Toyota unveiled the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II, a convertible, mid-engined petrol-electric hybrid concept, at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race in Germany in 2011.
The GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II is an updated version of an MR2-based petrol-electric sports concept that was unveiled at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon and shown at that year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The revised concept features advanced styling and an improved sports-hybrid all-wheel-drive system with the main power unit (petrol engine, rear-wheel drive motors and transmission) mid-mounted in conjunction with a front-wheel drive motor. Positioned this way it improves manoeuvrability, increases driving enjoyment and provides enhanced stability.
Toyota launched the world’s first mass-produced petrol-electric vehicle, the Prius, in 1997, and has long conducted active research on applying hybrid technologies to racing and sports cars. This concept was the next step in the evolution of these efforts – click here for our picture gallery.
GRMN stands for ‘Gazoo Racing tuned by MN’. The latter initials stand for ‘Meister of Nürburgring’, referring to Hiromu Naruse (1944-2010), a TMC test driver and chief of the Gazoo Racing team.
GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II technical specification | |
Engine type | 2GR-FXE |
Engine displacement | 3456cc |
Maximum engine output | 183kW (249ps) |
Maximum system output | 220kW (299ps) |
Overall length | 4350mm |
Overall width | 1890mm |
Overall height | 1200mm |
Wheelbase | 2575mm |
Weight | 1500kg or less |
Vehicle layout | Mid-ship with front electric motor |
Front tyres | 225/40 R19 |
Rear tyres | 255/35 R19 |
To discover more about the development of the concept, click on the video below:
Love the new design , Awesome looking car.
What the hell, who designed this thing?
I loved my sw20 mr2 GT to pieces and was hanging for a new model to come out and we got lumped with the spyder. A decade later and now this thing?
Is it too much to ask for a lightweight, mid engine, turbo, targa top sports car that doesn’t look like a child designed it?
Make me one and I will buy it
Beautiful car,love to have one….
What a great looking car. Lets hope they put it in production.