TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveils liquid hydrogen-fueled "GR LH2 Racing Concept" at Le Mans
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has unveiled the GR LH2 Racing Concept, a liquid hydrogen (LH2)-fueled test car to advance the development of hydrogen technology in motorsports. It made its public debut at the Circuit de la Sarthe where it is being exhibited at the H2 Village, organized by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, during the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours (June 11–15).
As part of its efforts to make ever-better cars through motorsports as the starting point, and to realize a carbon-neutral society, Toyota has advanced its technologies in the challenging environment of motorsports, including the Super Taikyu series in Japan. It has also accelerated its efforts to expand the production, transportation and use of H2 together with partners inside and outside the industry, towards the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Toyota has taken on the challenge of H2 engine development in motorsports, initially through Rookie Racing’s participation in the Japanese Super Taikyu series with the H2-engine Corolla, which initially used gaseous H2 from 2021, before the introduction of a liquid H2-powered car from 2023. The potential of H2 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 H2-engine Corolla completed a demonstration lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe, while a H2 engine concept car, the GR H2 Racing Concept, was presented to preview a potential future H2 category at Le Mans. Since then, development of the technology intensified, reaching a new milestone with the unveiling of the LH2-powered GR LH2 Racing Concept. It is based on the GR010 HYBRID Hypercar which currently participates in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Through future track testing, the GR LH2 Racing Concept will support Toyota’s continuous development of H2 technology and infrastructure, as well as helping build relationships to expand the possibilities of H2 through the challenge of motorsports.
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