BMW’s new 2 Series Gran Coupé is due to be revealed later tonight, but official images have been leaked online to spoil the show. The new shots show the four-door Mercedes-Benz CLA rival’s exterior styling in full, with a distinct visual difference compared to the larger 3 Series and new 1 Series. While the front-end is recognisable from the 2 Series’ hatchback sibling, the rear-end shape appears to be inspired by the firm’s latest coupe SUV, the BMW X4, with similar tail-lights and tailgate shape. The need to accommodate two conventional front-hinged rear doors and sufficient rear seat leg room is said to be behind the decision to give the new car a wheelbase that’s halfway between the 2690mm span of the 2 Series Coupé and the 2810mm of the 3 Series saloon. Inside, the 2 Series Gran Coupé will sport a new interior layout that’s also set to be adopted by the successors to today’s 2 Series Coupé and 2 Series Convertible, which are due in 2020. The turbocharged three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines of the 2 Series Gran Coupé will mirror those of the existing line-up. On the petrol side of the range, expect a 134bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in the 218i, 181bhp and 242bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder units in the 220i and 225i, with a more potent version in the M235i. Among the diesels will be 148bhp, 187bhp and 221bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines in the 218d, 220d and 225d respectively. Like its two-door siblings, the 2 Series Gran Coupé will offer a choice of a standard six-speed manual or optional eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, with xDrive four-wheel drive available as an option. However, the latter will be offered in combination with only a limited range of engines. The highlight of the new line-up, though, will be the M2 Gran Coupé. This model will use the same 365bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine as its highly lauded two-door sibling. It will be offered with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Although it’s still early days, that engine – designated S55B30 – is expected to provide the M2 Gran Coupé with similar performance to the M2, which has an official 0-62mph time of 4.4sec in manual form and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The 2 Series Gran Coupé will be produced alongside the 2 Series Coupé and 2 Series Convertible at BMW’s plant in Leipzig, Germany. A plug-in hybrid model is also mooted. This is expected to use BMW’s turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor mounted within the forward section of a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. With a lithium ion battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the boot, the hybrid set-up is intended to provide the 225e with an electric-only driving range of up to 31
Origin: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe leaked ahead of tonight’s reveal
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Spotting a fire truck ahead is easy for people, not so for cars
A Tesla crashed into a fire truck near Los Angeles in 2018.Culver City Firefighters To the human driver, it would have been an obvious obstacle: a police car and fire truck, emergency lights blazing, blocking the lane ahead.But to the Tesla Model S traveling down a Southern California freeway last year on Autopilot, it was a far more vexing technical challenge thats inherently difficult for the growing number of vehicles that automakers are equipping with driver-assist systems.The car slammed into the rear of the fire truck, resulting in no injuries but drawing the attention of federal investigators concerned about the emerging technology.Its not unique to Tesla, said David Zuby, chief research officer at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which has studied how automated driver-assist systems perform. Weve seen evidence in our test driving of other systems with this kind of problem.The radars and cameras used to sense obstructions ahead each have their limitations and computer software that evaluates the data is still a work in progress, according to the experts and advocates. In many cases, they are better at tracking moving vehicles ahead than recognizing parked ones.To be sure, automated driving systems have clear potential to improve traffic safety by supplementing the driver. Automatic emergency braking alone has been found by IIHS to reduce rates of rear-end crashes by half, and the insurer-funded group estimates that the system could reduce police-reported crashes of all types by 20 per cent.So far, Tesla is the only carmaker cited by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board in an accident investigation for how it designed its partially autonomous system, but the case highlights the broader limitations of similar technology. It also puts a spotlight on a related concern: how to keep the imperfect humans behind the wheel engaged.The sensors on a Tesla and other cars are relatively good at following a vehicle in the same lane and adjusting speed to maintain a safe distance. But when a vehicle changes lanes known as the cut-out scenario it can leave the trailing vehicles sensors struggling to assess whats ahead.The cut-out is one of the hardest scenarios, said Phil Koopman, an engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University and co-founder of Edge Case Research, a Pittsburgh-based autonomous vehicle technology company. Theres no question about that.The radar and camera system on the Tesla involved in the Jan. 22, 2018, crash in Culver City, California, didnt see the fire truck in time to brake, according to the NTSB. The cars automatic braking system didnt activate, though it gave the driver a collision warning 0.49 seconds before impact, the investigation found.The Tesla sped up after the vehicle it had been following changed lanes several seconds before the impact, hitting the fire truck at 31 miles (50 kilometers) per hour.The Model S involved in the crash was a 2014 model. Since 2016, Teslas vehicles have received additional cameras, improved automatic braking and, according to the company, they can better handle the cut-out hazard.Tests to replicate cut-outs were found to be one of the most challenging to automated driving systems examined in 2018 by Euro NCAP, which tests and assigns safety ratings for vehicles in Europe. Automated driver-assist systems on some models tested last year by Euro NCAP found several vehicles struggled to automatically handle stationary objects and in the cut-out scenario. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 5 Series and Nissan Leaf, for example, offered limited or very limited automated support and primarily relied upon the driver to handle the situation.But its not just a sudden lane change that can flummox such systems, Koopman said.The radars typically used on vehicles that have automated braking cant distinguish very well between a road sign and a stopped vehicle, he said. If a car slammed on the brakes for every object it sensed ahead, it would cause endless false alarms.That can pose risks, too. More than 80 late-model Nissan Rogue drivers have complained to auto regulators that the SUVs automatic emergency braking system activated unintentionally, 10 of whom claimed the misfire occurred when the road ahead was clear. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may open a defect inquiry into the issue after the Center for Auto Safety, a consumer advocacy group, reported the complaints to the
Origin: Spotting a fire truck ahead is easy for people, not so for cars
Hyundai’s retro-styled 45 EV previewed again ahead of unveil
Hyundai has again previewed its Frankfurt motor show star car, a retro-styled electric concept. Called the 45, it’s said to feature styling references to the brand’s first production car, the Mitsubishi-powered Pony hatchback, which was launched in 1974. The first preview image of the EV showed off an LED bar across the rear that will display a matrix flourish upon start-up. Now a rear-side view reveals the car’s large wheels and minimalist profile. Elsewhere, we can see hints that the 45 will bear a resemblance to sibling brand Genesis’s recent Mint concept, with a rakish roofline, a narrow rear window, extended wheel arches and a low, wide stance. As well as paying tribute to the brand’s historic design work, Hyundai says the 45 will “act as a symbolic milestone for Hyundai’s future EV design”. There’s currently no production intent for the 45; it acts as a design study, rather than a preview of a particular future model. However, a Hyundai spokesperson said the concept is based on a new EV platform and will “preview the potential for EV designers in the future”. The 45 will make its first public appearance alongside an all-new version of the i10 city car and the limited-run i30 N Project C hardcore hot hatch. Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai’s design chief, said earlier this year that the firm’s styling language needs to be further differentiated from that of sibling brands Genesis and Kia. He said: “Our core task is to differentiate the design philosophy of the three brands, not least because we have a big share in Korea. “We need to differentiate each model, otherwise the landscape is too
Origin: Hyundai’s retro-styled 45 EV previewed again ahead of unveil
Bugatti Centodieci: EB110 revival leaks ahead of Pebble Beach debut
Images of a new Bugatti hypercar have leaked online ahead of its official reveal later today (16 August) at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Called the Centodieci in reference to the iconic EB110 hypercar from which it takes styling inspiration, the new model looks to be based on the Chiron production model. It is likely that, as with the limited-run Divo and one-off La Voiture Noire, the Centodieci will be powered by the same 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine as the Chiron. Design-wise, the Centodieci retains the low, wide stance of the Chiron, as well as its arch-shaped front grille, wraparound rear light and prominent rear wing. Modifications include slimmer headlights, sharper bodylines and circular cutouts on the rear window inspired by the EB110. Production of the recently revealed Chiron Sport is capped at 20 units, so we can expect the Centodieci to be equally, if not more, exclusive. The media wanted to get an early scoop with BUGATTI! We have a lot we want to say about our latest addition so we invite you to join our live stream of the official press conference at The Quail Motorsports Gathering at 11:20am PCT.#Centodieci #BUGATTICentodieci #BUGATTI110ans pic.twitter.com/qBMmalihHE — Bugatti (@Bugatti) August 15, 2019 Bugatti acknowledged the leak on its Twitter feed, before revealing that the model will be officially unveiled later today at Monterey Car Week as part of its 110th anniversary celebrations. Read the full story here when it’s revealed at 7.20pm
Origin: Bugatti Centodieci: EB110 revival leaks ahead of Pebble Beach debut
Cupra previews first EV ahead of Frankfurt reveal
Cupra will reveal its first fully electric vehicle, which it says will combine elements of a sports coupé and an SUV, at this year’s Frankfurt motor show. The Seat sub-brand, which is focused on premium performance cars, showed its first stand-alone car, the Formentor coupé-crossover, earlier this year. It will follow that up with the electric concept car, which will preview its first production EV. Cupra has released a single teaser image of the concept, which it says will unite “the silhouette of a four-door crossover with the presence of an SUV and the sleekness of a sports coupé”. It follows a teaser video, which gave glimpses of the headlight design. Although Cupra has not confirmed details of the new concept, it will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric platform, which will be used for parent firm Seat’s el-Born EV. It is likely to be a more extreme version of that car. That would match how the Formentor, which will be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, is a heavily reworked coupé version of the Ateca SUV. When Seat turned Cupra into a stand-alone brand last year, bosses said it would act as a “technological flagship”, including in electrified powertrains. Cupra describes the new concept as “a vision of the future” of the brand. The EV concept has been termed a “high-performance vehicle”, suggesting it could get one of the most powerful motor options available for the new MEB platform – likely to feature a motor on each axle offering all-wheel drive. Although the teaser image only shows the rear of the car, Cupra says the front design balances “aesthetics and performance”, featuring a low-set illuminated Cupra logo. The rear will feature a functional aerodynamic diffuser. Cupra takes its name from Seat’s long-running line of performance models, although the brand has a wider focus on attracting higher-end customers who would not usually consider a Seat. That is why the firm has so far focused on SUVs and crossovers, starting with the reworked Cupra Ateca and the Formentor. Seat is aiming for Cupra to offer seven models by 2020, which will mix stand-alone machines with high-performance versions of Seat models, including the current Cupra
Origin: Cupra previews first EV ahead of Frankfurt reveal
All-new electric Fiat 500 spied testing ahead of 2020 reveal
An all-new electric Fiat 500 city car, the 500e, has been spied testing in California, ahead of its launch at the Geneva motor show in 2020. The sighting of the camouflaged prototype comes just a week after Fiat said it would invest 700 million Euros on the electric city car, to include a new production line in Mirafiori, Italy. Fiat hopes to produce 80,000 examples of the new 500e. The car will be sold alongside the existing 500, which will continue to be powered by conventional petrol engines as well as receiving styling and technical updates. The all-new electric 500 will sit on a bespoke electric car platform, according to Fiat boss Olivier Francois, with the same platform potentially earmarked for use if the the new Panda-inspired Centoventi concept makes production. The electric 500 will be a key part of Fiat’s transformation in Europe into a brand focusing on small electrified city cars. “The car will stay true to everything you know about the 500, but will be entirely new,” said Francois. “Under the skin it will be radically different, but otherwise you will recognise the size and proportions. “But it is a big statement, starting our electric path with the 500. We are doing it with that car for reasons of pricing. It is clear that we cannot sell an electric 500 for the same entry price of today’s 500, but what’s clear is that more than half of our 500 customers today do not buy entry-level models. In fact, for them a 24,000 euro price is normal today. “If you look at our electric competition, they are priced around 32,000 euros. The leap then from 24,000 to 32,000 is not so much, especially if you factor in government grants for electric vehicles. Francois refused to be drawn on whether the electric 500 could be rear-wheel drive like the original, but said he would be open to the idea. He also said that an electric Abarth model could hold appeal. The electric car platform that the new 500 will sit on will be FCA Group developed. Francois said he would personally be open to sharing the technology with partners – the 500 platform has previously been shared with the Ford Ka, for instance, but he stressed that any such decision would have to be made at a Group level. Fiat also confirmed the new 500 will be joined by a 500 Giardiniera estate, although the firm didn’t say if that would also appear at next year’s Geneva show. Ahead of the 500e arriving, a mild hybrid variant of the 500 is due to launch later this year. The aim is to consolidate the brand’s dominance of the city car segment – the 500 and Panda hold a third of this market – while developing technologies that allow these models to satisfy emission regulations. This focus also means other, less successful Fiat models are expected to axed. These include the Punto – axed after a 13-year production run – and, while unconfirmed, the Tipo. The 500 Giardiniera, which references the tiny wagon of 1960, will offer the best space efficiency in its class, says Fiat, and “unmistakable design”. It too will get electric and mild hybrid variants. The 500’s new platform architecture can also cope with a mild hybrid system. That unit consists of a belt driven, 12V starter-generator, although little detail has been provided on the electric drivetrain to be used in the 500. Lower-emissions petrol engines will also be offered in the 500 and Panda. Francois conceded that the decision to develop the electric cars was driven “both by the desire to create a profitable electric car for our future, and to ensure we avoid the pressures of potential fines if we don’t hit CO2 targets.” Given the limited space for batteries and the 500’s urban appeal, range of the 500e is likely to be less than EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, which offers around 250 miles. The 500e will be a rival to a growing number of small EVs – Mini’s first series-production electric car is due in 2019, at the same time as the Honda Urban EV. The 500e will be one of four electric powertrains offered by FCA. It will sit use a ‘City Car’ powertrain, while a ‘Mainstream’ powertrain will be launched in the Jeep Grand Commander. A ‘Performance’ powertrain will feature in the 2020 Maserati Alfieri and a ‘Premium’ EV powertrain will power the 2022 Maserati Quattroporte. The push for electrification comes amid Fiat Chrysler’s abandonment of diesel; by 2022, there will be no diesel options in the FCA catalogue. These will be replaced by numerous hybrids, both full and plug-in, the first of which will be the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, landing in 2020. The production capacity released by the deletion of the Punto and other unspecified Fiat models – such as Tipo – will be used to build more Alfa Romeos and Maseratis, whose premium prices can withstand the electrification costs. Some Italian capacity will be used to build some plug-in hybrid models, including certain Jeeps for global sale. Additional reporting by Jim Holder and Richard
Origin: All-new electric Fiat 500 spied testing ahead of 2020 reveal
New Nissan Juke previewed ahead of September unveiling
Nissan’s long-awaited new Juke has been previewed in a first official image that gives a glimpse of the crossover’s front-end design. The darkened shot, released along with a confirmation of a 3 September debut for the car, shows a sleek LED headlight design that echoes the dual-light layout of the outgoing car but with a more modern twist. The Mk2 Juke, designed at Nissan’s London studio, will go on sale in early 2020, a few months after the unveiling. It’s the replacement for a model that has been on sale with relatively few changes since 2010. Disguised test cars have shown that the Renault Captur rival’s design will evolve the distinctive shape of today’s car but remain recognisable. Details such as Nissan’s V-Motion grille, adapted from the Micra, will be brought in, while the rear end will have a more angular look. In an exclusive interview last year, Nissan’s global design boss, Alfonso Albaisa, claims the second-generation Juke “doesn’t look too much like the last one”, adding: “It doesn’t look like IMx (an electric crossover concept unveiled in 2017) or the new Leaf, either. It’s an urban meteor with a nasty attitude.” Albaisa quashed a rumour that the Juke replacement had been reviewed and rejected, saying: “(The Juke) is certainly coming soon. But it didn’t get ‘sent back’. I’m not sure where that story came from. It’s a very cool car, and it still has all of its attitude.” The original Juke was introduced at the 2010 Geneva motor show and helped to boost the popularity of supermini-sized SUVs. In terms of sales, that class grew tenfold across Europe between 2010 and 2016, and by 2022, it’s expected to double in size from its 2016 level of 1.13 million units. Juke sales have exceeded 100,000 per year in Europe four times to date, and the styling of the Sunderland-built car was considered an important contributor to that. “Our job was easier with the first one, because there was nothing else like it,” Albaisa told Autocar. “And that car’s success was so huge even given how polarising it looked. The second one couldn’t be derivative or evolutionary and still be a Juke. We’d almost have to change its name to Nancy otherwise.” The new Juke is likely to be built on a stretched version of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF platform, as used by the new Renault Clio. It’s expected to shun the naturally aspirated petrol engines that have accounted for much of its sales volume so far, instead using the turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.3-litre four-cylinder units used in the Qashqai. A 1.5-litre 109bhp diesel is likely to be offered, too, while four-wheel drive will be kept for automatic models higher up the range. Albaisa wouldn’t confirm whether the new Juke would be previewed by a show car, in the same way that the Qazana concept displayed at the 2009 Geneva motor show was used to test the water for the production car that followed. Given the riskiness of the original Juke’s styling and how well established the model has become, it’s likely that Nissan will maximise the impact of the new Juke by keeping it under wraps until the last moment.
Origin: New Nissan Juke previewed ahead of September unveiling
Daniel Ricciardo: one-on-one with F1 star ahead of British GP
Ahead of next weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a number of drivers on the grid found themselves together in rather more relaxed circumstances at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s one of the few opportunities for today’s Formula 1 giants to drive the older crop of racing models, in the public eye, on a circuit alongside each other. This year, Daniel Ricciardo, fresh into his contract at Renault, had a chance to drive everything (in anger) from the firm’s hardcore new Mégane Trophy-R to the race-winning 2012 Renault-powered E20 F1 car. In between his time at the wheel and being physically mobbed by fans of all ages, Autocar grabbed five minutes with Ricciardo to talk shop. How are you feeling about tackling the hillclimb, in the rain, in a car you’re not that familiar with (the 2012 F1 car)? “It’s actually easier now! I’d probably be more nervous if it was dry as I was going to put pressure on myself – I was tempted to scare myself a bit and go all out, so it’s probably safer this way.” It’s been a less-than-perfect season so far for Renault. Are you now thinking ahead to 2020, or do you have an idea of how to improve things now? “I have not thought one bit about 2020. The season for me still feels like it’s starting – I know we’ve done a lot of races now, but there’s still so much more for me and the team to deliver. To already think next year seems premature. “We’ve definitely got an idea of what we need to be improving; unfortunately, when we tried to address those things with the upgrade in France, it didn’t seem to tackle all of them. We know what we’ve gotta do. Myself and Nico (Hülkenberg) are giving the same feedback on where we feel the car can be stronger and where the weaknesses lie. I think we’ve pinpointed it but executing it is taking a bit of time.” Are you looking forward to Silverstone this weekend? “I really like Silverstone – hopefully it’s not this weather. I don’t think I’ve actually turned a lap in the Renault F1 car in the rain yet. But Silverstone’s cool, I love the atmosphere. It’s a high-speed circuit so you really feel the downforce – that and Suzuki, those are the two tracks where you feel the aero most. And it’s like a festival atmosphere: rain, hail or shine, everyone seems to show up.” This year is your eighth in F1. Are you still in love with the sport despite everything? “Absolutely. Like everything you have your days – especially in the last year (at Red Bull) some days I did hate it – but I do love it I’m still very motivated and optimistic. That hasn’t wavered.” Has there been any thoughts at all about what’s next for you? “I’m just thinking about the now. A few years ago, I thought it would be cool to try some other races, but now I think the more involved I get in F1, the more I want out of it. I’m still yet to achieve ultimately what I want, which is a world title, so I’m going to put all my effort into that and I don’t really want to be sidetracked by anything else. I’m all in on it, and hopefully it works out.” Are you getting involved in the decision-making around the 2021 rule changes? “Us drivers are definitely trying to have an input and I think we are now – the most that we’ve been together in a long time. I think it’s grown the last few years. It used to be quite separated; in the last three years, thanks to the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) and all that, it’s got a lot better. “I don’t think it’s gonna turn on its head, but I think we can definitely make some improvements. We all want the same thing, we want to be able to race harder and closer, and hopefully we can find a way.” So you’re happy with the direction Liberty Media is taking? “They’re certainly open-minded – I think that helps. They’re happy to listen to us more than anything. They’re trying to understand the direction as well – it’s all new for them.” What about away from the track. Do you get any time to appreciate motoring and are you still a car nut? “I’m pretty up and down with it. Some weekends off, I love to be far, far removed from racing – I don’t want to see a car. But then other times – I went for a drive last week and it was great. Sometimes I really just want to detach myself from it. “I’ve got a couple of cars but I don’t have a massive collection. I do appreciate cars, and I’m starting to appreciate older cars – I just turned 30 so maybe that’s why.” Have you ever been asked to get involved in your own special edition of a production car? I’m thinking like Vettel and his Infiniti FX… “I guess if the right opportunity came up would be cool. I haven’t really thought about it or had it discussed with me, but if something was put in front of me that I really like, I would definitely be open to
Origin: Daniel Ricciardo: one-on-one with F1 star ahead of British GP
New BMW X6 leaks ahead of tonight’s official reveal
BMW is set to pull the covers off its new X6 late this evening, but what look like press images of the coupé-SUV have leaked out already. Published first on Instagram before a number of BMW fan sites picked them up, the images show the new X6 will continue the design theme of the last-generation model, but with detail changes mirroring the rest of the firm’s now fully up-to-date X line-up. The front end gets a more aggressive interpretation of BMW’s SUV face, while the roofline tapers and slopes down at the rear in true coupé style. At the back, the stretched LED tail-lights are heavily inspired by the X4. Details, as well as the interior, remain under wraps, but we know that much of the car’s mechanical make-up, engines and technology will be borrowed from its X5 sibling. Production will remain at BMW’s US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where prototypes are already being built for testing. X6 prototypes have previously been spotted on the same outing as a flagship X6 M, which will use the M5’s 4.4-litre V8 for an anticipated output of 600bhp or more. The X6 range will kick off with xDrive30d and xDrive40d variants, although a greater petrol-powered offering is expected. xDrive40i, 50i and 45e versions will make up the rest of the range, with the notable addition of the plug-in hybrid. M Performance M50d and M50i variants are also planned as BMW proliferates its M sub-brand, although the M50i petrol might not be offered in Europe, as it’s geared towards the US market. The M50d will be powered by a quad-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine producing more than 400bhp. Like the X5, the new X6 will be based on BMW’s CLAR platform, with double wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension. Air suspension will be an option. Inside, the new X6 will be almost identical to the X5, with BMW’s new seventh-generation iDrive infotainment system featuring. Expect a slightly lower driving position for a sportier feel, alongside reduced space for rear-seat
Origin: New BMW X6 leaks ahead of tonight’s official reveal
Toyota Gazoo Racing tests Super Sport hypercar ahead of Le Mans debut
A production version of Toyota Gazoo’s GR Super Sport Concept is set to be entered into a new hypercar-based class at the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race from 2020, and the factory racing outfit has been conducting early track tests at Fuji Speedway in Japan. An official video, published just as the team was winning the LMP1 division of this year’s Le Mans 24 Hour race, shows Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda trying out the Aston Martin Valkyrie rival alongside test driver Kamui Kobayashi. Toyoda’s participation in sports car development is well documented; the recently launched GR Supra was not signed off until he had a chance to put it through its paces at the Nürburgring. Styling changes over the Super Sport concept, shown in 2018, are minimal, save for the addition of a mild camouflage paint scheme. Two prototypes feature, one with a prominent roof scoop and one without, though it is not clear which is the race car and which is destined for series production. Homologation rules dictate that the top-rung Le Mans hypercars must be strongly related to roadgoing equivalents, meaning reigning LMP1 champion Gazoo Racing will soon reveal a road-going version of the Super Sport. The company says: “Both road and race car are undergoing design and intensive development at the company’s technical centres in Toyota City, Higashi-Fuji and Cologne.” The model’s name has yet to be confirmed. First shown at last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, the concept is based on the company’s World Endurance Championship prototype racer, the TS050 Hybrid. The concept features the same carbonfibre structure as the racing model and has a 2.4-litre V6 petrol engine with electric assistance behind its cockpit. The road-going version of Gazoo Racing’s concept will sit above the new Supra. Gazoo, Toyota’s performance and racing arm, also recently introduced the Yaris GRMN hot hatch, which marked Gazoo’s arrival in Britain and serves as its entry-level model. Gazoo president Shigeki Tomoyama said: “If the e-Palette concept (an autonomous pod that was revealed in Las Vegas) is the next generation of the horse-drawn carriage, the GR Super Sport Concept would be the polar opposite as the next-generation racehorse. Its appeal is more personal, like that of a much-loved horse to its owner. “Despite the differences between the two concept models, both are electrified vehicles equipped with the latest IT technologies and are set to become safe and environmentally friendly connected
Origin: Toyota Gazoo Racing tests Super Sport hypercar ahead of Le Mans debut
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