However, in 2019, with the change in regulations, apr produced a new FR layout vehicle using the body of the Prius PHV. In addition to being active until 2022, the technology cultivated in this Prius PHV production is also utilized in the GR Supra GT and GR86 GT, which are also active this season. So why did we decide to build a new hybrid vehicle again?
"The Prius PHV had a tough part in terms of the dimension of the vehicle," says Director Kanaso.
"Because there were four doors and a long wheelbase, I couldn't take the driver's seat behind me. Compared to GR86, the seat is quite forward. Since the base is FF, the position relationship between the driver and the engine was difficult. In the first place, the driver will not be able to get out of the car."
The GT300 regulation vehicle can be greatly modified, but there are also frames of commercial vehicles, safety-conscious seats and roll cages, so it was very difficult to determine the driver's seating position. Another interesting thing is about the body of the Prius PHV.
"Today's eco-cars are naturally not thinking about wearing rear wings. However, the Cd value (air resistance coefficient) of the vehicle is very low. In order to aim for it, lay the front window, and the A-pillar is in the very front position. However, when it was a racing car, the engine had to be in the back of the hood, and the maintenance was very bad. Also, if you put the engine in that position, FF is the base, so the distance between the front tire and the door is too narrow, and the exhaust will not pass."
If it becomes difficult to handle the exhaust, the engine power will also be disadvantageous. In addition, due to the utilization of aerodynamics including exhaust heat and a large cabin that extends to the rear, the air did not hit the rear wing well, and the rear wing had to be angled to other GT300 regulated vehicles. " I was fighting until 2022 in the difficult situation of "drug mass".
Director Kanaso also appealed for the formulation of conditions for participation in vehicles based on 4-door FF, but the situation did not improve easily.
■There are two good courses for the new car LC500h GT
Therefore, the next machine was to be considered, but apr is also responsible for hybrid development in tantal with TOYOTA itself. " After all, let's base it on a car with a hybrid," and of course it was decided that the new Prius, which is currently selling commercial cars, was listed as a candidate.
However, due to changes in the world situation such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the shortage of semiconductors, the launch of the new Prius has shifted. The GT300 vehicle cannot start running before the announcement of the commercially available Prius. Therefore, among the TOYOTA/LEXUS vehicles loaded with hybrids, the LEXUS RC350h and LC500h were the candidates. For the RC350h, the RC F GT3 with a similar shape has already entered the race, and the LC500h was chosen.
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