Endurance racing is not only a sporting challenge: it also inspires the carmakers involved to develop new technologies which are later applied to production models. Racing is a key element in Toyota’s history and the company has long demonstrated its innovative spirit at Le Mans, entering a hybrid model back in 2012.

In the near future, the ACO will permit hydrogen-powered models to compete alongside fuel cell electric vehicles in a dedicated class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Toyota took advantage of the 24 Hours Centenary celebrations to reveal its new prototype, ready to rise to this challenge. The Japanese firm was full of praise for the ACO for mounting this year’s event, for giving it the chance to put its models to the test during races and, quite simply, for providing so many opportunities to innovate.

Toyota is already far ahead in the use of hydrogen. It is a pioneer, having already entered a car featuring this technology in the Japanese Super Taiku Series championship. In addition, a hydrogen-powered Toyota Corolla took part in the 2022 Idemitsu 1500 Super Endurance on the Chang circuit in Thailand, building up experience over a longer distance. With its various partners from the realm of motorsport and beyond, Toyota is ramping up its efforts to produce, transport and use hydrogen with a single goal in mind: to create a net-zero world. The ACO has been committed to innovation since 1923, and provides a platform to help achieve this objective.

Needless to say, Toyota is constantly seeking to design more efficient vehicles, and is already looking forward to the next exciting challenge offered by the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The GR H2 Racing Concept will remain on display in the Hydrogen Village until Sunday 11 June.

Cast your eye over the Toyota GR H2 Racing Concept in the photo gallery below.