In pursuit of the world's first "Victory by the Hybrid Car". F1 technologies and know-how are also featured.

In 2012, TOYOTA will make a dramatic comeback to The 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time since 1999 with its all-new racing car. The purpose-build hybrid challenger is named TS030 HYBRID in accordance with the company's racing tradition; the codename "TS" proudly stands for "TOYOTA Sport".

The TS030 HYBRID complies with the technical regulations of the LMP1, the zenith of Le Mans Sport Car classes. Featuring the carbon-fibre composite monocoque and longitudinally-mounted six-speed sequential gearbox developed in-house by the Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) in Cologne, the car has been prepared by the TOYOTA's former Formula One forefront by applying what they have learned in the single-seater days.

Installed at the back of the monocoque is an epoch-making powertrain that incorporates the new naturally-aspirated 90-degree. V8 petrol engine and the hybrid system are developed in Japan. The combination is unique and the first of its kind in the arena of the world championships. The advanced motor mechanism - TOYOTA Hybrid System - Racing (THS-R) - consists of the capacitor developed in the collaboration with Nisshinbo Holdings, front and rear electric motor systems developed by Aisin AW and Denso, respectively.

TOYOTA carried out the TS030 HYBRID shakedown in the wintery Paul Ricard High-tech Test Track near Marseille, southern France in January. Since then, the red-and-white car featuring electrifying blue piping lines that symbolize the TOYOTA's hybrid excellence had run on the testing plan until the monocoque breakage during a test in April, which forced the team to cancel the original plan of letting it baptized in the 2nd round of the World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps. It subsequently required the racing squad to re-adjust the plan. Nevertheless, the commitment, dedication and passion for the successful debut in The 24 Hours of Le Mans still remain unchanged.

Two TS030 HYBRIDs are to be sent to the 2012 Le Mans. The team will entrust Car #7 to Alex Wurz/Nicolas La pierre/Kazuki Nakajima whereas Car #8 will be driven by the trio of Anthony Davidson/Se-bastien Buemi/Ste-phane Sarrazin. All of them have the profound racing experiences in Formula One, Le Mans and other major championships, which will be positively applicable to TOYOTA's renewed Le Mans programme.