Toyota unveils its GR010 Hybrid

You were impatiently waiting for it, here it is! There Toyota GR010 Hybrid – the first car to meet the regulations Le Mans Hypercar – has finally been revealed with its final dress, which makes it even more attractive.

The Japanese will be powered by a 6-litre twin-turbo V3,5 capable of delivering 680 horsepower, coupled with an electric motor capable of delivering 272. The total power being capped at 680 horsepower, it has been equipped with an electronic system sophisticated reducing the power of the thermal engine according to the electrical power transmitted to the front axle.

Compared to the TS050, the GR010 is 162 kg heavier and sees its power level lowered by 32%. It is also more imposing, namely 250 mm longer, 100 mm wider and 100 mm higher.

« The Higashi-Fuji and Cologne teams, as well as our suppliers and partners, have made considerable efforts to develop and produce this new car, despite a complicated context in the four corners of the globe, underlines Rob Leupen, team director. The Hypercar category at Le Mans opens a new era, with a different philosophy and new competitors. We look forward to taking on this challenge. Performance Balance is something we haven't experienced before in WEC, but we know from our other projects that it requires having fast drivers, perfect operations team and strategy. »

In fact, the GR010 Hybrid is largely inspired by the GR Super Sport on which Toyota is currently working and a development version of which appeared a few tens of minutes before the start of the 2020 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in September last.

« It's always fun to drive a racing car for the first time and a nice challenge to have to get used to it, chains Mike conway. I was surprised by the level reached by the car after only a few days of testing. I already feel at home there. »

Behind the wheel, we will find the same drivers as last year, namely Mike Conway, José Maria Lopez and Kamui Kobayashi on No. 7, as well as Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley et Kazuki Nakajima on No. 8. Nyck de Vries will occupy the position of reservist.