Toyota has unveiled an interesting vehicle – GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II, which is a convertible mid-engined petrol-electric hybrid concept. The concept will take place at the 39th Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race, this weekend.

This is an updated version of a petrol-electric sports concept shown at Tokyo Auto Salon in 2010. The drivetrain includes petrol engine, rear-wheel drive motors and transmission.

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.

Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II

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.

Toyota GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II (2011) - picture 1 of 1

Source: Toyota