No, it is not an aero development. It is loophole! The technical regulations state that the rear wing can only be 1.6 m wide and that 2 dive planes and a gurney are the only other aerodynamic devices that are allowed on the car.
Quote:
3.6.2 Aerodynamic element added on the bodywork
No aerodynamic element can be added on the bodywork, being an integral part or not of it, apart from : - Two aerodynamic elements maximum at the front and within the frontal plan of the front fenders provided that :
- They do not obstruct the driver's view
- They do not mask the headlights ;
- They are not situated more than 600 mm above the reference surface ;
- They are approved by the Manufacturer and that they feature on the Homologation Form of the car.
- Vertical fins that may be added underneath the bodywork in front of the front wheel axle and must be positioned symmetrically about the longitudinal centreline of the car
- One "Gurney" at the rear of the bodywork.
- The rear wing described below
Are considered as aerodynamic elements added on the bodywork: - Angle brackets not permitted by the regulation being an integral part or not of the bodywork.
- Air outlet chimney. The bodywork element mandatory to cover the exhaust pipe when it is visible from above is not considered as an air outlet chimney.
- Bodywork elements that have more than one possible position.
- Any aerodynamic element the function of which is only to generate down force and is not permitted by the regulations.
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Toyota argues that the wing between the two end plates is part of the bodywork, whereas in reality its sole purpose is to generate downforce.
BTW Your comparison with hybrids does not make any sense. Hybrids are allowed and strictly regulated by rule book.