Toyota is Working on a GT86 Hybrid

[mwjcyber]

Yes, I know there are other threads speculating on the future GT86 drive-train possibilities, but this is the first confirmation I've seen from a Toyota engineer stating the solution was likely going to be a hybrid; which makes sense for Toyota. They want to retain the low center of gravity the FA20 provides, but boost its acceleration...at the cost of added weight and handling.

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Toyota is Working on a GT86 Hybrid
Posted on: Sep 12, 2013

"You just knew they would, didn't you?

One of the benefits of major car shows like Frankfurt is that automaker insiders tend to open up about future product plans. And every now and then something very interesting slips out. That’s exactly what Toyota’s senior manager for drivetrain engineering did regarding a GT86 hybrid. You read that right. That individual, Koei Saga, stated that "The development work is quite advanced now, so if the green light is given, we are ready to do it."

Basically, a hybrid GT86’s drivetrain would be composed of several already existing systems, such as the guts of the automaker’s TS030 LMP1 racer and the Prius GT300 from Japan’s Super GT series. Other mechanical bits will likely come from the just unveiled Yaris Hybrid-R Concept. But there are two big issues that Toyota will need to take into account regarding a GT86 hybrid: weight and a manual gearbox. To answer the first part, it’s just a fact that due to the batteries, any hybrid car will have some extra heft, but Saga clarified that "with a good layout design, we think that even if it may be a bit heavier, it can be a fun car to drive." So what about that manual?

The Yaris Hybrid-R itself already has a six-speed manual, so it’s totally possible to transfer that tech over to a hybrid GT86 without any real difficulty. No word yet on a possible launch date and price tag, but don’t be shocked to hear some official announcement from Toyota in the near future."

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2013/9/1...ybrid-7716176/

[HunterGreene]

If they abandon the prius-style hybrid, this could work. Weight can be a hard thing to overcome in tight corners, though.

Just ask Honda how their foray into "hybrid sporty-car" (CR-Z) went.

[DarkSunrise]

Not too thrilled about the "we think that even if it may be a bit heavier, it can be a fun car to drive" statement.

Don't bother releasing it unless it's MORE fun to drive than the current model. The enthusiasts who snatched up the GT86/FR-S don't care about hybrid drive. They care about fun.

Understand your fanbase, Toyota.

[AznBRZer]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

If they abandon the prius-style hybrid, this could work. Weight can be a hard thing to overcome in tight corners, though.

Just ask Honda how their foray into "hybrid sporty-car" (CR-Z) went.

Meh...the CR-Z seemed more like a throwback to CRX fans. If it was a sports coupe more in line with the Del Sol or Integra/RSX, I bet it would've sold FAR better at 150-200hp(because of added weight) rather than the 125 it has now, which I'm sure is fine for what it is.

Personally, I still think it's a great looking car and would've gotten one, but I need a rear seat.

[Ammonia]

Im happy about this. I will have one of the original "pure" models, much the same as I had one of the last N54 motors BMW made. Sometimes new isn't always better

[thill]

Every company will be going down this path. It is pretty much going to be mandatory if you look into CAFE and emissions standards and where the industry has to get to in the next 10-20 years.

I just don't know if it will be economically viable for Toyota or consumers in a few years. It might take longer to get costs down.

[smbrm]

An exciting development! I see nothing wrong with economical being part of the fun to drive equation. Emissions & fuel economy legislation and energy costs will drive all vehicles to adopt more fuel efficient designs in the future whether we like it not. Lighter weight is only one potential element in making a car fun to drive. I am sure that a wide variety of technologies and engineering know how can be combined to maintain the "fun to drive ". I am sure that if Toyota can design something like the TS030, they can do a "fun to drive" we'll handling hybrid FRS. A bigger issue I think will be "at an appealing price"!

[HunterGreene]

All I want at this point is my goddamn hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

[campy]

Ehh... look at how he worded it: "The development work is quite advanced now, so if the green light is given, we are ready to do it.", and then they go on to mention the Yaris hybrid. Sounds to me like if corporate thinks it'll sell well, then they'll just stick a Yaris hybrid drivetrain in an 86 body.

[onefitz]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

If they abandon the prius-style hybrid, this could work. Weight can be a hard thing to overcome in tight corners, though.

Just ask Honda how their foray into "hybrid sporty-car" (CR-Z) went.

I see this working fairly well if they ditch the prius style hybrid and go with something more like Honda's IMA. Weight really isn't that bad as long as it's kept low and in the center. Just look at the 918 spyder or even the Tesla Model S.

I own a CRZ. The car handles fine with the weight of the batteries helping it to be less front biased. It's the anemic 120 hp gas motor that kills it.

Originally Posted by AznBRZer

Meh...the CR-Z seemed more like a throwback to CRX fans. If it was a sports coupe more in line with the Del Sol or Integra/RSX, I bet it would've sold FAR better at 150-200hp(because of added weight) rather than the 125 it has now, which I'm sure is fine for what it is.

Personally, I still think it's a great looking car and would've gotten one, but I need a rear seat.

I agree completely with this. The low end electric torque is very nice. The top end is disappointing though. Same system with 200 hp and a few control tweaks would have been much better car.

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by campy

Ehh... look at how he worded it: "The development work is quite advanced now, so if the green light is given, we are ready to do it.", and then they go on to mention the Yaris hybrid. Sounds to me like if corporate thinks it'll sell well, then they'll just stick a Yaris hybrid drivetrain in an 86 body.

[DarkSunrise]

The Yaris Hybrid-R that the article mentioned is putting out 414 hp, but I doubt they'd actually throw that into a production GT86.

[Steve201brz]

hybrid?

ill die before i give up combustion.

[dem00n]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

If they abandon the prius-style hybrid, this could work. Weight can be a hard thing to overcome in tight corners, though.

Just ask Honda how their foray into "hybrid sporty-car" (CR-Z) went.

Holy shit is your signature the most distracting thing on this forum!