Toyota's new Le Mans car - official pics and spec

[Red Firecracker]

robmlufc said:

Skater12 said:

Toyota, out of the blue ( no pun intended )a day or so later say they will be returning to endurance racing, with a hybrid.

Toyota confirmed it about the middle of last year.

Indeed. Totally different hybrid system as well.

[Red Firecracker]

Video of it leaving the pits under electric and then petrol power;

http://youtu.be/eRECqhIZwIA

[exhaustfume]

Same in onboard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHyqTUeE4Us

[scubadude]

Looked like Wurz wasn't holding back much :-)

The EV launch down the pitlane with the IC engine only starting after 100yards was great- like a Tie-Fighter!

[SystemParanoia]

can it do a lap at race speed under EV power ?

otherwise i cant see the fuel saving advantage of being able to travel the length of the pit lane under electric power ?

[robmlufc]

SystemParanoia said:

can it do a lap at race speed under EV power ?

otherwise i cant see the fuel saving advantage of being able to travel the length of the pit lane under electric power ?

The capacitors wont hold enough charge for a full lap at racing speed, its used to compliment the engine. More torque/power with no effect on MPG, I think.

[Baron Von Alders]

robmlufc said:

SystemParanoia said:

can it do a lap at race speed under EV power ?

otherwise i cant see the fuel saving advantage of being able to travel the length of the pit lane under electric power ?

The capacitors wont hold enough charge for a full lap at racing speed, its used to compliment the engine. More torque/power with no effect on MPG, I think.

What about behind any safety car at a reduced pace?

Might give them a nice advantage in reducing pit-stops?

[SystemParanoia]

thats a good point.. also it would allow them to run till the tank is dry, without having to bother managing fuel at all as they will always be able to get back to pits

[Nick1point9]

Baron Von Alders said:

robmlufc said:

SystemParanoia said:

can it do a lap at race speed under EV power ?

otherwise i cant see the fuel saving advantage of being able to travel the length of the pit lane under electric power ?

The capacitors wont hold enough charge for a full lap at racing speed, its used to compliment the engine. More torque/power with no effect on MPG, I think.

What about behind any safety car at a reduced pace?

Might give them a nice advantage in reducing pit-stops?

Depending on round trip efficiencies they save up to 10 laps of fuel around the 24 hours.

The 'pit lane test' isn't really about usefulness during the race - its about proving that the hybrid system has sufficient power and energy capabilities to be worthwhile.

[SystemParanoia]

toyota are really going all out this year with their motorsport involvement

this can only be a very good thing!

GT300 Prius