This hydrogen Toyota GR Yaris has been unveiled by the technical department of the Japanese manufacturer. The concept boasts the same powertrain currently being used in the Corolla Sport that is currently racing in Super Taikyu race series in Japan.
The hydrogen fuel, fuel tanks and refuelling process of the experimental vehicle are the same as found in the Mirai, Toyota’s commercially available flagship fuel cell electric vehicle. However, whilst the Mirai employs chemical reaction in the fuel cells to generate energy, the hydrogen Toyota GR Yaris features an internal combustion engine with hydrogen as the fuel.
While the hydrogen combustion engine technology is still in the early stages of conceptual development and experimentation, which started in 2017 and not yet ready for commercialisation, Toyota’s experimental hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport is already delivering high performance at motorsport events in Japan with almost zero tailpipe emissions.
The hydrogen Toyota GR Yaris and the Corolla Sport both feature the same G16E-GTS, 1,6-litre, in-line three-cylinder, turbocharged engine that is found in the GR Yaris, but with a modified fuel supply and injection system for use with hydrogen as fuel.
The experimental hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport has already been competing in the Super Taikyu race series in Japan since May this year under the rookie Racing arm of Toyota Gazoo Racing where the team has taken on the challenge to test the experimental hydrogen combustion engine under the harsh environments of motorsport.
Hydrogen combusts at a faster rate than petrol, resulting in good responsiveness whilst delivering excellent environmental performance. In addition to being clean, Toyota explains that hydrogen combustion has the added potential to relay a fun to drive experience with the acoustic and sensory sensations that characterise internal combustion engines.
Towards achieving carbon neutrality, Toyota says it has been strengthening its efforts, such as by aiming to promote the use of hydrogen through the popularisation of FCEVs and numerous other fuel-cell-powered products. By further refining its hydrogen-engine technologies through motorsports, Toyota intends to aim for the realisation of an even better hydrogen-based society.