Toyota showed a racing concept powered by liquid hydrogen at Le Mans
Toyota GAZOO Racing unveiled the GR LH2 Racing concept at the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans. The race car is designed to support and develop hydrogen technology in motorsport.
Here's What We Know
Toyota has been testing hydrogen internal combustion engines since 2021. The Rookie Racing team first used gaseous hydrogen in the Corolla for the Japanese Super Taikyu series, and switched to liquid hydrogen from 2023. In addition, in 2022, the GR Yaris H2 showed hydrogen engine capabilities in rallying at the WRC round in Belgium.
In 2023, the hydrogen Corolla did a demonstration lap at Le Mans. At the same time, the GR H2 Racing Concept, a prototype for the future hydrogen racing class, was also shown.
The new GR LH2 Racing Concept is based on the GR010 HYBRID hypercar that competes in the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship. The car will help develop hydrogen infrastructure through race testing.
Concept features:
- Hydrogen engine + hybrid system
- Fuel: liquid hydrogen
- Length: 5100 mm, width: 2050 mm
The presentation is timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Toyota's debut at Le Mans. "Fighting" cars #7 and #8 received special livery - red and white in honour of the legendary TS020 of 1998 and matte black with the GR logo, reflecting the team's motto "We hate to lose".
Source: Toyota
