Toyota presents optimised TS050 HYBRID
Toyota Gazoo Racing has released details of an optimised Toyota TS050 HYBRID LMP1 challenger for the upcoming FIA WEC Super Season.
The evolved design has undergone rigorous testing over the winter months with endurance programmes, including tests at Portimao and Aragon completed, in an effort to ensure it meets its primary targets of winning the FIA WEC for a second time and taking a so-far-elusive Le Mans victory.
Toyota will showcase its most efficient design yet as it races to modified regulations. These dictate that, as a hybrid entry, they will have a restricted fuel flow to 80kg per hour compared to the 110kgs for non-hybrid cars.
The driver line-up for Toyota GAZOO Racing is again stellar one with Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima being joined by two-time Formula One World Champion and current McLaren driver Fernando Alonso in the No.8 car.
The No.7 entry will feature the same trio which raced for the majority of the 2017 season, Jose-Maria Lopez, Kamui Kobayashi and Mike Conway. Alexander Wurz and Anthony Davidson will also play a major part in the programme with testing contributions during the season.
Racetrack to road relevancy evidenced
Toyota has also released details of its successful cross-industry learnings from its WEC campaigns to its automotive products.
This includes the relevancy of the technology in its LMP1 Hybrid designs to the recently announced GR Super Sport Concept car. Many of the parts from the LMP1 car have been utilised on the new model including the 1000bhp hybrid electric powertrain.
One other remarkable fact which shows the constant evolution and improvements in efficient engineering is the fact that last years’ fastest ever lap of Le Mans set by Kamui Kobayashi was achieved with 35% less fuel compared to what was achieved when Toyota entered in 2012.