Toyota Gazoo Racing has unveiled the GR LH2 Racing Concept, a liquid hydrogen-fueled test car to be used to advance the development of hydrogen technology in motorsports.
Toyota is using motorsports, including participation in Japan’s Super Taikyu series, to develop and refine its technologies under demanding conditions. In parallel, the company is working with industry and non-industry partners to advance the production, transportation and use of hydrogen, supporting broader efforts to realize a carbon-neutral society.
Toyota has been pursuing hydrogen engine development in motorsports for four years. At first, this was via Rookie Racing’s entry in the Super Taikyu series using a hydrogen-powered Corolla; the car initially ran on gaseous hydrogen, in 2021, with a liquid hydrogen version introduced in 2023. The potential of hydrogen engines in rallying was also demonstrated in 2022, when the GR Yaris H2 completed a series of runs during the Ypres Rally, part of the FIA World Rally Championship.
In 2023, the hydrogen-engine Corolla completed a demonstration lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe, while a hydrogen engine concept car, the GR H2 Racing Concept, was presented to preview a potential future hydrogen category at Le Mans. Since then, the development of the technology has intensified, reaching a new milestone with the unveiling of the liquid hydrogen-powered GR LH2 Racing Concept.
The test vehicle is based on the GR010 Hybrid Hypercar, which currently participates in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Through future track testing, the GR LH2 Racing Concept will support Toyota’s ongoing development of hydrogen technology and infrastructure, as well as help build relationships to expand the possibilities of hydrogen through motorsports.
In related news, the world of motorsport is changing, with environmental awareness, emissions and climate protection becoming increasingly important in vehicle engineering. To address these evolving concerns, Bosch Motorsport recently unveiled the L-HSCU, a liquid hydrogen storage control unit and safety concept. Read the full story here
