Skip advert
Advertisement

The 392bhp Toyota MR2 hybrid

Odd concept of the day: reborn Toyota MR2 roadster with 392bhp hybrid power and AWD

Toyota and racing partner Gazoo have come up with something utterly intriguing. Meet the oddball MR2 Sport Hybrid Concept. Dubbed the GRMN (Gazoo Racing Master of Nurburgring), the purpose of this car is clear: It’s a ‘ring-basher like none before it.

Gazoo has quite a history racing at the Nordschleife, successfully racing both Toyota and Lexus cars in endurance racing for many years.   Loosely based on the now extinct mid-engined MR2 roadster, on paper this car looks ready to go toe-to-toe with the Honda CR-Z. It's far more powerful than that, though. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

At slow speeds, this hybrid’s front wheels are electronically powered thanks to Toyota’s THSII system. Mash your foot into the carpet however, and a 3.3-litre V6 behind the cockpit fires into life and sends internally combusted power to the rear wheels, too. This means a total power figure of ‘more than 392bhp’.  

As usual, the lithium-ion battery packs have an unfortunate impact on the car’s weight. At 1500kg, this MR2 is over 50 per cent heavier than the slimline 975kg roadster it’s based on. Still, a minimum 266bhp/ton figure and that mid-placed engine should ensure it’s still a decent drivers’ car. A 4.5sec 0-60mph-time is rumoured. 

There’s speculation that a car based on the GRMN could go on sale in 2011 to compete with the slightly tamer Honda CR-Z. Keep an eye on evo.co.uk for the latest.

Follow evo on Twitter or Facebook for latest car news and views.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW might be about to revive the Z3 M Coupe ‘clownshoe’
BMW Z3 M Coupe teaser
News

BMW might be about to revive the Z3 M Coupe ‘clownshoe’

A new Z3 M-inspired shooting brake will be unveiled at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este later this month – here’s a sneak peek
20 May 2025
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2025 review – hybrid done the right way
Porsche 911 GTS – front
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2025 review – hybrid done the right way

A new hybrid engine and chassis upgrades have injected personality and huge capability into the 992
20 May 2025
Best French cars – the greatest performance cars from France, past and present
Best French cars
Best cars

Best French cars – the greatest performance cars from France, past and present

From hot hatches to sports cars, none do light weight, delicate and danceable quite like the French
16 May 2025
Mercedes-AMG GT 2025 review – is it now a match for the Porsche 911?
Mercedes-AMG GT – front
In-depth reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT 2025 review – is it now a match for the Porsche 911?

A sophisticated new chassis, up to 805bhp and a more practical cabin provides the AMG GT with everything it needs to take on the best in the business …
16 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mercedes-AMG discounting its F1-inspired super saloon by £9500
Mercedes-AMG C63
News

Mercedes-AMG discounting its F1-inspired super saloon by £9500

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is, to the surprise of very few, not selling well. So now there are deals to be had…
19 May 2025
BMW might be about to revive the Z3 M Coupe ‘clownshoe’
BMW Z3 M Coupe teaser
News

BMW might be about to revive the Z3 M Coupe ‘clownshoe’

A new Z3 M-inspired shooting brake will be unveiled at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este later this month – here’s a sneak peek
20 May 2025
Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2025 review – hybrid done the right way
Porsche 911 GTS – front
Reviews

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2025 review – hybrid done the right way

A new hybrid engine and chassis upgrades have injected personality and huge capability into the 992
20 May 2025