You may have heard of the GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II, a mid-engine hybrid sports car prototype developed by Toyota over a decade ago. Despite its intriguing concept, this vehicle never progressed beyond the research phase. Similarly, in 2017, Toyota introduced the GR HV Sports, a hybrid variant of the 86 with a targa top, but it also remained a concept.
GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II
Although Toyota has experimented with hybrid technology in racing, the company has yet to commercialize a hybrid sports car. However, this may change soon, as rumors suggest that Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand, is developing a hybrid supercar, potentially combining a V8 engine with an electrified module.
Ahead of this potential launch, Toyota has begun discussing the possibilities of hybrid sports cars. In an interview with Drive (Australia), Sean Hanley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Toyota Australia, hinted at the possibility of a sports car combining a gasoline engine and electric motor:
“We’ve taken hybrid technology into various racing conditions globally, so it’s not impossible,” Hanley stated.
Technically, developing high-performance hybrid vehicles is feasible, but it will take time for enthusiasts to embrace the concept. Meanwhile, traditional gasoline-powered cars continue to fulfill the emotional needs of car enthusiasts: “Will it be popular? I think it will, in time. Currently, the performance of internal combustion engines still excites and entertains this market, and that’s a fact.”
In the future, not only the Lexus LFA but also other Toyota GR models may feature hybrid variants. With increasingly stringent emissions regulations, especially in Europe, developing pure internal combustion sports cars is becoming more challenging. However, Toyota insists that gasoline engines are here to stay.
Hanley emphasized, “Internal combustion engines and manual transmissions will be around for a long time.” He noted that sports car enthusiasts still crave the distinctive sound—the “crisp roar”—of a gasoline engine.
Toyota is currently developing a new turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, codenamed G20E, suitable for both transverse and longitudinal configurations. This engine has been tested in a mid-engine GR Yaris prototype, hinting at the potential revival of iconic models like the MR-2 or Celica.
To sell vehicles in markets with strict emissions regulations, Toyota will likely introduce hybrid variants of this engine. CEO Koji Sato has affirmed:
“A car isn’t truly a car without the element of fun. That’s why we’ll never let our products become mere modes of transportation.”
With these initiatives, fans are eagerly anticipating Toyota’s realization of a new generation of hybrid sports cars that balance emotional appeal with stringent environmental standards.
BMW and Mercedes Dominate South Korea’s Imported Car Market
In the first eight months of 2025, BMW and Mercedes continued their dominance in South Korea’s imported car market.
The All-Electric Sports Car: A No-Go for Toyota
With a passion for performance and an unwavering dedication to the art of driving, Akio Toyoda, Chairman, has shaped Toyota’s sports car vision. This vision, fueled by a deep-rooted love for automotive engineering, steers clear of pure electric vehicles, at least in the foreseeable future. The Toyota GR brand embraces a philosophy that celebrates the harmony between man and machine, where the thrill of driving is amplified by the growl of an engine and the precision of a perfectly tuned transmission. In this world, electric silence has no place, and the heartbeat of combustion engines reigns supreme.
The Lexus Sports Concept: A Glimpse of the LFA’s Legacy Evolved
Lexus has just unveiled its stunning Sports Concept car, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the brand’s LFA model. With this concept, Lexus showcases its vision for a supercar that blends breathtaking design with exceptional performance, hinting at the direction the LFA may take in the years to come.
Toyota Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Peeling White Paint in Sunlight
A group of Toyota Corolla owners in Australia are taking the automotive giant to task over a seemingly faulty white paint job. The issue has prompted a class action lawsuit, with claims that the paint is prone to premature peeling when exposed to the sun.
Despite Import Taxes, Asian Automakers Still Have Their Eyes on the US Market
The Asian automotive industry continues to view the American market as a lucrative prospect, despite the daunting tariffs.
