Toyota is the dominant force in Le Mans, taking 5 consecutive wins between 2018 and 2022. Before the start of this year’s 24-hour race, the automaker presented a new hydrogen-powered concept developed “with future competition in its sights”.
The Toyota GR H2 Racing Concept features a capsule-style single-seater cockpit and sophisticated aero components, including an F1-style roof duct, a vertical fin, and a large rear wing. The aggressive face is reminiscent of the 2022 Toyota GR GT3 Concept, and is combined with additional LEDs, large air channels, and holes on the front fenders exposing a portion of the slick tires.
The future racer measures 5,100 mm (200.8 inches) long 2,050 mm (80.7 inches) wide. This makes it 200 mm (7.9 inches) longer and 50 mm (2 inches) wider than the current GR010 Hybrid, boasting similar proportions but an entirely redesigned bodywork.
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Toyota didn’t provide details about the specifications of the powertrain other than saying it combines a hydrogen engine and a hybrid system. Note that the GR Corolla racecar which is competing in the Super Taikyu Series since 2021, comes fitted with a hydrogen-fuelled version of the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine although this one doesn’t get electrical assistance.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) – the organizer of Le Mans 24 Hours – recently announced it will allow racecars with hydrogen engines to compete in the H2 category alongside the traditional fuel-cell electric vehicles. This makes it possible for Toyota to further develop the technology which could at some point in the future be used in production vehicles.
The concept was presented by Akio Toyoda during a press conference held at the Circuit de la Sarthe, and will remain on display during the racing weekend (June 9-11).
