Toyota returns to defend Pikes Peak win with an upgraded version of its P002 EV racer

By Nick Jaynes May 7, 2013

Toyota EV P002 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Last year, Toyota took first in the electric car class and sixth overall at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – and it’s keen to defend its title.

This year, Toyota has hired Rod Millen, father of Rhys Millen, to pilot its imporved P002 up the mountain.

The Millens stand as racing royalty. Hailing from New Zealand, both Rod and Rhys have set many records over the years. Rhys, however, currently holds the run record at Pikes Peak.

Toyota isn’t taking this year lying down. It’s sent its all-electric race car to “Salisbury, North Carolina, where TOYOTA Racing Development U.S.A. Inc. (TRD USA) will perform aerodynamic upgrades to the Radical-based chassis as well as track testing,” according to a Toyota press release.

A rear-mounted 42-kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack can be charged easily off the A/C power grid and sends power to an improved electric motor. The speed and torque of the electric motor have been increased while the powertrain’s operation has been tuned to better suit the Pikes Peak climb.

We’re excited to see the P002 perform this year. With a limited top speed of “only” 143mph for improved range, the electric Toyota racer should make quite a showing. The entire route to the top is paved now, so there’s no more dramatic dirt drifting action as there has been for decades previous, but it does allow carmakers to focus their entrees on track handling and speed.

The 2013 Pikes Peak Hill Climb is scheduled for June 30 so check back later next month for results and any other developments.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.