Photo: Guido ten Brink/SB-Medien
At the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Toyota announced that it plans to provide core models with a choice of two hybrid powertrains. Names haven’t been given, only the promise that details will be revealed in early. Oh, and by the way, the concept known as C-HR Hy-Power is a little teaser of things to come.
As you can tell from the live photos, the C-HR Hy-Power differs from the regular model as far as looks are concerned. The headlights, for example, appear as if they’re red with madness. Then there’s the lower grille, boasting red accents. The side mirror caps and roof also received the concept treatment, while the bi-tone alloy wheels exude performance.
The thing is, Toyota refused to comment in detail on what makes the Hy-Power tick, only mentioning that it’s “a new hybrid powertrain that offers more power and performance than the 122 PS system.” Johan Van Zyl, head honcho of Toyota Motor Europe, went on to say that customer feedback “has made us realize there is an opportunity to introduce a higher performance hybrid powertrain.” Took you long enough Toyota, but the resolve is bang on.
Imagine the Prius turned into a high-performance hybrid, thus appealing to people who otherwise wouldn’t have considered the Prius as their next car. Not only that, but for those who would rather maximize frugality in daily driving, the powertrain will allow that at the push of a button. It’s a win-win situation, and Toyota will profit from it thanks to increased desirability.
Other than the C-HR and Prius, Toyota hybrids that might also receive the go-faster treatment include the Yaris, Auris, and RAV4. The automaker’s U.S. lineup could be in for high-performance surprises too, with the most obvious contenders being the Camry, Avalon, and the Highlander sport utility vehicle.
While the visual touches applied to the Hy-Power Concept are unlikely to see production reality, it’s reassuring Toyota took upon itself to infuse its hybrid vehicles with excitement. As more and more people seek alternatives to ICE-only cars, making hybrids more compelling is the natural course of things.
The thing is, Toyota refused to comment in detail on what makes the Hy-Power tick, only mentioning that it’s “a new hybrid powertrain that offers more power and performance than the 122 PS system.” Johan Van Zyl, head honcho of Toyota Motor Europe, went on to say that customer feedback “has made us realize there is an opportunity to introduce a higher performance hybrid powertrain.” Took you long enough Toyota, but the resolve is bang on.
Imagine the Prius turned into a high-performance hybrid, thus appealing to people who otherwise wouldn’t have considered the Prius as their next car. Not only that, but for those who would rather maximize frugality in daily driving, the powertrain will allow that at the push of a button. It’s a win-win situation, and Toyota will profit from it thanks to increased desirability.
Other than the C-HR and Prius, Toyota hybrids that might also receive the go-faster treatment include the Yaris, Auris, and RAV4. The automaker’s U.S. lineup could be in for high-performance surprises too, with the most obvious contenders being the Camry, Avalon, and the Highlander sport utility vehicle.
While the visual touches applied to the Hy-Power Concept are unlikely to see production reality, it’s reassuring Toyota took upon itself to infuse its hybrid vehicles with excitement. As more and more people seek alternatives to ICE-only cars, making hybrids more compelling is the natural course of things.
Google News