Toyota GR HV concept is a targa-topped 86 hybrid
What is it? Think targa-topped Toyota 86 with a juiced hybrid powertrain and you have the GR HV concept, short for Gazoo Racing Hybrid Vehicle. It’s a striking ride that blends the best of the sports car and green worlds in a sassy package.
Inside, it’s all about the driver. The radio screen shows oil and coolant temperature along with the power remaining in the hybrid’s battery. Ahead of the driver the instrumentation displays gear position and speed — the stock photo shows 173 km/ h on the clock.
Why does it matter? Powered by THS-R (Toyota Hybrid SystemRacing), it uses some of the technologies gleaned from the unit that powers Toyota’s Gazoo Racing TS050 Hybrid race car in the World Endurance Championship series. The layout sees the gas/ electric drivetrain sit up front, with the battery in the middle of the car.
The transmission is something else. On the centre stack there is a row of push buttons for automatic mode. Select manual mode and the driver snicks through six gears using the stick shift, kind of like paddle-shifting via a stick. Starting the car? Lift the top of the shift lever and there the starter button sits, jet fighter-style. Also intriguing is the inclusion of a track mode.
When is it coming? No word on when, or if, the GR HV will make it to production. The smart money says it will. Should you buy it? When mean meets clean in a sports car, is there really any question? I’ll take mine in matte black.