Toyota Tackles World Famous Le Mans with Hybrid
Tim Esterdahl | Feb 06, 2012 | Comments 1
With the advancement of new technology and a changing racing atmosphere at the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyota has announced plans to race the TS0303, a gas/electric hybrid race car. The big question looms, will it not only compete, but win?
Toyota has decided to enter their TS0303 Hybrid LMP1 in the world famous 24 hours of Le Mans.
Meanwhile, Audi and Peugeot teams have used a diesel vehicle to win the race every year since 2006. However, Peugeot recently announced that they would be withdrawing from sports car racing, despite only losing to Audi by 14 seconds in last year’s race.
Fortunately for the Le Mans, Toyota recently revealed their competition for the Audi; the TS0303 Hybrid LMP1. In an obvious draw from many of their successful street vehicles, the TS030 will be using a gas/electric hybrid engine for increased gas mileage during the race. However, unlike the popular Prius, this Toyota hybrid is far from basic. Instead of the usual small engine, the TS030 Hybrid has a 3.4 liter V8 under the hood, which is the largest engine allowed in the Le Mans.
Nevertheless, it is not clear if the gas/electric engine will be able to stand up to the full diesel. Former F1 drivers Alex Wurz, Kaz Nakajima and Nicholas Lapierre are the confirmed drivers and will surely not lack for race experience. The cars will definitely be the deciding factor.
Toyota will be making its official debut in May at the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps race.
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Filed Under: Auto News
The efforts of the team were recognised at the Professional Motorsport World Awards, where TS030 Hybrid was named Race Car of the Year and the Toyota Hybrid System took Powertrain of the Year honours.