2011 Toyota GRMN (MR2) Sports Hybrid Concept II - AllCarIndex

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will show the "GRMN (GAZOO Racing¹ tuned by MN²) SPORTS HYBRID Concept II", a convertible mid-ship gasoline-electric hybrid concept, at the 39th Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race to be held near Nürburg, Germany, from June 23 through 26.

The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is an updated version of a gasoline-electric sports concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 and has been developed to embody the enjoyment of automobiles. The vehicle features advanced styling and an improved sports-hybrid AWD system with the main power unit (gasoline engine, rear-wheel drive motors and transmission) located in the middle of the body and a front-wheel drive motor in front—all positioned to improve maneuverability, enhance driving enjoyment and provide enhanced stability. Meanwhile, top-down driving in electric-vehicle mode gives a fresh and exhilarating driving experience.

TMC launched the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric vehicle in 1997, and has long conducted active research on applying hybrid technologies to racing and sports cars. The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is positioned as the next step in the evolution of these efforts.

GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II Details

Engine: Type 2GR-FXE

Displacement: 3,456 cc

Maximum output: 183 kW (249 PS)

System Maximum output: 220 kW (299 PS)

Body

Length: 4,350 mm

Width: 1,890 mm

Height: 1,200 mm

Wheelbase: 2,575 mm

Weight: 1,500 kg or less

Vehicle layout: Mid-ship with front electric motor

Tires:

Front: 225/40R19

Rear: 255/35R19

¹ A vehicle-development and motor-sports support program created by GAZOO, which also operates the GAZOO.com customer-participation portal site

launched in 1998, "GAZOO mura" driving events and the "Drive Kingdom" large-scale test-drive events for the general public.

² Stands for "Meister of Nürburgring", referring to Hiromu Naruse (1944-2010), a TMC test driver and chief of the GAZOO Racing team.

SOURCE: Gazoo