Toyota Gazoo Racing just launched its all-new GR010 Hybrid Le Mans Hypercar, which will be competing in the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
The reigning World Champions and three-time Le Mans winners will defend those titles against new manufacturer competitors using a racing version of the upcoming hypercar road car, featuring powertrain technology developed in the TS050 Hybrid and highlighted via new Racing Hybrid branding.
The GR010 Hybrid is a prototype racer developed over the last 18 months in partnership by engineers at the team’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany and the electric hybrid powertrain experts at Higashi-Fuji in Japan.
The GR010 Hybrid incorporates a four-wheel drive racing hybrid powertrain, with a 3.5litre V6 twin turbo engine, providing 680PS to the rear wheels and combining with a 272PS motor generator unit, developed by Aisin and Denso, on the front axle.
Total output is capped at 680PS, meaning the GR010 Hybrid’s sophisticated electronics reduce engine power according to the amount of hybrid boost deployed.
The striking new look of the racing prototype reflects the appearance of its inspiration, the GR Super Sport hypercar which made its public debut during a demonstration run and ceremonial trophy return at the 2020 Le Mans 24 Hours and is currently in development.
To mark this new era for Toyota Gazoo Racing, a new livery includes the iconic GR lettering to indicate the strong link between race and road cars.
As part of a cost-cutting initiative incorporated in the regulations, the new GR010 Hybrid is 162kg heavier and with 32% less power than its TS050 Hybrid predecessor, with Le Mans lap times expected to be around 10 secondss slower. It also has bigger dimensions – 250mm longer, 100mm wider, and 100mm taller.
For the first time since the beginning of its WEC project, Toyota Gazoo Racing will participate without a rear motor generator unit (MGU), with the single permitted MGU located on the front axle. This means a starter motor must be fitted on the GR010 Hybrid while fully hydraulic rear brakes are also required.
Since the new technical regulations permit only a single homologated bodywork package with only one adjustable aerodynamic device, the GR010 Hybrid will therefore compete in the same specification at both low and high downforce circuits, with an adjustable rear wing modifying the aerodynamic characteristics.
For the first time, the top class of WEC and Le Mans will feature a balance of performance, meaning organisers will modify the performance of each car on a race-by-race basis, regulating energy usage and weight, targeting identical performance potential from each Le Mans Hypercar.
