Before Toyota redesigned the Prius for the 2023 model year, we would never have used the words “sporty” and “Prius” in the same sentence. The modern Toyota Prius is an impressive vehicle with a punchier powertrain and a sleek new look. Thanks to the 24 Hours of Le Mans GR Modified Prius, we now have an idea of what a GR Prius would look like.
The introduction of a GR Prius would give enthusiasts a great competitor to the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, and Volkswagen Golf GTI. The GR Prius would be the ideal performance car for enthusiasts yearning for a daily drivable vehicle. Here are ten things that we’d want to see from the Toyota GR Prius.
10 Complimentary 1-Year NASA Membership
Some Toyota GR models, like the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, are high-performance variants of their base counterparts. While they all feature upgraded components and more power, it’s hard to take advantage of these upgrades on the road. For this reason, Toyota offers a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) for some GR models like the GR86.
Benefits
- Access to NASA-sanctioned events
- One free high-performance driving event
- Exclusive discounts
Including the GR Prius in this program would allow owners to fully enjoy their vehicle on the track. NASA also offers multiple benefits to its members, including discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events and one free High-Performance Driving Event (HPDE).
9 More Aggressive GR Prius Exterior Design
Toyota completely redesigned the Prius for the 2023 model year. The Prius turned from an ugly duckling into a true hybrid beauty. While the redesign impacted the headroom and cargo space, the Prius got a more comfortable ride and better handling. Thanks to the use of the TNGA-C platform, the Prius also got a wider stance and lower driving position.
Benefits
- Enhanced overall visual appeal
- Improved aerodynamics
- Distinctive and bolder appearance
- Reduced lift at high speeds
While all these upgrades are great for a daily driver, the GR Prius should have a more aggressive design. This should include a redesigned front bumper, a rear wing, a vented carbon fiber hood, lighter wheels, and so on. Not only will these upgrades help shed some weight, but they will give the GR Prius the sporty look that it deserves.
8 GR Prius With A Carbon Fiber Roof
For the 2023 model year, Toyota introduced a solar panel roof option in the Prius Prime. The solar roof helps recharge the battery, minimizing the need for plugging in at home and consuming more energy. While this is a great idea for a daily driver, the GR Prius should put more focus on shedding weight for the best driving experience.
Benefits
- Added structural rigidity and stiffness
- Reduced overall weight
- Lowered center of gravity
- Sportier and more high-end appearance
Replacing the standard roof with a carbon fiber roof panel can help lower the GR Prius’ weight while increasing its structural rigidity. The roof can also help give the GR Prius a sportier, more high-end appearance.
7 High Output GR Exhaust System
Despite being a hybrid, the GR Prius should have a high-output exhaust system like its GR siblings. The exhaust system allows for increased engine airflow, helping improve engine efficiency and power output. This results in better overall performance of the GR Prius. In addition, the GR Prius ends up getting a more aggressive and sporty sound note, making it more desirable among enthusiasts.
Benefits
- A more enjoyable driving experience
- Increased engine airflow
- Better overall performance
- Enhanced exhaust sound
While variants like the GR Corolla and GR Yaris get a unique triple exhaust system, the GR Prius might do with a dual cat-back GR performance exhaust system. A system similar to that of the GR86 and GR Supra.
6 High-Performance GR Brakes
Since the GR Prius will be a high-performance vehicle, it should feature better brakes than the standard 2023 Toyota Prius. Having high-performance brakes helps deliver superior stopping power. These brakes also help reduce the stopping distance, enhancing safety and encouraging the driver to push the GR Prius more.
Benefits
- Superior stopping power
- Reduced stopping distance
- Enhanced control and safety
- Better heat dissipation
Besides offering high-performance brakes, Toyota should enable buyers to customize the color of the brake calipers. While it does nothing for performance, it helps enhance the aesthetics of the GR Prius. For example, the GR Corolla gets red-painted GR logoed calipers as standard on the Circuit and Morizo editions.
5 Supportive Front Seats In A GR Prius
For the 2023 model year, the Prius gets a new interior design with a better infotainment system and front bucket seats. These seats are unique to the Prius, and they offer a sportier driving experience. They boast better bolstering than the predecessor’s variants, making the 2023 Toyota Prius more comfortable and supportive.
Benefits
- Better driver stability and comfort
- Improved lateral support
- Improved driving experience
- Reduced fatigue during aggressive driving maneuvers
With the GR Supra, Toyota should go a notch higher and provide better front bucket seats. More supportive front seats can help provide better lateral support during aggressive driving maneuvers. They also enhance driver comfort and stability by preventing shifting or sliding in the seat.
4 Multiple GR Prius Model Options
The current Prius generation features six trim levels. The lineup has a reasonable starting price of $27,450, with the highest trim option getting a starting MSRP of $35,865. This enables buyers to easily find the preferred Prius model depending on their needs. Offering multiple trim options with the GR Prius allows enthusiasts to easily pick their preferred variant.
Benefits
- A diverse range of upgrades and features
- Expanded market appeal
- Various preferences and budget levels
- Attracts a wider range of buyers
For example, the GR Corolla has three trim options, Core, Circuit Edition, and Morizo Edition. All these variants use the same engine, but models like the Circuit Edition and Morizo Edition have some extra features like a carbon fiber roof, rear spoiler, vented hood, and so on.
3 A Manual GR Prius
In recent years, manual cars have been slowly fading out. However, thanks to automakers like Toyota, Subaru, Porsche, Nissan, and many more, there’s still hope for manual vehicles. Luckily, all Toyota GR iterations have a manual transmission, making them engaging performance cars for all enthusiasts.
Benefits
- Engaging driving experience
- An enhanced connection between the GR Prius and the driver
- Better control over gear selection
- Increased driver satisfaction and involvement
The GR Prius should feature an intelligent manual transmission with a short throw shifter and a moderately tuned clutch. This helps ensure that the driver is always engaged with hand on thrills. In addition, drivers can further customize the responsiveness by using a drive mode selector.
2 Toyota GR-Four AWD System
With the Toyota Gazoo Racing department firmly rooted in motorsports, it only makes sense that the first ever GR Prius to use a racing drivetrain. Toyota currently offers the GR-Four AWD system in a few of its models, including the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. The system delivers exceptional levels of traction and control, helping optimize drive power to each wheel.
Benefits
- Improved stability and traction
- Better cornering and handling capabilities
- Increased confidence during braking and acceleration
- More balanced driving experience
It’s also simple and lightweight, allowing drivers to use it in different conditions like snow, rain, and dirt. The GR-Four AWD system allows drivers to adjust the four-wheel drive performance with a 60-40, 50-50, or 30-70 torque distribution to the front and rear wheels.
1 Increased GR Prius Hybrid Performance
The 2023 Toyota Prius uses a single powertrain, a hybridized 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 194 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. The GR Prius should do away with the base powertrain and offer enthusiasts a high-performance hybrid system.
Benefits
- Faster 0 to 60 mph times
- Higher top-end power and top speed
- Improved agility and handling
The ideal system should have over 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, helping the GR Prius match the performance of rivals like the Hyundai Elantra N, GR Corolla, Honda Civic Type R, and Volkswagen Golf GTI.