Key things to know are the fact that the TS030 ('third Toyota Sport Prototype' - it follows on from the TS010 and TS020 projects of the 1990s) is the first hybrid LMP1, but that its exact set-up is yet to be confirmed.
The petrol part will definitely come from a 3.4-litre V8, but since regulations state that the electric motors can only drive one set of wheels, Toyota is yet to decide which axle will get an electric boost - it's looking at a rear-drive system made by Denso, or a front-driving one supplied by Aisin AW.
The carbon fibre chassis, on the other hand, has been an in-house piece of work by Cologne-based Toyota motorsport GmbH - that would be the lot that previously created and ran the Toyota F1 team.
The new car will make its debut at the second round of the new FIA World Endurance Championship - the 6-hour race at Spa on 5 May - with Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kasuki Nakajima at the wheel (though not at the same time, obviously). There will be a second car at Le Mans, but that line-up has yet to be announced.
So there you have it, the first - and so far only - hybrid Le Mans car. Though rumour has it that Audi is working on its own hybrid competitor...
From a racing point of view it means they get to pull back some of the efficiency benefit that the diesels have.
From a spectator point of view it is surely an answer to prayers? A petrol car that sounds tremendous and yet is able (potentially, in theory..) to keep apace with the diesels that many so vociferously complain about.
From a development point of view it means hybrid technology being advanced more quickly to be more effective - ie better for the road car hybrids, and the drivers.
Add to that the fact one could at a stretch say that KERS equipped F1 cars have a form of hybrid powertrain - which few would say has detracted from the racing...
Le Mans always was and always will be a champion of new technology, that is why hybrid is relevant, that is why diesel is relevant (note: diesel was not introduced to Le Mans by Audi). You may not see the point, but three (at least) major manufacturers do see the potential of using Hybrid at Le Mans now and in the future.
Just as diesel did, I wonder if hybrid (which lets not forget, is pure marketing by both Audi with diesel and Toyota with hybrid - all credit to them for that), I wonder if hybrid will significantly change the racing. I hope it does - it will be a good thing! Especially as the Audis effectively have no competition this year.
No, no, no, This is Pistonheads! Le Mans should be 30 Corvettes, 19 Aston V12s and 1 Panoz. - We don't like different, we don't like change.
In all seriousness, I am all for it. There is a tremendous variety of cars at Le Mans this year. Petrol, Deisel, Hybrid variations of both, the Delta Wing (I really dont get why people are so upset about 2 cars amongst 50 looking a bit wierd) and there will still be big V8s and screaming Ferraris (no Aston V12 though. Boooooo)
I hope Anthony Davidson gets a seat in the 2nd car. I guess he's available, seeing as Peugeot have dropped their sports car racing program now. Plus, he's a fantastic endurance racer!
In all seriousness, I am all for it. There is a tremendous variety of cars at Le Mans this year. Petrol, Deisel, Hybrid variations of both, the Delta Wing (I really dont get why people are so upset about 2 cars amongst 50 looking a bit wierd) and there will still be big V8s and screaming Ferraris (no Aston V12 though. Boooooo)
Me too!
I love the different cars at LM and personally I am rather hoping that the Delta Wing is going to stun everyone with its competitiveness - might well never happen but it is that sort of thing that brings me back time and again.
IMO LM is THE greatest race in the World.
I'm rather excited about seeing the Delta Wing on track, one of the first radically innovative designs to hit the track in far too many years, and if it can chase the Toyota(s) and Audis all the better!
Edited by exhaustfume on Wednesday 25th January 08:40
2014 is still some time down the road and lots can happen (look what happened to the baby sports), but would love to see a LMP1 with the Porsche emblem.
