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The 2004 Toyota MTRC (Motor Triathlon Race Car) Concept was a futuristic vision of high-performance, multi-terrain racing. Designed at Toyota’s European design studio, ED2, the MTRC blended cutting-edge technology with an adventurous spirit, resembling a full-size remote-control buggy.
The MTRC’s design was made possible by its innovative powertrain—four in-wheel electric motors powered by a Toyota fuel cell stack. This setup eliminated the constraints of a traditional internal combustion engine and drivetrain, allowing for a sleek, aerodynamic body.
Engineered for an "automotive triathlon," the MTRC was built to excel in three distinct environments: off-road trails, racetracks, and city streets. This concept mirrored the versatility found in racing video games, where players transition between diverse terrains.
Toyota embraced this gaming connection by featuring the MTRC in Gran Turismo 4. Visitors to the 2004 Geneva Motor Show even had the chance to test-drive the concept virtually before the game’s release. Though the MTRC never became a production vehicle, its technology and design hinted at Toyota’s future direction in alternative powertrains and performance innovation.
