In a dramatic step toward cleaner motorsports without losing the thrill, Toyota has pulled the wraps off its wildest hydrogen project yet: the GR Yaris H2. Built for Rally2 regulations but powered by liquid hydrogen, this car promises nearly zero emissions without sacrificing the raw sound and excitement that rally fans crave. The car will make its global dynamic debut at Rally Finland 2025, piloted by none other than four-time world champion Juha Kankkunen. Toyota is not just showcasing the Yaris H2 alone, but also bringing two other hydrogen-fueled models to the event. Here's everything you need to know.
Toyota has confirmed that rally legend Juha Kankkunen will get behind the wheel of the new GR Yaris H2 prototype for its first dynamic public run during Rally Finland 2025. Kankkunen, a four time WRC champion and now deputy team director at TGR-WRT, is the perfect figure to highlight the car’s balance of tradition and innovation. The car is designed to comply with Rally2 specs, featuring the same wide body, large rear wing, and suspension setup as its gasoline counterpart. However, its biggest twist is the powertrain: a modified 1.6 liter turbocharged three cylinder that runs entirely on liquid hydrogen.
The sound and throttle response remain intense, but tailpipe emissions are almost non-existent. Toyota has tested the car extensively on gravel and tarmac, and even though full specs remain under wraps, it is clear that the brand is serious about building rally cars that can deliver emotion and performance with a cleaner footprint.
In addition to the rally debut of the GR Yaris H2, Toyota will display two more hydrogen powered models at Rally Finland. The first is the production ready Toyota Mirai, a sleek fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) already well known for its smooth, clean driving experience. Alongside it will be a bold hydrogen combustion version of the Toyota Tundra, showcasing Toyota’s push to bring hydrogen tech into the commercial vehicle space.
Both vehicles will be shown in the rally service area, allowing fans to get up close with the future of Toyota’s sustainable mobility strategy. These cars reflect Toyota’s vision to diversify its clean energy portfolio not just through battery electric models, but also by advancing hydrogen technology across different platforms.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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