Improvement head Satoki Oya stated the Prius Prime’s electricity would have to increase even additional to justify finding the subbrand’s black-and-crimson GR badge.
But by some actions, the plug-in Prius is presently approaching GR territory.
The GR86 sporty coupe, for case in point, develops 173 kilowatts of electricity — not considerably off Prius Prime’s 164 — though the GR86 bolts -60 almost a 2nd faster, at about 5.8 seconds.
Other tweaks for a GR Prius would most likely incorporate tightened-up suspensions and dealing with, Oya said. And never overlook a exclusive aero package and racing-influenced detailing, like funky seat stitching.
Even with their enthusiasm, both of those Ueda and Oya, as properly as the relaxation of the Prius designers and engineers on hand at the circuit, insisted there are continue to no concrete designs for a GR Prius.
If one particular lands on supplier lots, nonetheless, it would not be the first.
Toyota floated a sporty-styled Prius G’s from 2011 to 2014 through the nameplate’s third generation. And from 2017 until eventually last thirty day period, Toyota available a Prius GR Sport in Japan.
But all those unique variations left the powertrain primarily untouched. The adjustments ended up largely cosmetic. And detractors would definitely argue that previous iterations of the bulbous Prius could never get rid of their frumpy aura, no issue how much lipstick you slather on.
But the new Prius? Very well, that is a unique animal.
When and if it comes, that GR Prius may just be the initially Prius deserving of the title.