instead of using flashy, out-of-this-world concept to showcase its latest hybrid technology, Toyota has opted for the more down-to-earth Yaris. the Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept may look like a docile compact hatch kitted with aggressive aero parts, but what lurks beneath are power and innovation that will blow your mind. and no. being a hybrid doesn’t necessarily means a tame ride either. the Yaris Hybrid-R employs a powerful, race-derived 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit that pushes 300 hp to the front wheels, while each of the rear wheel is powered individually by a 60 hp electric motor as found on today’s standard Yaris Hybrid.
this hybrid drivetrain gives yield to a total of 420 hp, albeit momentarily, making it a truly electrifying pocket rocket. the real innovation here is the electrical storage; Toyota didn’t just use the traditional battery system, but instead it uses a super capacitor as fitted in the TS030 Hybrid Le Mans racer, which the Japanese automaker said offers a faster power charging and discharging rate as compared to standard NiMh hybrid battery. a third 60 hp electric motor, located between the engine and the six-speed sequential gearbox, feeds power to the super capacitor during deceleration and introduce extra power to the rear electric motors when the front wheels lose grip.
with great power, the Yaris Hybrid-R concept also has a fitting look to match, starting off with an aggressive front end comprising of newly designed headlights, blue LED daytime running lights, a wider front grille, larger air intakes, an aerodynamic lower lip and blue details, presumably a representation of its electric capability. its bulged wheel arches are home to 18-inch TRD wheels wrapped in 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup rubbers suitable for both road and track use and peeking out from behind those huge wheels are perforated brake discs, paired with six-pod calipers up front and four-pod items at the rear.
other features include Yaris Hybrid specific LED lights, a quick opening fuel cap for quick refuel, a roof-mounted spoiler, a redesigned rear bumper with integral large diffuser and a racing cockpit consisting of dual tone leather and Alcantara Recaro bucket seats, Alcantara-wrapped sports steering wheel with racing-inspired push button, and also a race-style shift lever, just like those you would find on track-prep cars. the Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept certainly offers an exciting proposition to any motoring enthusiasts and a promise of going green and clean not necessarily means a slower and dull ride, and it also put forward the idea that such technology and power could be made available to an “everyday” car and not some exotic ride.
