This is the acronym-tastic TMC GRMN Sports Hybrid Concept II, a mid-engined petrol-electric hybrid concept sports car that's set to be shown before the public at this weekend's Nurburgring 24 hour race.
To untangle that confusing name, TMC stands for Toyota Motor Corporation, while the GR bit of GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing (the folks who campaign the Lexus LF-A in endurance events such as the Nurburgring 24hrs). The MN, meanwhile stands for 'Meister of Nurburgring', in honour of Gazoo chief and TMC test driver Hiromu Naruse, who was tragically killed last year while testing on roads near the Nurburgring.
As for the car itself, it is (says Toyota) an evolution of a concept first shown at the Tokyo Auto Salon (Japan's main 'tuner' show) in 2010. What makes it interesting is that its 295bhp power output comes via a 245bhp mid-mounted V6 driving the rear wheels, in combination a front-mounted electric motor that drives the front wheels. This way, Toyota feels it can maximise manouevrabilty and agility while providing enhanced stability.
So is it heading for production? Er, we very much doubt it, but it does show further proof (beyond the FT-86) that Toyota, with motorsport nut Akio Toyoda at the helm, is keen on returning to making 'proper' sports cars (cue debate about whether Toyota ever made 'proper' sports cars in the first place...)
GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II
Engine |
Type |
Petrol V6 |
Displacement (cc) |
3,456 |
Maximum output (bhp) |
245 |
System |
Maximum output (bhp) |
295 |
Body |
Length (mm) |
4,350 |
Width (mm) |
1,890 |
Height (mm) |
1,200 |
Wheelbase (mm) |
2,575 |
Weight (kg) |
1,500 or less |
Vehicle layout |
Mid-engined with front electric motor |
Tyres |
Front |
225/40R19 |
Rear |
255/35R19 |