The Toyota GR Yaris H2 Concept uses experimental hyrogen combustion technologyToyota has showcased an experimental Toyota GR Yaris with hydrogen-powered combustion engine technology.
The hydrogen fuel, fuel tanks and refuelling process of the experimental vehicle are the same as found in the Toyota Mirai, the Japanese brand’s commercially available flagship hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. But while the Mirai employs chemical reaction in the fuel cells to generate energy, the experimental GR Yaris features an internal combustion engine with hydrogen as the fuel.
While the hydrogen combustion engine technology is still in the early stages of conceptual development and experimentation, Toyota’s experimental hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport is already delivering high performance at motorsport events in Japan, with almost zero tailpipe emissions.
The hydrogen-powered experimental GR Yaris and the Corolla Sport both feature the same G16E-GTS, 1.6-litre, in-line 3-cylinder, turbocharged engine that is found already in the high performance Toyota GR Yaris, but with a modified fuel supply and injection system for use with hydrogen as fuel.
The experimental hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport has already been competing in the Super Taikyu race series in Japan since May this year under the ROOKIE Racing arm of Toyota GAZOO Racing where the team has taken on the challenge to test the experimental hydrogen combustion engine under the harsh environments of motorsport.
Hydrogen combusts at a faster rate than petrol, resulting in good responsiveness while delivering excellent environmental performance. Hydrogen combustion also has the potential to give a fun to drive experience with the acoustic and sensory sensations that characterise internal combustion engines.