Toyota Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Race Car Concept for Le Mans 24 Hours
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing unit has introduced the GR H2 Racing Concept, which is specifically designed to participate in the hydrogen car category of the Le Mans 24 Hours race. Unlike modern electric vehicles, this car is emissions-free and does not require long charging times, making it a practical option for endurance races. Although Toyota has not disclosed any specifications, the car’s ability to spend more time racing and less time refueling is a clear advantage.
Toyota does not say if or when the race-ready GR H2 will hit the track. The machine is built for “future competition,” the brand says. Don’t be surprised if Toyota refines the concept before bringing it to Le Mans.
The company is no stranger to low-emission and zero-emission motor sports. The brand has raced a hydrogen-powered Corolla in Japan’s Super Taikyu series since 2021, and its GR010 hybrid hypercar finished in the top two on the podium at last year’s Le Mans. A purpose-built hydrogen car like the GR H2 is indeed an extension of the company’s strategy.
The announcement comes at a sensitive moment for Toyota. The brand is shifting its focus to electric cars after years of resisting the segment in favor of hybrids and hydrogen cars. Meanwhile, new CEO Koji Sato wants to be sure that hydrogen remains a “viable option.” The GR H2 may be a hint at how Toyota will solve this problem: it can continue to use hydrogen in classes where quick stops are important, such as racing and trucks, while serving the passenger car market that demands electric cars, such as the bZ4X and Lexus RZ . .
