Toyota dresses its GR010 HYBRID #7 in historic colors for Le Mans

Toyota celebrates four decades of participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with unique liveries for its two GR010 HYBRID cars that will compete on June 14-15 in the 93rd edition of this iconic race. Each car features distinctive designs connecting different eras of the manufacturer's history at this event.

Two designs with distinct narratives

Of the two cars Toyota will field at Le Mans, only the GR010 HYBRID #7 driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries will feature a special livery: a red and white design paying homage to the TS020 (GT-One) that raced in 1998 and 1999. This model captivated fans with its exceptional aerodynamic curves and gained popularity by appearing in the first edition of the Gran Turismo video game.

The design adapts the original aesthetic with a red base color adorned by striking white flashes flowing from front to rear, creating a direct visual connection with the TS020.

In contrast, the GR010 HYBRID #8 driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa retains its characteristic matte black scheme. This livery includes a prominent GR logo embodying the team's values.

Both cars will feature a new commemorative emblem marking Toyota's 40th anniversary since its first Le Mans appearance, visually uniting the celebration.

Four decades of progress and perseverance

Toyota's Le Mans history officially began in 1985 with the 85C model, powered by an engine derived from production cars. Since then, the Japanese manufacturer has built an extensive legacy at La Sarthe, with 61 cars participating in 26 editions to date.

Their performance gradually improved until achieving their first podium in 1992. During its first decade, Toyota primarily competed with prototypes, but new regulations led the manufacturer to enter the Toyota Supra in 1995-1996.

In its next Le Mans chapter, Toyota pursued outright victory in 1998-1999 with the TS020, securing its first pole position in 1999 though falling short of the coveted win. This was followed by an absence from 2000 to 2011.

The GT-One: An enduring legacy

The Toyota GT-One (TS020) was the manufacturer's most ambitious project before its temporary hiatus. Created by André de Cortanze and built by Toyota Team Europe in Cologne, Germany, this prototype left an indelible mark on Le Mans history despite never winning.

Its technical specifications were outstanding: a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, 3.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing approximately 600-640 hp, 6-speed sequential gearbox, and weight around 900 kg. The car was designed to achieve maximum speeds on the Mulsanne Straight.

In its 1998 debut, it showed impressive speed but reliability issues kept it from victory, with a ninth-place finish as its best result. For 1999, the GT-One returned improved. Car #3 driven by Ukyo Katayama, Toshio Suzuki and Keiichi Tsuchiya finished second behind the BMW V12 LMR, losing a potential win due to a late-race puncture.

The current era and recent achievements

Toyota's 2012 return began a new chapter developing high-performance hybrid technology through the TS030 Hybrid. Persistence paid off in 2018 when the manufacturer claimed its first Le Mans victory, starting a streak of three consecutive wins with the TS050 HYBRID.

The transition to the Hypercar era brought two more victories with the GR010 HYBRID in 2021 and 2022, followed by two consecutive runner-up finishes. In 2023, Toyota surrendered victory to Ferrari, which returned to the top category after decades away.

Through these four decades, 62 drivers from 16 different nationalities have contributed to Toyota's Le Mans story, amassing five wins, 18 podiums and eight pole positions to date.

For the 2025 edition, beyond visual elements, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing also plans activities highlighting its hydrogen projects in endurance racing, demonstrating how motorsport contributes to developing technologies for a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.