Toyota Motor Corporation’s Chairman, Akio Toyoda, has unveiled the “GR H2 Racing Concept,” a prototype of a hydrogen engine vehicle designed to compete in the new hydrogen car category of the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race. This marks the first time Toyota has showcased a hydrogen-powered race car, driven by the recent announcement by the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) – the organizer of the Le Mans 24 Hours – allowing hydrogen-engine vehicles to participate alongside fuel cell electric vehicles in the race’s hydrogen category.
Toyota has already been actively involved in hydrogen-powered racing, participating in the Super Taikyu Series with a hydrogen-engine Corolla since the third round of the 2021 season. The same vehicle was raced in the IDEMITSU 1500 SUPER ENDURANCE 2022 event held at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit in December 2022. Through these endeavors, Toyota has been refining its technologies in the demanding realm of motorsports. Collaborating with like-minded partners both within and outside the automotive industry, the company is accelerating its efforts in producing, transporting, and utilizing hydrogen to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Building on these achievements, Toyota aims to further advance its commitment to creating superior, motorsports-inspired vehicles while simultaneously working towards a carbon-neutral society. The company eagerly embraces the challenge of the new generation of Le Mans 24 races, reinforcing its dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.
Toyota’s introduction of the “GR H2 Racing Concept” prototype not only showcases its technological prowess but also signifies a significant step forward in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the motorsports arena. As the automotive industry continues its transition towards sustainable mobility, Toyota remains at the forefront, demonstrating its determination to contribute to a greener future through pioneering initiatives like the Le Mans’ new hydrogen car category.
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