Built on the GR Yaris Rally2 platform, the hydrogen concept will undergo testing in Finland
As part of its ongoing quest for cleaner alternatives to conventional engines, Toyota is developing a wide range of powertrain technologies—including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells. But one of its more unconventional projects is a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine, which now powers a full-blown rally car.
Based on the GR Yaris Rally2, the new GR Yaris H2 Concept has been engineered to meet WRC Rally2 class regulations. It features the same wide body kit, aggressive aerodynamic elements, and chassis setup as its gas-powered counterpart.
Hydrogen Power Meets Rally Performance
While more understated than a top-spec Rally1 machine, the GR Yaris H2 Concept still has a motorsport-ready stance. It stands out with a distinctive livery and rear side panels featuring vents instead of standard windows.
Development took place at Toyota’s TGR-WRT base in Jyväskylä, Finland, with testing conducted on both gravel and tarmac. Full technical specifications haven’t been revealed, but the concept likely uses a modified version of the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine—now running on liquid hydrogen.
This setup results in near-zero tailpipe emissions, yet retains the visceral sound and feel of a traditional combustion engine—elements that remain popular among rally fans. According to Toyota, this approach could become a viable option for carbon-neutral motorsport in the future.
Dynamic Debut at Rally Finland
The GR Yaris H2 Concept will make its dynamic debut at Rally Finland, taking on the Harju stage across Thursday and Friday. Driving duties will be handled by four-time World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen, who now serves as Deputy Team Principal at TGR-WRT.
After its stage runs, the rally car will be showcased at the service park alongside two other hydrogen-powered Toyota vehicles: the Mirai FCEV and a hydrogen-combustion Tundra prototype.
Toyota’s Hydrogen Engine Journey
While Toyota is best known for its fuel cell vehicles like the Mirai, it has also explored hydrogen combustion engines through motorsport. Its first hydrogen-powered ICE car, a modified GR Corolla, has competed in Japan’s Super Taikyu series since 2021.
That same turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine has powered various hydrogen test vehicles, including a GR Yaris prototype (late 2021), a Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept (2022), and even larger prototypes like the Tundra and HiAce, both running hydrogen-fueled V6s.
More recently, Toyota unveiled the GR LH2 Racing Concept—a hydrogen-powered hybrid that borrows its chassis from the GR010 Le Mans Hypercar, signaling how hydrogen ICE technology could scale up for endurance racing.
