MOTORING NEWS - The world premiere of the aggressive matte-black GR HV Sports Concept will be a highlight of the Tokyo Motor Show in late October when Toyota is set to unveil a dramatic open-top sports car concept.

 It is said to be inspired by the company's involvement in endurance racing and its legendary Supra and Toyota Sports 800.

The concept car will share the Tokyo stage with the brand new Toyota Tj CRUISER that showcases a new vehicle genre by combining the flexibility of an SUV with the storage capacity of a van.

The GR HV Sports Concept is designed to promote the fun of driving by combining the thrill of a sports car, a wind-in-the-hair roof opening and Toyota's latest hybrid technology developed for motorsport. 

GR are the initials of Toyota's motorsport arm Gazoo Racing while HV stands for hybrid vehicle, with the concept using a racing version of hybrid technology refined by the TS050.

Its curvy design and racing-inspired hybrid powertrain are reminiscent of the Toyota Gazoo Racing TS050 Hybrid that competes in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). 

The LED headlights, five-bolt wheels and rear diffuser evoke the components used on the hybrid-powered WEC racer.

To enhance dynamic performance, the concept has a front-engine, rear-drive layout with the hybrid battery placed centrally for optimal front-rear balance and a low centre of gravity.

Embodying the functionality of a genuine sports car, the concept features a push-button ignition on the centrally located automatic gear lever. 

Six-speed manual operation is available at the press of a button, using a compact H-pattern gearshift.

'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'