Toyota to debut hydrogen-powered GR Yaris Rally2 car at Finland

Nope, what you’re seeing is not another livery change for Toyota Gazoo Racing in the World Rally Championship.

This is the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept that will make its debut in Rally Finland. It represents the next step for Toyota in exploring the potential of hydrogen power for motorsports, as they’ve already been racing a hydrogen-powered Corolla in the Super Taikyu series.

Much like the gas-powered GR Yaris Rally2 car, the H2 Concept is a full-fledged rally car built to satisfy FIA WRC Rally2 regulations. Wearing a completely identical body shell with the aero components, the Rally2 H2 Concept distinguishes itself with the bespoke white and blue livery along with vented rear panels in place of the glass side windows.

Toyota Gazoo Racing says the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept is fitted with an internal combustion engine but fueled by compressed hydrogen. This means it could be same the G16E 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo engine found in production models of the GR Yaris, but delivers zero emissions while retaining the distinct exhaust note of the three-banger.

The H2 Concept was developed at TGR’s rally headquarters in Jyväskylä, Finland, which happens to also be the base for this month’s Secto Rally Finland. Four-time world champion and current TGR-WRT deputy team principal Juha Kankkunen will drive the GR Yaris Rally2 H2 Concept in the Harju stage in a demonstration run.

Afterwards, the car will be displayed at Rally Finland’s service park along with Toyota’s hydrogen powered vehicles like the Mirai and Tundra to showcase the brand’s hydrogen technology to the public.