Toyota reveals a new rally racer

At the opening event of the Monte Carlo Rally, Toyota followed the example of Ford and Hyundai by revealing its track weapon for the season. Called the GR Yaris Rally1, it looks misleadingly like the standard three-door hot hatch, but benefits from a hybrid powertrain rated close to 500 horsepower.

The car comes based on a custom stainless-steel space frame and features a redesigned chassis. Some of the aerodynamic parts are also different, like the bulkier bumpers, the widened arches, and the two-tier carbon fiber rear wing. Additional air intakes can be seen at both sides.

The part-electric hybrid system comprises the old WRC 1.6L turbo and a new electric motor rated at 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW). The motor draws power from a small 3.9-kWh battery pack that nonetheless supports active charging in between races, in addition to the usual regenerative brake.