With the Frankfurt Auto Show just around the bend Toyota hit the accelerator previewing their Hybrid-R concept earlier than expected. The new hybrid, which features a ton of race inspired technology is expected to be one of many “performance hybrids” that debut at the annual auto fair.
But what exactly is a performance hybrid?
Well, in Toyota’s case it means a fuel efficient car that can still generate 400 hp. Key to the Hybrid-R’s performance is its powertrain which was inspired by the TS030 Hybrid race car. The TS030, uses a 530hp V8 engine to drive its rear wheels, but the real kick in this car come from a supercapictor. When car brakes energy is stored in the capacitor. Whenever needed up to 300 hp of additional energy can be transferred to an electrical motor and gearbox that further power the car’s rear wheels.
If Toyota’s new Hyrbid-R has a little more racer than previous hybrid concepts, I expect we’ll see a lot more of them on the road.
Images Courtesy of Toyota