time passes, we'll also get further news regarding interior specs and the potential for a more electric-dependent version, so stay tuned.
How Toyota Sees The Prius Moving Forward
With Prius continuing the dominate the plug-in hybrid industry, we're noticing its design become sleeker, sexier, and more powerful with each release. The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition isn't far off from the 2023 and 2024 Prius Prime, with its front and back-end being starkly different than a few years ago when this was considered a more cost-conscious, 'bland' vehicle.
The EV and PHEV market is hot right now, with hybrids in the highest demand. Many customers don't feel comfortable going all-in on electric *yet,* so Prius continues to be a top option for that market. Prius Prime has also seen excellent reviews from industry experts and drivers alike, with Toyota reporting increased sales for 2023 over 2022.
The Prius Prime has been met with great reception from drivers and critics. Prius has been slowly implementing PHEV technology into its cars over the past few years, with Prius potentially seeing a fully electric motor by the end of the decade.
To stay on top, Toyota has also been heavily investing and researching solid-state batteries and dabbling in hydrogen electric motors, so the brand is a leading force in the fight against emission driving. With a 'carbon-neutral' mobility plan heading into 2030 and beyond, Toyota will likely reimagine many of its models, creating new ones along the way. Prius is always one of the first to undergo a major change, so the possibility of the 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition coming to market is possible, and even likelier could be an EV.
We're in the golden age of electric production, driving, and consumerism, so Toyota must keep up to remain an industry leader. We're hopeful with this recently unveiled Prius and cannot wait to see where the brand takes this iconic hybrid moving into the next decade.