A special edition of the Toyota Prius released in conjunction with Le Mans’ 100th anniversary.
As many of you are aware, the Le Mans 24 Hours Endurance race is turning 100 years old in 2023 and many past winners are celebrating in their own special way. Mazda are bringing the iconic 787b back and also holding the “Japan. Endless Discovery” exhibit jointly with Toyota. Toyota is currently the only Japanese automaker competing in the sport and has a five-year winning streak in its category. Toyota by itself is showing off a new concept vehicle that pays tribute to Le Mans.
This concept vehicle is based on their latest generation Prius. Dubbed the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, this concept vehicle takes inspiration from the WEC-competing GR010 Hybrid, particularly in the design of its aerodynamically optimised wheel design.
Besides the new wheels, this concept vehicle also comes with a bunch of other performance optimised aerodynamic parts including side skirts, canards, a large rear wing and a rear diffuser. They’ve also swapped out the hood for one made of carbon fibre to get the weight down.
Plus, the track has been widened and now there are 18″ tyres on it. In addition, the headlamps have been upgraded for improved nighttime visibility.
The Prius is actually a great candidate for a special edition model that’s Le Mans’ themed since Toyota has been pushing hybrid technology on its winning endurance motorsport vehicles since 2012. Toyota also designed this latest generation of Prius to break from the boring image older Prius vehicles have been saddled with. Now that almost every vehicle comes with a hybrid option, the Prius should in fact head in a new direction.
“Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition”―main equipment and features
- Improved aerodynamics and traction by way of exclusive performance aerodynamic parts (side skirts, canards, large rear wing, rear diffuser, etc.)
- Lightweight carbon-fiber hood
- Wide-track suspension, 235/50R18-inch tires, and exclusive aerodynamic wheels
- Added multi-headlamps for improved nighttime visibility
