Here's the Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept Coming to Frankfurt
Well, the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is right around the corner, and it’s usually about this time when Toyota makes their attempt at nabbing an ‘I always have to have the last word’ final impression on the automotive blogosphere. So, it was no surprise when yesterday, just five days before doors open in Frankfurt, Toyota unveiled the full specs for their Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept.
As you continue reading, we’re going to discuss and recap what we know about the Hybrid-R Concept, as well as attempt to accurately set our expectations for the in-the-metal reveal next week. But first, here is one of the new pictures Toyota has released to go with their preview:
What We Know About the Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept
As far as we can tell, the primary goal of this most recent media kit really and truly was just to remind us what we’ve been waiting for. Aside from the new “live action” photographs (which we’ll go over in a moment), the press release itself is mostly focused on confirming the Global Racing Engine details we’d heard a week or two ago.
For those needing a reminder, we can expect a 300 hp 1.6L four-cylinder petrol engine with direct-injection and a turbocharger powering the front, while the two rear wheels each get a 60 hp electric motor, plus an additional non-drive 60hp motor in the center to help charge the super-dense capacitor.
The math whizzes will no doubt calculate that the Yaris Hybrid-R is capable of 420 hp when it’s in Track mode, which is incredible for a hybrid, and much more so for a hybrid hatchback. But, this new concept isn’t just a study in sheer power — Toyota wants it to showcase finesse and advanced technology, too. That’s why you’ll repeatedly hear how the Hybrid-R features a super capacitor, “just like in the TS030 HYBRID!”
So what’s Toyota trying to say with this Hybrid-R? Well, perhaps they’re sick of the taunts of the likes of Jeremy Clarkson saying that hybrids are boring and pointless. Perhaps they are thinking that to break into new areas of the automotive market, they are going to have to offer more than just economy. After all, a lot of Europe prefers diesels. But what if the instant on-tap torque of electric motors could be used to give the hybrid an extra performance kick? That’s exactly what Porsche, Ferrari and McLaren are doing with their hyper-exotica — the 918, LaFerrari and P1 respectively. If they can do it, why not Toyota, the grandfather of the hybrid world?
The Sportiest Hatchback You Ever Did See
In addition to reconfirming mechanical details, this newest preview of the Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept also fills in the blanks on the aesthetic front, both from without and within.
As far as exterior design, we have a high-contrast silver-white paired with charcoal black and electric blue. We see a much more expressive front clip with a larger grill, redesigned headlights, and two large air intakes built into the fender. Along the side we see more prominent wheel wells with large 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires for maximum versatility. From the rear. We see a large diffuser, a unique, customized spoiler, and the new Yaris Hybrid LED taillights.
Inside the Yaris Hybrid-R Concept, the carpet matches the drapes… We have black leather accented by blue Alcantara for a “racing inspired feel”. The shift lever is apparently kept deliberately close to the driver for easy gear-changes, and the steering wheel literally features a boost button – it’s how you tell the Hybrid-R that you want the capacitor to release it’s energy in either Road Mode or Track Mode.
It’s probably safe to say that this is the last full-fledged preview we’ll have before Frankfurt next week. Stay tuned tomorrow for a rundown of all the Japanese cars to look out for at the European motor show, and then next week we’ll dive into the on-site reveals.
