- The Toyota GR division plans to use a hybrid turbo 2.0-liter engine in future models.
- Electrification will allow sports cars to be more fuel efficient and have lower emissions.
- The engines developed by Gazoo Racing will also be used in Toyota’s mainstream models.
Toyota has long been at the forefront of hybrid technology, starting with the original Prius in 1997. But the company isn’t stopping at mainstream fuel-sipping sedans and crossovers, as it plans to bring electrification to its sports cars as well, with the help of the Toyota Gazoo Racing division.
A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine currently under development will power future electrified GR models. It’s designed to accommodate both traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups, with a shorter piston stroke and lightweight construction that improve packaging efficiency.
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The mid-engined GR Yaris M prototype, which debuted in Tokyo earlier this year and is thought to serve as a test bed for the next-gen MR2, currently features the new 2.0-liter powertrain in its non-electrified form. However, Hiroyuki Yamada, the Gazoo Racing engineer overseeing the project, confirmed plans to add hybrid assistance in the future.
Speaking to Autocar, Yamada said: “We can use hybrid for future cars with this engine”. He added that this technology will be used in both motorsport activities and passenger cars, as Toyota needs a more fuel-efficient engine with lower emissions for future GR products.
Electrified Turbo Power for GR Models
At the moment, the GR Yaris and GR Corolla are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, while the GR86 uses a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Subaru-sourced boxer engine. Transitioning to an electrified turbo 2.0-liter powertrain would enable Toyota to meet stricter emissions standards in regions like Europe.
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The same 2.0-liter engine is set to power upcoming versions of the Celica, MR2, and GR Supra, likely in various tunes with or without hybrid assistance. Early reports suggest the engine could produce up to 395 hp (294 kW / 400 PS) in civilian models and up to 592 hp (441 kW / 600 PS) in racing configurations, although it remains unclear whether these numbers include an electric motor boost.
From The Toyota GR Lineup To Mainstream Models
Toyota’s electrification efforts won’t just stop with performance cars. The new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines being developed by Gazoo Racing engineers will eventually make their way into more conventional models, like the next-generation Yaris, Corolla, and RAV4.
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Bart Eelen, head of Toyota Gazoo Racing and motorsports, confirmed this direction in an interview with Car Magazine. He explained, “It goes back to Toyota’s idea of using motorsport as a test bed and as a way to develop new things. I think that’s something that Akio Toyoda introduced into the company. Toyota hadn’t thought that way before.”
Eelen added, “New ICE engines are pretty rare these days, but we really wanted to do this. The block is super compact, and the center of gravity is super low—and the engine combines both efficiency and performance.”
As for what comes next, we’re hoping Toyota will soon give us more details on the electrified GR models and the broader future of its hybrid performance technology.
