Toyota is preparing to usher its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance lineup into the hybrid era with a new electrified powertrain to ensure its high-performance models continue to thrive into the future.

In the early 2000s, the venerable Prius became a cultural symbol for many people who were not typical car enthusiasts. Its quirky design and ability to sip fuel garnered the attention of the environmentally conscious as well as politically minded detractors who saw it and a wave of other hybrid vehicles as virtue-signaling fashion accessories.

According to the report, GR, which stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's official motorsports arm and performance sub-brand, is developing a hybrid powertrain that uses a n ewly developed 2.0-liter turbo-4 as its gas component. The move will enable Toyota to meet stricter emissions regulations in both road car and motorsports applications.

Toyota developing new 2.0-litre engine for hybrid GR sports cars to help the models sell in markets where there are stricter emissions regulations. Tap for New Toyota hybrid engine details.