Racing or competing in skill competitions that test out how capable new Toyota vehicles are not only gives automakers the right to boast their accomplishments like we do here on the Toyota South blog for drivers in the greater Richmond and Lexington areas, but also it's a way to test out new innovations. At the upcoming Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Toyota plans to try out some of the latest developments in electric car technology.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is not like the NASCAR Truck and Sprint Cup Series where you'd see models like the 2012 Toyota Tundra and the Toyota Camry whip around a track that doesn't have much, if any elevation. For the prestigious hill climb, drivers must scale the 14,115-foot mountain in the Colorado Rockies, going through some sharp turns and steep roads to be the fastest to the summit.

Using a full electric vehicle, the TMG EV P002, Toyota believes it will have enough power to turn some heads at the event. With an electric powertrain boasting a top power of 350 kW, and speeding all the way up to 150 miles per hour, this certainly isn't your run of the mill electric car. The vehicle will use the same engine as its TMG EV P001 predecessor, a car that put up nice numbers at the Nurburgring Nordsheleife last year. The P002 sports a totally redesigned chassis however, that gives it a sports car look, while also giving it all the ability to perform at its peak.

While they might not admit it, we're guessing Toyota is hoping the TMG EV P002 takes down the competition at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. After all, this is the automaker that has led the way in green technology; case in point the Toyota Prius. It would be great to see Toyota EV technologies take it to another level, so they can learn from it and figure out ways to apply that knowledge to new Toyota cars here in Richmond and Lexington.

The Pikes Peak climb is in July, and we'll be sure to let you know how it goes here at Toyota South. If you're interested in checking out a new Toyota vehicle, stop in to our location, 961 Four Mile Rd Richmond, KY 40475, or contact us online anytime, and we'd be happy to answer any questions you might have, and arrange a test drive.