In the early 2000s, the venerable Prius became a cultural symbol for many people who were not typical car enthusiasts. Its quirky design and ability to sip fuel garnered the attention of the environmentally conscious as well as politically minded detractors who saw it and a wave of other hybrid vehicles as virtue-signaling fashion accessories.

Toyota is preparing to usher its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance lineup into the hybrid era with a new electrified powertrain to ensure its high-performance models continue to thrive into the future.

Toyota's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is currently under development has been designed with electrification in mind

Toyota’s GR Corolla and GR Yaris are impressive cars, but their tiny, turbocharged three-cylinder engine has left many wanting more. The automaker is reportedly working on an upgrade for the cars, which could bring hybrid power and a larger four-cylinder engine.

Toyota has slowly expanded its offerings of GR-branded performance cars over the years, with models like the GR Corolla and GR Yaris attaining cult-like status in some markets. None of the cars feature electrification,