Track-ready hybrid! Toyota GR Prius concept debuts at Le Mans 100th anniversary
VJ Bacungan · Jun 7, 2023 11:24 AM
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On the 100th anniversary of the world’s most prestigious endurance race, Toyota unveiled a racy version of its long-running hybrid.
After dropping a teaser the week before, the Japanese carmaker showcased the Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition at the start of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Aside from the cool LED driving lights, this Gazoo Racing-tuned Prius gets a mean body kit. This includes a front wing, canards, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a rear wing.
Meaty 235/50R18 tires wrapped around “air-improved” special wheels accentuate the concept’s racing vibe. In addition, a partially painted carbon-fiber hood makes the front end lighter and complements the car’s two-tone paintjob.
The carmaker didn’t show the concept Prius’ interior or release details about its drivetrain.
100 years of Le Mans
Toyota is once again running this year’s Le Mans with the Toyota GR010 Hybrid, which won the drivers and constructors championships at the 2021 and 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The GR010 Hybrid also clinched Toyota’s fourth consecutive Le Mans win in 2021, following the three wins set by its predecessor, the TS050 Hybrid.
The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is part of a display that Toyota set up for Le Mans’ centennial anniversary, in partnership with Mazda and the Japanese government.
Photos of the iconic Mazda 787B are also in the exhibit. The rotary-powered racing car was the first Japanese vehicle to ever win Le Mans, getting the top spot in 1991.
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An award-winning multimedia journalist, editor, and host for online and TV who has written in-depth stories on road safety and the Philippine elections. Outside of the media, VJ is an accomplished motorsports champion, English teacher, and dancer.