Toyota TS050 Hybrid LMP1 Racer
Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled today their
all-new 2016 WEC contender, the TS050 Hybrid LMP1 racer. This is the third new
car since the largest Japanese automaker joined the World Endurance
Championship in 2012 and features a significant change in its powertrain.
Following the reveals of Audi’s and
Porsche’s new LMP1 contenders, Toyota announced today they will compete in the
big 8 Megajoules class, joining Porsche who, so far, was the sole entry. The
TS050 uses a 2.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, front and rear generators
and a high-powered lithium-ion battery pack to store the increased recovered energy.
“We believe a V6, direct injection, twin
turbo engine achieves the best balance of power and efficiency considering the
current regulations”, said Hisatake Murata, General Manager Motor Sport Unit
Development Division. “Combined with our move into the 8MJ class, this will
give us significantly improved torque compared to the previous powertrain; this
was a key target for the new car.”
“Our clear target this year is to
compete again at the front, after a very disappointing 2015 season,” added
Toshio Sato, Team President. “In Higashi-Fuji and Cologne, there has been a
huge effort to prepare for this season; everyone is highly motivated and
pushing together to get back onto the center of the podium.”
