Toyota announced its plans to return to Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012. And they are preparing an innovative race car powered by a petrol hybrid powertrain.
This LMP1 car which apart form the big race will also be racing at the 2012 FIA World Endurance Championship, will be rolled out early in 2012 for extensive pre-season testing. Both chassis and engine are engineered and built by Toyota in Japan.
Toyota has been absent at Le Mans 24 hours since the 90s, and the days of the GT-One race car. Could they challenge Audi’s domination upon their return with this cool-looking hybrid race car.
Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota Motor Corporation Senior Managing Officer and Toyota Motorsport Chairman, said: “Toyota has entered Le Mans before, but by using our hybrid technology this time will be a completely new challenge. We want to write a new chapter in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as in the FIA World Endurance Championship, through our use of hybrid technology.
“In addition, we aim to learn from the experience of competing in such a challenging motorsport environment to enhance our production car technology. Le Mans is a legendary race and I would like to thank the ACO and the FIA for their constructive and positive co-operation over the last few months.
