TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing's GR LH2 Racing Concept, a liquid hydrogen (LH2) fueled test car, made its public debut recently during the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours (June 11-15).
The GR LH2 Racing Concept is based on the GR010 Hybrid Hypercar which currently participates in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
In a statement, the Japanese automaker said through future track testing, the GR LH2 Racing Concept will support Toyota’s continuous development of hydrogen technology and infrastructure.
The presentation of the GR LH2 Racing Concept also marks the 40th anniversary of Toyota’s first participation at Le Mans, following the introduction of a unique combination of livery designs.
The #7 GR010 Hybrid of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries carries a red and white tribute livery inspired by the iconic TS020 which participated in 1998.
The #8 GR010 Hybrid – driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa – represents the team’s present determination to win.
Its matt black livery is built around a GR logo, capturing the team’s “Hate to lose” spirit and the “Prototype” concept of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars.
Toyota has taken on the challenge of hydrogen engine development in motorsports, initially through Rookie Racing’s participation in the Japanese Super Taikyu series with the hydrogen-engine Corolla, which used gaseous hydrogen from 2021, before using a liquid hydrogen-powered car from 2023.
The potential of hydrogen engines in rallying was showcased in 2022 when the GR Yaris H2 completed demonstration runs on Ypres Rally, a round of the FIA World Rally Championship.
In 2023, the hydrogen-engine Corolla completed a demonstration lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe, while a hydrogen engine concept car, the GR H2 Racing Concept, was presented to preview a potential future hydrogen category at Le Mans.
