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.

According to the report, GR, which stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's official motorsports arm and performance sub-brand, is developing a hybrid powertrain that uses a n ewly developed 2.0-liter turbo-4 as its gas component. The move will enable Toyota to meet stricter emissions regulations in both road car and motorsports applications.

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.