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.”
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