Toyota announce Yaris Hybrid-R
Inspired by the company's Le Mans racing program, the Hybrid-R concept will make its world premiere at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Hybrid power
Toyota says the Yaris Hybrid-R is a showcase of ideas for the future development of hybrid technology, with the powertrain in this car combining a highly tuned 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine and two electric motors to provide total output of 313kW (420hp).
The direct-injection turbo, which has been adapted to racing conditions, provides 224kW (300hp) of power and 420Nm of torque to drive the front wheels.
Specifically developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH according to FIA (International Automobile Federation) rules for a Global Race Engine, the technology of the Yaris Hybrid-R powerplant is to be used in different motorsport disciplines, such as the World Rally Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.
Each rear wheel is powered by a 45kW (60hp) electric motor, providing an "intelligent" electric four-wheel drive capability. The motors generate electricity during braking and supplement the petrol engine during acceleration.
As with Toyota's TS030 hybrid Le Mans race car, the energy recovered from braking is stored in a super capacitor. Its high power density and fast charge/discharge speed are suited to the requirements of sporty driving on a track, which requires brief and immediate bursts of power.
Two steering wheel-selected driving modes are available: "road" mode for day-to-day driving; or "track" mode for competition. "Track" mode makes full use of available performance, with the rear electric motors able to reach a combined maximum power peak of 90kW (120 hp) for up to five seconds.
A third 45kW electric motor, located between the engine and the six-gear sequential transmission, can operate as an advanced traction-control system. At low speeds, or in a curve, when the engine power and torque exceed the grip of the front wheels, the motor can convert torque from the petrol engine into electric energy and direct it to the rear wheels.
The twin rear electric motors can also enhance handling characteristics during cornering by altering the distribution of torque between the left and right rear wheels, achieving the same effect as an intelligent torque vectoring differential.
Depending on the radius of the curve, the system can send more torque to the outside rear wheel, apply more braking force to the inside wheel or even brake and accelerate each wheel independently to promote a better driving line and to limit understeer.
Selecting "road" mode reduces engine output and the amount of energy distributed by the super capacitor.
The hybrid system works seamlessly with the 1.6-litre turbo, especially during start-up phase at low rpm when the engine's efficiency is not yet optimum.
The super capacitor can release the energy recovered under braking for a maximum duration of 10 seconds, while the total power of the two electric motors is limited to 30kW (40hp).
Depending on the state of charge of the battery, the Yaris Hybrid-R can be operated in full electric mode for short distances.
Key TMG Global Race Engine Specifications
Engine: 1595cm3
Fuel system: direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Air system: turbo garett GTR2560R (max boost pressure: 2.5 bar)
Air restrictor: 33mm
Max power: more than 224kW (300hp) at 6000rpm
Max torque: 420Nm
Max RPM: 7500rpm
Hybrid-R design
The design for the Yaris-based concept adopts newly designed headlights, a wider front grille, roof-mounted spoiler and black and blue details that contrast with the white body colour.
The front bumper features two large brake ducts, aerodynamic lower lip and blue LED daytime running lights. Flared front guards house bespoke 18-inch TRD wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres featuring an asymmetrical tread design suited for mixed use on road and track.
Grooved and perforated brake discs are gripped by six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear. Located on the rear pillar, a quick-opening fuel cap allows for quick refuelling in the pits, while the rear bumper incorporates a large diffuser with an exhaust pipe framed by two air extractors.
Matching the colours outside, the two-tone Recaro bucket seats feature black leather side bolsters and blue Alcantara trim.
Ideally located high and close to the driver's right hand, the shift lever of the sequential gearbox is set up to quickly change down gears by pushing the lever forwards, and to change up by pulling it back. The driving position is completed by a set of sport pedals from the 86 sports coupe.
Connecting the real and virtual worlds
The Yaris Hybrid-R concept utilises the same CAN-Gateway ECU system developed for the 86 coupe for the sixth version of the GranTurismo game, due to be launched before the end of the year.
The system allows drivers of the 86 to record - on a USB or smartphone - the racing data collected while driving on the track. GPS data, longitudinal accelerations, steering angles, gear changes, engine speed, vehicle speed and even water temperature are used to reproduce a real lap of the track on the video game console and compare it to virtual laps done with the game.
The Yaris Hybrid-R Concept takes this technology one step further, by utilising the same principle but in a reverse way. The electronic management of the car could potentially anticipate the driving conditions of each track, to optimise the phases of energy recovery, the operation of the traction control, energy used at each step, as well as optimising the handling through the rear electric motors.
