Toyota’s Le Mans-inspired Prius?!

Yes, you read that headline correctly – Toyota has revealed a Le Mans-inspired version of its hybrid hero model, the Prius.

The grandly-named Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is a one-off concept designed to celebrate both the 100th year of the French endurance race, as well as Toyota Gazoo Racing’s efforts to contribute to the brand’s sustainability efforts.

This unique Prius has been influenced by the highly-successful GR010 Hybrid Le Mans Hypercar and features a raft of sporty elements. These include a variety of aerodynamic upgrades including new side skirts, canards (the aero flicks on the front corners), a rear diffuser and an unmissable rear wing.

To save weight there’s a carbon fibre bonnet and Toyota has added more headlights for better night-time visibility – which is crucial at Le Mans.

Underneath the Prius gets wide-track suspension and has GR010-style alloys wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Unfortunately, there’s no word on whether Toyota would add the Prius to its line-up of GR performance cars, alongside the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR86 and GR Supra.

Which isn’t quite as disappointing as Toyota decision to cancel plans to turn its Le Mans racer into a road-legal hypercar to challenge Ferrari and Porsche in the showroom as well as on the racetrack.