Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Is Toyota’s 400hp Hybrid-R Concept the hot hatch of our dreams?

Amir Iliaifar
By
toyota hybrid r concept hints at a 400
Image used with permission by copyright holder

And the prize for shortest, most hobbit-sized press release goes to Toyota.

The Japanese automaker, and the automotive industry’s most successful hybrid manufacturer, recently released another teaser of its Hybrid-R Concept, ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Recommended Videos

While the picture doesn’t offer much in the way of design clues, showing nothing more than a front air scoop, pipe-like LED trim and the fuzzy outline of a turned wheel, Toyota was kind enough to divulge that the concept is expected to deliver over 400 horsepower.

You read that right, a 400hp Toyota… something.

Related

Proving more cryptic than the teaser image, the press release goes on to reveal that the Hybrid-R Concept is based on a current Toyota production model and “is equipped with a powertrain that features similar technology to that used by Toyota Racing’s TS030 Hybrid race car.”

If speculation is to be believed (isn’t it always?) the rumor mill is tossing around the idea that the Hybrid-R is related to the Yaris. While the words “Yaris” and “fast” are usually diametrically opposed, if that were the case then the Hybrid-R could offer go-fast fanatics a helluva good time on the cheap.

That, of course, is assuming Toyota moves it into production and can keep costs down.

Honda already took the lead with a sporty hatch-hybrid of its own, the CRZ, but that didn’t exactly pan out. DT recently drove the Chevy Spark EV, and while it’s not a hybrid, it is a close cousin of the subcompact Yaris and packs around 130hp and 400 foot-pounds of torque. Was it fast? Yes, as in 7.6 seconds for a 0-60 run and genuinely hot acceleration. It was also quiet and composed in the twisties. So an R-subcompact hybrid may not violate the laws of performance physics after all.

It’ll be interesting to see what Toyota can do, given the company’s successful track record with Prius hybrids and so forth. If anyone can pull it off, Toyota can, even with a lowly Yaris to work from.

More info will likely be revealed during Toyota’s press conference on September 10 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. We’ll keep you updated.

A 400hp hybrid Yaris? Hot hatch overkill or just what the segment needs? Tell us in comments.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Amir Iliaifar
Amir Iliaifar
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Associate Automotive Section Editor for Digital Trends, Amir Iliaifar covers the ever increasing cross-section between tech…
The Audi AI:Trail Quattro concept is the autonomous off-roading EV of our dreams
audi aitrail quattro concept 2019 frankfurt motor show ai trail

Previous

Next

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more