Toyota shows its liquid hydrogen prototype at Le Mans

Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled the GR LH2 Racing Concept at Circuit de la Sarthe during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The prototype uses liquid hydrogen and is based on the chassis of the GR010 HYBRID currently competing in the WEC.

Development split between Japan and Germany

The hydrogen engine and hybrid system were developed at Toyota's Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The chassis was built at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe facilities in Cologne.

Kazuki Nakajima, president of TGRE, stated that the current goal is "to test the car, test not just the combustion engine but learn much about the infrastructure and fuel system."

Evolution from early Japanese experiments

Toyota began developing hydrogen engines in motorsport in 2021 with a modified Corolla from Rookie Racing in the Super Taikyu series. That first version used gaseous hydrogen.

In 2023 came the GR Corolla H2 with liquid hydrogen. The previous year, the GR Yaris H2 had completed demonstrations at the Ypres Rally, a World Rally Championship event.

Regulations approved in Macau

The FIA World Motor Sport Council this week approved safety protocols for liquid hydrogen in motorsport in Macau. The regulations establish standards for vehicle integration, storage systems and refueling procedures.

The measures include pressure-tested compartments and leak detection systems. The introduction of hydrogen at Le Mans was originally scheduled for 2024 but was delayed until 2028.

Concept specifications

The GR LH2 measures 5100mm long and 2050mm wide. It combines a hydrogen engine with a hybrid system, using liquid hydrogen as fuel.

Nakajima didn't set dates for testing: "I can't define exactly when; I can only say it's not far off."

Special liveries for 40th anniversary

Toyota celebrates four decades at Le Mans with special liveries. The GR010 HYBRID #7 driven by Conway, Kobayashi and de Vries features red and white colors inspired by the 1998 TS020.

The #8 driven by Buemi, Hartley and Hirakawa sports a matte black design with the GR logo, reflecting the team's "Hate to lose" concept.

Roadmap for 2028

Toyota conditions its hydrogen participation in Le Mans 2028 on the full availability of technical regulations. The Japanese company has developed expertise in three technologies: conventional hybrid, electric, and hydrogen.

The program seeks to expand the possibilities of hydrogen combustion technology while building the necessary infrastructure for its implementation in competition.