The Toyota Prius hybrid pioneered petrol-electric vehicles. Now there are reports out of Japan speculating it could receive the GR performance treatment.
The 2023 Toyota Prius hybrid could adopt a GR or GR Sport performance version, according to the latest speculation out of Japan.
Drive’s computer illustration expert Theottle has created these digital illustrations of what a GR-enhanced Toyota Prius could look like.
GR stands for Gazoo Racing and it is Toyota’s high-performance division. Some GR models get the full fast-car treatment, while the GR Sport badge denotes sporty styling upgrades.
Taking inspiration from the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, the imagined GR Prius is fitted with a wide body-kit, front fender vents, lightweight alloy wheels, and the GR Corolla’s signature triple exhaust tips.
Given the all-new, fifth-generation Toyota Prius is based on the same GA-C platform as the GR Corolla, it could in theory fit the latter’s suspension and 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. However, given the Toyota Prius is a hybrid halo, this is an unlikely scenario – unless Toyota came up with a way to blend hybrid and electric power for such a special edition.
MORE: 2023 Toyota Prius revealed, not for Australia
Toyota’s chief engineer for the GR86 sports car – the twin to the Subaru BRZ – has previously said there are no new cars from Gazoo Racing in the immediate future, however buyers may be able to option hybrid vehicles with GR styling enhancements.
Toyota Japan reportedly plans to offer GR styling upgrades for the new-generation Toyota Prius, with the company teasing images of an accessorised example online.
There is also a chance the Japanese car-maker could offer a Prius GR Sport variant in some markets – a mildly-upgraded version of the car, such as the C-HR GR Sport and LandCruiser GR Sport.
However, for now it is unclear if the new-generation Toyota Prius will make it to Australia in standard or GR guise. Toyota Australia has previously said it has “no plans” to introduce the 2023 Toyota Prius locally.
The outgoing, fourth-generation Toyota Prius was discontinued in Australia in May 2022. The latest model is the first generation Toyota Prius not to be sold in Australia.
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