Concept of 300 hp Toyota Prius

When was the last time anyone promoted the Toyota Prius as anything other than an Earth friendly gas miser? Can’t remember? That’s because it has never happened before. The whole world is abuzz with the news that Toyota will be entering the SuperGT GT300 series with a Prius based race car instead of using the more logical GT 86 platform.

The planned 300 horsepower Prius will replace the current Toyota Corolla Axio that is running in the GT300 series. Toyota is expected to make its formal announcement in January of 2012. As of now, there have been no details released about the powerplant and drivetrain. Given that the stock Prius is known for its less than blazing 98 horsepower engine, it is easy to understand how extensive the makeover is going to have to be.

The Toyota Prius will not be the only hybrid vehicle running in the GT300 class. Honda announced its intention to field a CR-Z Sports Hybrid. 2012 maybe the year that hybrid vehicles stop having a negative connotation when performance junkies talk and race fans begin to show some due respect.