Fast Future?
In 2002, a Group N (showroom class) Toyota Prius became the first hybrid power car to enter and complete an FIA-sanctioned event. The 5,000-mile Midnight Sun to Red Sea Rally provided a wide range of challenging stages and surfaces, from the north of Sweden to Jordan. The Prius acquitted itself superbly, finishing in 14th place overall.
Motor sport is being used to aid research into the potential of hybrid power. In 2006 a Lexus GS 450h saloon was entered in the Tokachi 24-hour race in Japan, in order to gain more technical feedback to help development of future production systems, particularly in reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency. The car finished 17th in a field of 33 cars and achieved around a five per cent improvement in fuel efficiency during the course of the race.
