Toyota unveiled the GR LH2 Racing Concept, a hydrogen-powered prototype test car, at Le Mans, marking a significant advancement on the path towards racing with alternative fuel at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The car, built by Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe in Cologne on a chassis from its GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar, aims to enhance the understanding of running an internal combustion engine fueled by liquid hydrogen.
The exact engine and hybrid system details, developed at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Centre in Japan, remain undisclosed.
With an emphasis on testing the infrastructure and fuelling system, Toyota is striving to expand the technology of hydrogen combustion engines.
While a specific timeline for the car’s track debut is pending, Toyota is focusing on continuous technological improvement towards the goal.
Having pioneered hydrogen use in motorsport with modified Corollas in the Super Taikyu series since 2021, Toyota aims to bring this technology to Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship by 2028, pending full regulations availability.
FIA-signed safety regulations for liquid hydrogen use in motorsport were confirmed this week, setting forth stringent standards for integration, storage, and refuelling procedures, signaling a pivotal step towards the future of hydrogen-fueled racing.
