TOYOTA

GR010 HYBRID: The revamped GR010 HYBRID hypercar for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2023 World Endurance Championship

Toyota Gazoo Racing has unveiled a revamped GR010 HYBRID hypercar for the 2023 season, when it will defend its number one status against new rivals, at the start of a new era for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship ( WEC) - from FIA 2023.

The team's incredible run of success, which to date spans five consecutive Le Mans victories and four consecutive WEC title doubles, will be tested against more competitors than ever before in the hypercar category, in a 2023 season that will feature seven races, including the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Cadillac, Ferrari, Porsche and Vanwall join existing hypercar competition from Peugeot and Glickenhaus to form a 13-vehicle WEC grid, with likely even more to come at Le Mans, where it's expected to be a fierce fight for the title. maximum distinction of endurance competition.

The GR010 HYBRID was the first hypercar to appear in January 2021, and has undergone a program of slight modifications in key areas, as it has already done in 2022, to optimize reliability and efficiency.

Adjustments have been made to its high-performance Racing Hybrid powertrain, which features a 520 kW (707 hp) 3.5-litre combustion engine and a 272 hp (200 kW) electric motor, to reduce weight and improve reliability, leveraging the unique knowledge accumulated from more than a decade of experience with hybrid engines at Le Mans.

The most visible changes for the 2023 version of the GR010 HYBRID focus on the bodywork. New aerodynamic elements were installed at the front ends and a smaller plate at the rear fender end, to improve handling and aerodynamic constancy.

Body modifications were also introduced with the aim of improving brake cooling and being able to quickly change cooling options during a race, thanks to new ventilation screens at the front and rear. On the other hand, the arrangement of the front headlights has been modified to optimize visibility at night.

Underneath the bodywork, the GR010 HYBRID underwent a weight reduction program in order not to exceed the global minimum of 1,040 kg allowed by the regulations. This offset concessions made during the vehicle design phase, in 2020, which were a consequence of the evolution of the hypercar standard.

The GR010 HYBRID will again use 100% renewable biofuel, developed from agricultural material, which reduces CO2 emissions by at least 65% and means a contribution to increasing the sustainability of endurance competition.

In addition to these aspects, pre-heating of tires before use is no longer allowed, which reduces energy consumption and emissions. In this regard, Michelin has introduced a new range of tire compounds designed to reach maximum operating temperature quickly without losing durability or performance.

Once again, the GR010 HYBRID benefits from the technical expertise accumulated over the years by Toyota Gazoo Racing's partners, who continue to make a notable contribution to its success. DENSO supplies radiators and spark plugs, as well as contributing to the front electric motor together with AISIN. RAYS handles the magnesium alloy wheels, Akebono supplies the monobloc alloy brake calipers, and Mobil 1 supplies the lubricant.

Toyota Gazoo Racing can be proud to be the only team on the 2023 grid whose drivers have all been Le Mans winners and WEC champions. Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María 'Pechito' López will join forces for the sixth consecutive season in the #7 car, while last year's Le Mans and world title winners Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa will share the wheel of GR010 HYBRID No. 8.

The test and reserve driver will be Kazuki Nakajima, who retired from competition at the end of 2021 and ended a trajectory that included three Le Mans victories and a World Championship, as well as two Super Formula titles. He will combine these roles with his role as Vice President of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe.

The season kicks off on March 11-12, with an official Prologue race, followed by the Sebring 1,000 Miles on March 17, before traveling to Portimão (April 16) and Spa-Francorchamps (April 29). The highlight of the season, the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be celebrated on 10-11 June, before the final three races at Monza (9 July), Fuji Speedway (10 September) and Bahrain (4 from November).

Autonews