Can You Imagine a Toyota Prius Rally Car? CarBuzz Thinks It Makes Sense
Industry: Transportation & Logistics
An unexpectedly brilliant rally car.
New York, NY (PRUnderground) June 24th, 2021
CarBuzz Associate Editor Jake Lingeman recently had the opportunity to test drive a stripped-out, rally-spec Toyota Prius. The challenge was to make a rally car out of the quintessential hybrid hatchback – and it seems to have been a great success.
Building The Rally Prius
This one-off Prius is a mashup of parts taken from a variety of Toyota cars, although it has stock 15-inch wheels wrapped in medium-compound gravel tires. The suspension has been tweaked, and Camry springs have been added to the front along with struts borrowed from the RAV4. The Avalon sedan donated springs to the Prius’ rear, while shocks from the RAV4 TRD have been used. Upgraded brake pads and a full FIA-rated roll cage round out the package. The standard electrified powertrain was kept as is, with a total of 121 hp and 120 of torque available.
Making It Safe
Safety is a concern, considering the nickel-metal hydride batteries and high-voltage wires characteristic of hybrid cars. So, a main high voltage safety switch was installed.
Behind the Wheel
Toyota prepared a typical rally course with gravel, mud, straightaways, s-curves, hills, and dips. Toyota hatchbacks, let alone a Prius, are not designed for this kind of terrain, and yet the rally-spec Prius was quick of the line. Pushing the hybrid through corners at 90 degrees and exiting turns at full-throttle, the Cooper tires helped brake, steer, and accelerate at exactly the right time. Small amounts of understeer were achieved by lifting off the throttle midturn. Overall, the Prius did exceedingly well as a light-duty race car.
The Prius is by no means designed for rally racing, but the manufacturer is supportive of innovation and new ideas. Remember that this one-off project is a token of Toyota’s commitment to development before you go hunting for a rally-spec Toyota Prius for sale.
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