TOYOTA presented its Compact Sports & Speciality (CS&S) hybrid-powered sports car concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The open-topped sports car is powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, combining a mid-mounted 1.5 litre petrol unit which drives the rear wheels, with an electric motor to drive the front.

Toyota say the hybrid technology is not only eco-friendly but can also provide a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience with four-wheel drive and excellent acceleration.

Their aim is to create more powerful petrol and electric power sources to achieve higher levels of performance.

While conventional hybrid systems rely on a petrol or diesel engine to produce peak performance and use an electric motor as an ancillary, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system incorporates a much more powerful electric motor, which means the car relies less on the petrol engine.

Although at first glance the CS&S looks like a two seater, removable rear canopies hide a further two seats. The front passenger seat has been designed so that it can be adapted to form a cover for the cockpit area. It also has Toyota Space Touch - the driver “touches” a series of holographic projections to make a selection.