Toyota Debut's Prius GT Prototype at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Weight, the natural enemy of any performance vehicle, has been dealt with accordingly in the Prius GT as well. Altogether,

Despite the extra power, the GT actually maintained the same fuel economy rating as the stock Prius, providing that it was driven at normal speeds. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

180 kilos (397 pounds) of unnecessary extras have been stripped out, and the plush interior replaced with heavily bolstered racing seats and a roll cage. The heavy hybrid battery has also been relocated over the rear axle to provide better weight distribution in order to improve handling.

The idea of a racing-spec Prius isn't a new, and the GT isn't the first Prius to receive the go-fast treatment. Toyota Canada backed a first-generation 2002 Prius in the Canadian SCCA ProRally cup, although the extent of the modifications did not go so far as to up both the gasoline and electric portions of the hybrid drivetrain.

Although Toyota has no intentions to actually go racing with this Prius GT, or to create a road-going production version, it's enlightening to see the brand is making an effort to show the world that hybrid vehicles aren't only for saving fuel and cutting emissions. Reportedly, the upcoming Lexus RX 400h uses Hybrid Synergy Drive to accomplish a similar task as the Prius GT. Sources say it delivers V8 power while sipping away at fuel.

As a final note, Toyota stated it was very pleased about the economy of the Prius GT racer. Despite the extra power, the GT actually maintained the same fuel economy rating as the stock Prius, providing that it was driven at normal speeds.

Toyota has promised that more hybrid vehicles will soon become available, with a hybrid Highlander SUV and hybrid Camry sedan already announced. Speculators expect full-size hybrid trucks and SUVs will follow.