Toyota promises performance from Prius GT

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Toyota will unveil the go-fast GT prototype of its petrol-electric Prius sedan at this month's Paris motor show.

It says the new model shows how hybrid power technology does not prohibit performance and driving pleasure.

The Prius GT uses the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system - 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, electric motor, generator and battery - as the standard Prius, which produces around 82kW (110bhp).

But the combination has been reworked in the GT to deliver 110kW (147bhp), a specific output of almost 75kW (100bhp) a litre, higher than any other 1.5-litre unit on the market, says Toyota.

To match the increase in power output, the car's suspension system has been upgraded for sharper handling and improved grip. The Prius GT adopts the same tyres as the Toyota Celica sports coupe for greater grip, and the hybrid battery has been moved further back in the vehicle to achieve a better front-to-rear weight balance.

The GT has a stripped-out interior with a safety cage, harnesses and just two sports seats up front. As a result the weight of the car is 1120kg, 180kg less than the standard production model.

The increase in power and reduction in weight has boosted sprint times: the Prius GT goes from zero to 100km/h in around 8.7 seconds, around three seconds quicker than the standard car.

Despite the higher output, fuel economy and emissions levels in the GT at normal speeds are virtually unchanged, because the reduction in weight and the extra engine power are counterbalanced by the efficiency gains in the electric systems.