09Jun
Toyota Unveiled A Sporty GR-Modified Prius At This Year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, Wearing A Carbon-Fiber Hood And Aerodynamic Contours Reminiscent Of The Le Mans-Winning GR010 Race Car
In the past, it would have been unlikely to use the terms "sporty" and "Prius" in the same sentence. However, the debut of the fifth-generation Toyota Prius last year surprised many with its sleek design and more powerful powertrain.
Toyota has now unveiled another unexpected development with the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a concept car revealed prior to this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans, showcasing a high-performance version of the hybrid hatchback.
According to Toyota, this unique Prius pays tribute to the famous race, and features a range of motorsports-inspired components.
The GR-modified Prius, which has been nicknamed the "GRius", boasts dive planes on the front bumper, beefy side skirts that blend into extended wheel arches, and a large rear diffuser.
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Additionally, a prominent wing protrudes from the rear hatch, and these aerodynamic enhancements are reportedly inspired by the GR010 Hybrid race car that won the Le Mans race in both 2021 and 2022.
The GRius concept also boasts a wider track than the standard Prius, and its black 18-inch wheels are fitted with 235/50 Michelin tires instead of the usual 195-width rubber.
The front bumper of the GRius has a broad, rectangular grille and square LED headlights, while the hood has been replaced with a lighter carbon-fiber unit.
Although Toyota did not mention any mechanical changes to the GRius, we can only expect the power output has been increased from the Prius Prime's 220 horsepower to something befitting a Gazoo Racing baby.
It is unlikely that Toyota will produce a GR-branded Prius for the U.S. market, but this concept is sure to inspire numerous days and nights of wide-eyed fantasies.
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