TOYOTA OFFICIALLY REVEAL LE MANS HYPERCAR

Toyota officially reveal Le Mans Hypercar – Image: Toyota

Toyota Gazoo Racing has officially unveiled its all-new Le Mans Hypercar (LMH), the GR010 set to debut in the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship.

By DAN McCARTHY

The hybrid-powered Toyota is the first LMH machine to be revealed, replacing the TS050 which has won the last three editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours and two consecutive WEC titles under the LMP1 regulations.

Power comes from a 3.5 litre V6 twin-turbo engine that is capped at 500kw and means that the engine cleverly reduces power when the hybrid technology is being used. The machine also utilises four-wheel drive technology as its predecessor did.

To meet with the new LMH regulations the machine is 162kg heavier than the LMP1 car and produces 32% less power. It also has bigger dimensions, it is 250mm longer, 100mm wider and 100mm higher and is expected to be around 10s a lap slower at Le Mans.

Toyota’s new racing machine is based on its new GR Super Sport hypercar which made its public debut at last year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.

Team President Hisatake Murata is excited by the new LMH regulations and looks forward to seeing Toyota’s new machine on the racetrack.

“It is a fascinating time for endurance racing, with the new Le Mans Hypercar class, and also for Toyota Gazoo Racing, with the launch of the GR010 hybrid, this car represents our next generation of racing hybrid” Murata said.

“During our LMP1 era, since 2012, we worked tirelessly to improve and strengthen our hybrid technology for racing. We set new standards with the TS050 hybrid and our first loop of racing hybrid development is complete; this technology will be available to our future customers soon.

“Now the second stage will begin. Through our WEC participation, we will refine our racing hybrid powertrain in the GR010 hybrid, enhance our understanding of hypercar technology and continually develop our staff. We do this with one clear goal: to deliver more exciting sports cars to our customers in the future.

“The GR010 HYBRID is a preview of our road-going cars and what we learn on the WEC race tracks will directly benefit our customers.

“For this reason, we are delighted to welcome new competitors to the top category of WEC; a tough fight on the track will inspire us to continuously improve and push the limits for better.”

The driver line ups remain unchanged, with reigning champions Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez piloting the #7 machine, current Le Mans 24 Hours victors Sebastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley will compete in the #8 Toyota.

While Nyck de Vries, the 2019 FIA Formula 2 Champion will continue his role as a test and reserve driver.

As Auto Action reported yesterday the team has already tested the new car, confirming today that it completed two three-day tests.

Due to the new regulations Toyota has been forced to race without a rear motor generator unit (MGU), with only a single permitted MGU located on the front axle. This means a starter motor must be fitted on the GR010 HYBRID while fully hydraulic rear brakes are also required.

The opening round of the new WEC era begins with the 1000 Miles of Sebring on March 19.

In other Toyota news, the Japanese brand also released the livery of its FIA World Rally Championship machines.

The new livery more closely matches the Gazoo Racing livery featured on the WEC machines, this Toyota said was to highlight the fact that both squads are run by Gazoo Racing.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.