Toyota C-HR Hy-Power signals future Toyota performance hybrids
Toyota's beefed-up C-HR Hy-Power has been revealed at Frankfurt as a concept, but a production version is expected to follow
Toyota has revealed a high performance hybrid vision of its C-HR crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show called the C-HR Hy-Power. A concept for now, Auto Express understands that it will enter production shortly, and it’s being used by Toyota as a headline act to introduce a new strategy for its hybrid line-up.
The C-HR Hy-Power has been envisioned by Toyota’s European design studio based in the south of France, and visually it packs a more aggressive look compared to conventional versions of the crossover.
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However, these styling tweaks have not been achieved through new bodywork – every panel on the C-HR Hy-Power is the same as you’ll find on the production car. Instead, expressive use of colours, finishing and trim detailing mark it out.
Dart matt silver paint is combined with gloss black trim pieces, such as the lip on the front splitter and the wheel arch extensions. Dark chrome trim is applied to the window frames, and the car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels.
Contrasting orange highlights wrap around the top end of the car, with a “diamond cut” orange film covering the roof. A similar orange and black theme is repeated in the cabin.
Underneath the styling tweaks, Toyota promises that the C-HR Hy-Power boasts an uprated, high-performance hybrid powertrain. A Toyota insider told Auto Express: "The car is not confirmed for production yet but it's more than likely to happen." Auto Express understands if it gets the green light, the model will go on sale next year.
And Toyota used the unveil of the C-HR HY-POWER to announce a new strategy for its hybrid vehicles.Toyota Europe boss Johan Van Zyl explained: “In future we will provide all models with two hybrid powertrains.
“One will focus on fuel efficiency and economy. The second will offer more power and enhanced driving dynamics.” Toyota promises we’ll hear more about its high-performance hybrid strategy early in 2018.
The CH-R has been a big hit for Toyota, with hybrids accounting for an unexpectedly high proportion of 77 per cent of sales. Van Zyl concluded: “Hybrid will remain Toyota’s key differentiator and we will expand our offering with more derivatives and powertrains.”
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