Toyota has unveiled a new hydrogen-powered racing prototype, the GR LH2 Racing Concept, at the Circuit de la Sarthe, just days before the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This marks a significant step in the automaker’s push to explore hydrogen combustion engine technology in motorsport.
The GR LH2 Racing Concept is based on the chassis of Toyota’s GR010 Hybrid Hypercar, which is currently raced in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Toyota’s latest prototype is part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to develop hydrogen racing technologies, expanding the potential applications of hydrogen combustion engines.
Kazuki Nakajima, vice chairman of Toyota’s WEC team and a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, stated that the company’s primary aim is to “expand the possibilities of hydrogen combustion engine technology.”
Nakajima emphasised that Toyota is not only focused on testing the combustion engine but also on learning more about the infrastructure and fueling system required to support hydrogen-powered racing.
Details regarding the hydrogen system and powertrain were not fully disclosed, though Toyota confirmed that both were developed at the company’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Centre in Japan.
The chassis itself was built at Toyota’s Gazoo Racing facility in Cologne, Germany.
While Toyota did not confirm when the hydrogen-powered prototype will officially race, Nakajima suggested that the debut is not far off.
This unveiling is part of a broader strategy to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles in motorsport.
Although plans to introduce hydrogen-powered cars to the World Endurance Championship by 2024 have been delayed, the FIA’s recent approval of new liquid hydrogen storage rules may bring these plans closer to fruition, with an anticipated target year of 2028.
As the hydrogen racing technology continues to evolve, Toyota’s GR LH2 Racing Concept could represent a key milestone in the automotive industry’s shift toward sustainable fuel alternatives.
