Toyota Prius 24 h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition: the prototype celebrating 100 years of the race

This year marks the first 100 years of the world’s best-known endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is the moment the brands have chosen to celebrate this centenary, as Toyota has done. The Japanese brand wanted to mark this notable date with the unveiling of a prototype that showcases everything the hybrid powertrain of the model is capable of delivering.

The Toyota Prius 24 h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is built on the fifth generation of the model, which was presented last November. But it is not a conventional Prius, because the brand wanted to show how motorsport has served to transfer technology from competition vehicles to road cars.

Aerodynamic and larger

Work has been done on the aerodynamics and on the more practical elements so that it is a vehicle that commands respect on the track. The bumpers have been redesigned to be more efficient on the circuit. At the front there is a large splitter, two carbon-fibre side fins and oversized wheel arches, which give it a more robust look.

The GR decals also define the style of the model, underlining its membership of the exclusive club of motorsport. At the rear, a spoiler accentuates its aerodynamic behaviour, as does the rear diffuser. The 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres in size 235/50 R18.

Other changes include the LED headlights, which originate from the GR010 Hybrid, the Hypercar of the Gazoo Racing team in the WEC. However, this car is not expected to enter production. The Prius hybrid drive system has not been revealed, but it is expected to remain the same as the regular model.

This means it will have the same 2.0-litre engine, working in combination with an electric motor. Together they offer a combined output of 223 CV. The battery has a capacity of 13.6 kWh, which allows a range of 75 kilometres.