Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II to be unveiled at Nurburgring 24 Hour Endurance Race

Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

Toyota has had it a bit rough in the last decade or so. After the last MR2 was axed, we all thought it was over for the leading Japanese make as they continued to make boring white goods that they called cars. But it seems like the days of boring Toyota might be coming to an end as we have the Toybaru FT-86/Scion FR-S on the way that reminisces on the days of the classic Corolla AE86. And now, Toyota is once again upping the ante as they just announced an all-new MR2 Hybrid Concept. Yup, you folks read correctly.

ToMoCo will be unveiling their latest successor to the MR2, which they call the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II. It’s a convertible mid-engined hybrid concept that will make its debut at this weekend’s 39th annual Nurburgring 24-Hour Endurance Race.

Although the GMRN Sports Hybrid Concept II is based off of the original MR2-based hybrid sports concept that was revealed a year ago at Tokyo’s Auto Salon in 2010, this second version features a completely new exterior design with a reworked hybrid-gas system. The Concept II won’t be RWD like past MR2s, but will certainly be all-wheel drive as the gasoline engine is mid-mounted on the car with the transmission, which drives the rear wheels. An electric motor is then mounted on the front axle and that powers the front wheels. The boffins at Toyota said that this design “improves maneuverability, increases driving enjoyment, and provides enhances stability.” Wow, Toyota’s folks are actually considering driving enjoyment!

No other details have been released yet but we can expect some more as it is fully unveiled this weekend at the Nurburgring. Stay tuned!

Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II:

Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II

Engine Type Petrol V6
Displacement (cc) 3,456
Maximum output (bhp) 245
System Maximum output (bhp) 295
Body Length (mm) 4,350
Width (mm) 1,890
Height (mm) 1,200
Wheelbase (mm) 2,575
Weight (kg) 1,500 or less
Vehicle layout Mid-engined with front electric motor
Tyres Front 225/40R19
Rear 255/35R19

24 Hours Nürburgring Race Outline

Name 39th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2011
Dates June 23-26, 2011 (main competition runs from June 25 and 26)
Venue Nürburgring (Nürburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)

– By: Chris Chin