It was an open secret when Toyota showed a preview a few days ago. Everything seemed to point to a more extreme version of the Toyota Prius and that is how it has finally been: this is the Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition.
It is a prototype and the Japanese brand has not announced that it intends to put it into production, but it has revealed that it is its particular way of paying homage to the world of competition and how it has contributed to the development of technologies that cars later use. street hybrids.
It’s clearly the sportiest face ever seen on a factory Prius, with a design inspired by racing models.
Both bumpers and side skirts are specific, it has front cannards, mounts a large rear spoiler and also has an aggressive diffuser. All this helps to improve its aerodynamics, but also to lighten weight since they are made of carbon fiber, in the same way as the hood.
It mounts unique 18-inch wheels, the axles have been widened by 40mm, the ride height has been lowered by 30mm to give 120mm of ground clearance and additional light clusters have been installed for night driving.
In addition, it is slightly larger than a conventional Prius: 4,960 mm long, 1,830 mm wide and 1,400 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
What is unknown is its mechanical section, since nothing has been revealed about it.
Masahito Soda, renowned mangaka and in charge of decorating the walls in which the car has been presented, has declared: “For me, a fan of racing since I can remember, June is a special month every year. It was fun for me to reflect on the famous scenes so far and draw while imbuing my pen with respect.”
“At the 24 Hours of Mans, which marks its centenary; Mazda, which was the first Japanese manufacturer to win Le Mans; to TGR, which is contributing to the world through its victories at Le Mans and other motorsport events; and to all the racing drivers who continue to inspire us, I would like to say: ‘Thank you very much,’” he notes.