Challenging to be the
first champion of the Hypercar class

The "GR010 HYBRID" is a new racecar that is being entered by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in the 2021 FIA WEC (World Endurance Championship). With the Hypercar class being designated this season as the pinnacle class of the WEC, the GR010 HYBRID was developed according to the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) technical regulation. The result has been that, aside from sensors, switches and the like, the GR010 HYBRID is a completely new machine, sharing virtually nothing in common with the LMP1 (Le Mans Prototype) class TS050 HYBRID car in terms of its chassis parts or the hybrid system it mounts.

Due to a consideration for cost reduction, changes in a car's aerodynamic package mid-season is not allowed in the WEC's Hypercar class. As a result, a car's bodywork must accommodate all of the courses in the series and therefore be developed with that concern. According to the regulations, the car can only have one front-mounted motor. The engine is a similar V-6 to that of the TS050 HYPBRID, however with an increased displacement of 3,500 cc, up from 2,400 cc. The hybrid system consists of new highly efficient hybrid batteries with a broader operating range, as well as more efficient inverters and motors. The control systems have undergone major revisions in order to achieve maximum output under the new regulations. Furthermore, the reliability of each part has been increased in order to get greater part mileage. As a result, the number of parts necessary has been reduced, which will contribute to reduced yearly operating cost.

Since the new Hypercar class, like other WEC classes, now has a Balance of Performance (BoP) regulation, it is no longer feasible to focus so completely on increasing engine output. In the development of the GT010 HYBRID, focusing on the control systems has been a key concept.While maintaining high output within the regulation's performance range, detailed improvements have been made in the performance of the control systems in areas such as improved drivability that matches the anticipated vehicle response to the driver's actions.

Speed is also regulated in the Hypercar class out of a consideration for safety, and as a result, the lap times for a typical 5-km lap course are expected to be approx. 4-5 seconds slower compared to the LMP1 class cars, and approx. 10 seconds slower per lap at Le Mans. However, using our experience garnered from competition with the TS050 HYBRID in WEC and other races, we intend to develop the GR010 HYBRID into a "ever-better car" that will be a strong contender for the first LMH class title and a fourth straight victory at Le Mans.

GR010 HYBRID

VEHICLE SPECS