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Toyota to reveal GRMN Hybrid concept at Nürburgring 24

Toyota GRMN Hybrid Concept II – Click above for high-res image

Toyota is set to pull the sheets back on a new convertible sports hybrid at this year’s Nurburgring 24-Hour endurance race. Co-developed by Gazoo Racing, the GRMN Hybrid Concept II is a slightly updated version of the concept that Toyota displayed at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon.

With its gasoline engine mounted mid-ship and a hybrid all-wheel-drive system, the GRMN should deliver drivers plenty of grip and excellent balance as well. Total combined output sits at 295 horsepower, with 245 ponies coming from the gasoline V6 and another 50 arriving via an electric motor. That motor supplies power to the two front wheels only.

The automaker says the machine weighs in at less than 3,300 lbs, though there’s no indication as to what sort of fuel economy to expect from the drop-head. So, when can you buy one? We wouldn’t hold our breath. With its wild looks and pricey all-wheel-drive system, it’ll be a cold day in Toyota City before the GRMN lands on dealer lots. Hit the jump for the press release.

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TOYOTA TO UNVEIL NEW GRMN HYBRID CONCEPT AT NÜRBURGRING

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will show the “GRMN (GAZOO Racing1 tuned by MN2) SPORTS HYBRID Concept II”, a convertible mid-engined petrol-electric hybrid concept, at the 39th Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race taking place this weekend.

The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is an updated version of a petrol-electric sports concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon in 2010. The vehicle features advanced styling and an improved sports-hybrid AWD system with the main power unit (petrol engine, rear-wheel drive motors and transmission) mid-mounted in conjunction with a front-wheel drive motor. Positioned this way it improves manoeuvrability, increases driving enjoyment and provides enhanced stability.

Toyota launched the world’s first mass-produced petrol-electric vehicle, the Prius, in 1997, and has long conducted active research on applying hybrid technologies to racing and sports cars. The GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II is the next step in the evolution of these efforts.

GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II

Engine

Type

Petrol V6

Displacement (cc)

3,456

Maximum output (bhp)

245

System Maximum output (bhp)

295

Body Length (mm)

4,350

Width (mm)

1,890

Height (mm)

1,200

Wheelbase (mm)

2,575

Weight (kg)

1,500 or less

Vehicle layout

Mid-engined with front electric motor

Tyres

Front

225/40R19

Rear

255/35R19

24 Hours Nürburgring Race Outline

Name

39th ADAC Zurich 24h-Race 2011

Dates

June 23-26, 2011 (main competition runs from June 25 and 26)

Venue

Nürburgring (Nürburg, Ahrweiler, State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany)

1 A vehicle-development and motor-sports support program created by GAZOO, which also operates the GAZOO.com customer-participation portal site launched in 1998, “GAZOO mura” driving events and the “Drive Kingdom” large-scale test-drive events for the general public.

2 Stands for “Meister of Nürburgring”, referring to Hiromu Naruse (1944-2010), a TMC test driver and chief of the GAZOO Racing team.

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