Hi-po Toyota GT86 to get KERS?

[mhigham]

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/h...6-to-get-kers/

From Autoblog:

We happen to like the Toyota GT86 – and, it of course goes without saying that the same applies to the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S, as well – just the way it is. Yes, that includes the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and its 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.

That said, a little extra power never hurt anybody, right?

The most obvious way to add some punch to the GT86 would be with a turbocharger, and that has indeed long been rumored for an STI version of the BRZ. Will Toyota follow suit? According to Top Gear, the answer is no. Says GT86 chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, "I think 300bhp with a turbo and 200g/km of CO2 would be tasteless in this day and age. And a turbo would mean the loss of the GT86's uniqueness." Perhaps a bit harsh, but there you go.

If no turbo, how will Toyota add some punch to its sports car? Possibly with a supercharger? Perhaps not. "We're looking at a next-generation hybrid. More like the TS030 Le Mans Prototype," says the engineer. If you'll recall, the TS030 uses a hybrid engine with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System, more commonly known as KERS.

Even more intriguingly, Tetsuya confirmed that there is a GT86 prototype already fitted with a hybrid KERS system, though it's unclear if it is using capacitors or batteries to contain the recaptured energy. Either way, our interest is most definitely piqued.

[TheSt|G]

Please no.

[empower-auto]

not even mad. interesting..

[industrial]

Ok so Subaru can make a FI BRZ and Toyota can follow in the footsteps of the CRZ.

[mattles]

not sure if want...

[Le86]

So Subaru turbo's their version... and Toyota makes a hybrid. WTF is wrong with you, Toyota?

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by Le86

So Subaru turbo's their version... and Toyota makes a hybrid. WTF is wrong with you, Toyota?

WTF is wrong w Toyota? Nothing, nothing at all. Tada-san thinks Turbo is boring. Simple as that

[ANTI_LAG]

No Turbo No Care

[STJ]

The only way i'm ever going to get a 86/BRZ is if they turbo it! No thanks to the KERS.

[FR-S_Tacoma]

I actually think its interesting. Everyone thinks hybrid means ECO, which is not the case. Electric power is phenomenal and can out-perform gas easily (plus having a flat powerband across the board). So giving the FA20 an electric addition while retaining everything else could easily compete with a turbo'd BRZ (And theoretically net better gas mileage).

BUTTTT that is all conceptual since the only electric sports car is the Tesla Roadster or maybe porsche's electric ideas which is kind of a different ball-park entirely.

So overall i think the idea's kinda interesting

[Nardi330]

I like this idea as long as it doesn't increase weight too much and it doesn't bump up the price too much.

Just think of this as NOS that will not run out. Ferrari and Porsche are developing similar system so it's great news if Toyota is developing something similar for performance application.

[wparsons]

KERS != hybrid in the traditional sense... most KERS systems require energy in from braking before you can use the electric "boost". It's not like a regular hybrid where it charges under all conditions, KERS just charges under engine braking or actual braking.

[kidgogeta]

is this going to be similar the system in the lexus gs350? they made it a hybrid and it put out more horsepower.

[arghx7]

I don't see this making it into production.