2023 Toyota GR Prius imagined

The recently revealed 2023 Toyota Prius marks the significant fifth-generation of Toyota's original plug-in pioneer.

With, as yet, no plans for an Australian arrival, the stylish new Prius will debut overseas in North American, European and Japanese markets with a variety powertrain configurations – including both conventional and plug-in hybrid systems.

The most powerful layout newly developed 2.0-litre engine, augmented by a 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack and several electric motors, powering all four wheels with a combined 164kW output.

A claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds makes this the fastest Prius yet, and just a precious few tenths off Toyota's current combustion sports offering, the GR86.

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That got us wondering, what might a proper GR-developed Toyota Prius look like?

These rendered images, created by digital artist Theottle, shine a light on exactly what we'd hope for.

The pumped-up Prius looks like a lovechild between the forthcoming Toyota GR Corolla and the sleek new Prius. Once we began digging under the skin – is this really such a stretch of the imagination?

The 2023 Toyota Prius is underpinned by Toyota's TNGA-C platform, the very same platform underpinning the new GR Corolla.

This suggests that Toyota's bombastic 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder could feasibly be set in the Prius's engine bay without drastic further development, illustrated by GR's signature triple exhaust system and cheeky intercooler visible from behind the front grille.

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Were Toyota to augment this flexible little unit with hybrid assistance, possibly acting as a low-end torque fill, a performance-oriented Prius could be a shockingly quick thing.

Further considering the Prius's taught chassis, improved battery location and weight distribution, and a versatile MacPherson front/double wishbone rear suspension setup – there are more makings of a sports car in Toyota's traditional hypermiler than you might initially think.

Sadly, Toyota Australia currently has "no plans to introduce the new Prius to the Australian market", and has yet to officially comment on whether there are any further GR products in the developmental pipeline.

We can never say never, though, and Toyota Japan's growing catalogue of GR Sport part upgrades, including chassis bracing and suspension tuning components, for the Japanese market Prius suggest there is some appetite for a more dynamic hybrid product.

What would you think of a Toyota GR-developed Prius? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!