Toyota GAZOO Racing has introduced its GR LH2 Racing Concept, a prototype vehicle powered by liquid hydrogen, at the 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The vehicle is being exhibited at the H2 Village, organized by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, as part of Toyota’s continued efforts to explore alternative propulsion technologies in motorsports.
The GR LH2 Racing Concept builds on Toyota’s recent work in hydrogen combustion engine development. This began with the use of gaseous hydrogen in the Japanese Super Taikyu Series in 2021 and later progressed to a liquid hydrogen-powered variant in 2023.
Toyota has also conducted demonstration runs with hydrogen-powered vehicles, including a GR Yaris H2 at the 2022 Ypres Rally and a hydrogen-engine Corolla at Le Mans in 2023. The new concept vehicle is based on the GR010 HYBRID Hypercar currently competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and is intended to support further testing and development of hydrogen technologies in racing environments.
Toyota has stated that its motorsport initiatives contribute to broader research and development aimed at carbon neutrality. The company is also working with partners across various industries to advance hydrogen production, transport, and usage. The GR LH2 Racing Concept is part of these ongoing efforts.
The unveiling coincides with Toyota’s 40th anniversary of participation at Le Mans. To mark the occasion, the team’s #7 and #8 GR010 HYBRID entries feature commemorative liveries. The #7 car, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and Nyck de Vries, features a design inspired by the 1998 TS020. The #8 car, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa, incorporates a matte black livery highlighting the GR brand and the team’s current design direction.