Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II
Though it wasn’t the first, Toyota has become the biggest brand in the hybrid world. So far, those hybrids haven’t been all that exciting. The GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II hopes to change that.
You might remember (or guess from the name) that there was a previous Sports Hybrid Concept. Based on the defunct MR-2 Spyder, that concept was all about the underlying powertrain: all-wheel drive, 392 horsepower, 4.5-seconds to 60 mph and 2,860 pounds total vehicle weight. The new concept picks up where the first left off, adding a new look to the mix.
A new look may be all there is to it, however: it appears to be a body kit on the same mid-engine MR-2 Spyder platform. Toyota doesn’t say otherwise in its release.
Under the skin, the hybrid system is down-rated to just 295 total horsepower, 245 of which come from the 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 engine. It’s still all-wheel drive, with the electric motor driving the front wheels.
If you’re curious as to the meaning of the GRMN name, it stands for Gazoo Racing tuned by MN.
Look for the full details and more photos once it’s unveiled this weekend at the Nurburgring 24 hour race.