In 1997, Toyota introduced the groundbreaking Prius, marking the beginning of the hybrid car revolution. From its very inception, the Prius was designed as an environmentally-conscious family vehicle, prioritizing exceptional fuel efficiency. Through its first four generations, this model remained dedicated to efficiency rather than sportiness.
However, everything could be about to change with Toyota's latest unveiling at the historic 24h Le Mans Centennial Edition event in France. Celebrating the centenary edition of the renowned endurance race, Toyota took the wraps off the stunning Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition. This remarkable concept car is rooted in the fifth generation of the Prius and was crafted by Toyota's motorsports experts at Gazoo Racing.
Up To 44 Miles Of Electric-only Range
The fifth iteration of the Prius offers a choice between two powertrains: a 194-horsepower hybrid and a 220-horsepower plug-in hybrid. Although Toyota has remained discreet regarding the specific engine hidden beneath the GR Prius' hood, one noticeable detail caught our attention. It's about the presence of a singular fuel flap on the driver's side, a feature characteristic of the former hybrid version rather than the plug-in hybrid.
With this observation in mind, it is reasonable to assume that this concept vehicle shares its foundation with the standard hybrid edition. Nevertheless, in comparison to the previous generation Prius Prime, Toyota has impressively extracted an additional 100 horsepower from the 2023 Prius Prime. This enhancement has substantially improved the car's acceleration, allowing it to achieve a respectable 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. A notable 35% enhancement over the previous Prius Prime.
Furthermore, while the exact figures for the range of this concept vehicle remain undisclosed, it is expected to deliver an impressive range. If it were to make it to the market, Toyota might target approximately 600 miles for the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR, including an electric-only range of about 44 miles. It's worth noting that this concept car would maintain its hybrid nature rather than transitioning to a fully electric vehicle, allowing drivers the convenience of refueling at gas stations.
Toyota has been cautious in transitioning away from plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and traditional hybrids to fully electric production, primarily due to the enduring success of the Prius. Car manufacturers typically hesitate to alter a winning formula, especially when it constitutes a significant selling point for their brand. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean such a transition won't ever happen, as the brand has hinted at the possibility of incorporating electric options into future production. Only time will reveal the course they ultimately choose to take.
A Sneak Peek Into The GR Prius' Design
Up front, the automotive experts at Gazoo Racing undertook an impressive transformation of the Prius, replacing its conventional metallic hood with a lightweight carbon fiber counterpart. Beneath this newly adorned hood, they integrated a fresh bumper design, complete with a striking honeycomb mesh incorporated into the lower grille. In a nod to the venerable endurance race, Toyota enhanced the vehicle's nocturnal visibility by introducing a multi-headlamp arrangement that flanks the cooling area. Additionally, Gazoo Racing outfitted the front bumper with dual sets of canard winglets on the corners, contributing to increased front-end downforce.
Along the sides, the skilled engineers from Toyota's motorsports division introduced sleek side skirts and wheel arch cladding to complement the aerodynamic wheels wrapped in 235/50 ZR Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires. To round off the exterior enhancements, a functional wing was mounted on the rear tailgate, accompanied by a diffuser beneath the rear bumper of the GR Prius. These exterior modifications not only addressed the aerodynamic shortcomings of the fifth-generation Prius but also imbued it with an assertive and aggressive aesthetic.
Within the cabin, familiarity is expected to reign supreme, preserving the typical layout found in the standard models. This means you can anticipate the continuation of the expansive widescreen infotainment system gracing the dashboard, along with the digital instrument cluster situated behind the steering wheel. However, a noticeable departure is likely in the latter, emphasizing the vehicle's sportier disposition. The front seats are anticipated to boast additional side bolstering, enhancing the sporty driving experience. It's reasonable to expect that the two primary displays will showcase exclusive sub-menus and possibly unique loading screens, underscoring the specialized character of this model. Toyota's designers may also apply fresh upholstery and trim, potentially incorporating vibrant stitching to inject a sense of novelty and distinction into the interior.
Here are some more interesting things about this hybrid:
- Improved aerodynamics and traction by way of exclusive performance aerodynamic parts
- Carbon-fiber hood
- Wide-track suspension
- 235/50 ZR Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires
This all-new Prius could be what every driver needs in terms of design and performance.
We Expect It To Be Priced At Around $40,000
As a point of reference, the standard Prius currently commences at $27,450 for the LE trim, while the top-tier Prius Limited bears a $34,465. It's worth noting that enhancements such as the carbon fiber hood, sporty bucket seats, body kit, and specialized wheels and tires come at a premium. If Toyota decides to integrate this GR variant into its existing assembly lines, it is probable that it would occupy a pricing niche between the highest-tier Prius model and the GR Supra, which is priced at $45,540.
The debut of Toyota's inaugural GR Prius is eagerly anticipated, though an official release date remains undisclosed. Speculations suggest a potential introduction either next year or possibly as late as 2025. This forthcoming addition to Toyota's lineup of sporty GR-branded models may likely grace American showrooms, potentially as early as the 2025 or 2026 model year.
Nonetheless, this concept presents a fresh and innovative idea, leading to a lack of complete certainty regarding its release, specifications, or any other particulars. Once more, staying informed about these limited-edition vehicles can be a challenging task until official announcements and production schedules are made available. We eagerly anticipate whether the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition will make it to the production line. As time progresses, we can expect additional information about interior specifications and the possibility of a more electric-focused variant, so stay tuned for updates.